Women: Is half a loaf better than none?Some Catholic women in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. may be wondering if the hierarchy is playing "good bishop, bad bishop" with them. First, in September the U.S. bishops approved the statement From Words to Deeds: Continuing Reflection on the Role of Women in the Church. Addressed to all church leaders, it called on them to accept and act upon church teaching regarding the equality of women and men, to appreciate and incorporate the gifts of women in the church, to appoint women to church leadership positions, and to promote collaboration between women and men. "We assume that all roles in the church are open to women," wrote the bishops, "unless otherwise stated by canon law canon law, in the Roman Catholic Church, the body of law based on the legislation of the councils (both ecumenical and local) and the popes, as well as the bishops (for diocesan matters). ." Ah, there's the rub. At the same meeting, the bishops approved Ten Frequently Asked Questions about the Reservation of Priestly priest·ly adj. priest·li·er, priest·li·est 1. Of or relating to a priest or the priesthood. 2. Characteristic of or suitable for a priest. Ordination to Men: A Pastoral Response, which discusses whether ordaining only men is arbitrary and unjust, among other matters. (Both documents appeared in the October 29 issue of Origins, 1-800-235-8722.) Following a May charge by Pope John Paul II Pope John Paul II (Latin: Ioannes Paulus PP. II, Italian: Giovanni Paolo II, Polish: Jan Paweł II) born Karol Józef Wojtyła to a group of visiting U.S. bishops "to explain to the faithful why the church does not have the authority to ordain ORDAIN. To ordain is to make an ordinance, to enact a law. 2. In the constitution of the United States, the preamble. declares that the people "do ordain and establish this constitution for the United States of America. women," the current document affirms "the equal dignity of women and men.... Ordination to the ministerial priesthood, however, is a distinct gift.... In accepting and handing on this gift, the church is bound by fidelity to the example of Christ to reserve ordination to males who have experienced this call." Meanwhile, over 3,000 people met for the eighth annual Call To Action conference in Milwaukee last fall. Anchored by biblical scholar and theologian the·o·lo·gi·an n. One who is learned in theology. theologian Noun a person versed in the study of theology Noun 1. Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza's plenary plenary adj. full, complete, covering all matters, usually referring to an order, hearing or trial. PLENARY. Full, complete. 2. address, the principal conference action--"Standing Up for Women's Equality in the Catholic Church"--echoed the bishops' statement to the extent that the action called for immediate expanded leadership roles for women in the church, but it also advocated the opening of ordination to all who experience a priestly call. (Call To Action: 4419 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, IL 60626, call-to-action.org) |
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