NCR's Michael Sean Winters inferred that the Women's Ordination Conference might impose an American "activist" agenda onto the synodal process. I ask simply that we are granted the respect of encounter before we are dismissed.
The U.S. bishops' gathering in Baltimore is set to host at least two unusually visible demonstrations that showcase the broad spectrum of U.S. Catholic thought. On Day One, liberal-leaning Catholic groups protested outside the hotel where the bishops met in a closed, executive session.
Just months after the Vatican forbid priests from blessing same-sex unions, Catholic leaders and organizations kicked off Pride month with a blessings service for LGBTQ Catholics.
A Vatican women's magazine has gently criticized the pope's recent remarks on naming women to positions of authority in the church, saying he touched a "sore point" by again warning against the so-called clericalization of women.
NCR Connections: Through five years of reporting, NCR makes the case that something unusual has developed in the church in the U.S., influencing the conversation on Catholic social teaching and economics.
We say: Sidelined for too long, women aren't going away. Perhaps the utter scandal to which an all-male clerical culture has subjected the church will finally force a change.
Ireland's Mary McAleese describes Francis as "a disappointment in relation to women," while Voices of Faith puts forth proposals to reform the Curia's hiring practices.
Nearly 100 women, men and children gathered Jan. 21 in New York's Union Square for a prayer service, a march to a nearby parish and a Mass to celebrate "the power of feminist activism and sacrament."