Editorial & Commentary

WOMEN AND MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH

Editorial

Pope Benedict's XVI's response to questions from 15 priests of the Diocese of Rome last month didn't receive much attention. That's too bad. Because the bishops in North America badly need to discuss what he said.

     During the Pope's two-hour session with the priests, Fr. Marco Valentini asked the Pope why the Church doesn't recognize that women's experience, wisdom, and points of view would complement those of the men in decision-making positions. Not surprisingly, Benedict XVI asserted that priestly ministry is reserved for men, but he responded to the question saying "it is right to ask" if it would not be possible "to offer more space, more positions of responsibility to women."

     Will the Pope's response lift some of the fear that is suffocating the Church when it comes to speaking about women and ministry? Hopefully it's a first step. Because it's critical the hierarchy face up to the need for women to assume greater roles in ministry and Church governance.

     But lifting the fear isn't going to be easy. Especially when you consider recent developments. One example: In her book Good Catholic Girls Angela Bonavoglia writes that: "Some dioceses have begun to replace women pastors with male deacons." She adds that two years ago in Lexington, Kentucky, Bishop Ronald Gainer fired five people, "including four of the diocese's senior women leaders --the directors of pastoral services, parish leadership, lay ministry formation, and educational ministries, as well as the chief financial officer."

     Bonavoglia says these women were regarded as "strong advocates for greater lay involvement in Church leadership" and founded a program called the New Faces of Ministry.

      These developments shed a negative light on the Church hierarchy. But some trust could be restored if the Bishops took concrete steps to launch a serious conversation with lay Catholics about what the Pope told the priests in Rome. This conversation is critical, and must take place in an environment that isn't poisoned with mistrust and dishonest labelling. As David Gibson writes in his book The Coming Catholic Church: "Christianity is communication and community, and Catholic Christianity today must use those tools to reconnect the estates of the Church --lay, clerical, hierarchical-- which are drifting perilously apart."

     As the Bishops consider the Pope's word, it would be helpful for them to reflect on a recent 26-page letter written by the Canadian Religious Conference entitled "Message to Our Bishops." The document contains numerous recommendations based on a survey of religious congregations in Canada. One of these recommendations is clear: "That a significant dialogue among the hierarchy, religious and the laity may be better developed."

     The Canadian Religious Conference chose its words carefully. But the message is clear: It's time for change.

     Although it's incumbent on Bishops to ensure this dialogue takes place, one of the most serious obstacles to a substantive dialogue is sometimes laypeople themselves.

     Many lay Catholics are reluctant to criticize the hierarchy (or even engage in adult conversations with them). The reasons are complex. But it's become painfully obvious that Bishops can no longer be allowed to lapse into denial about the Church. And laypeople are in a position to remind their Bishops about certain realities. There is a critical shortage of priests in North America and more parishes will be closed down if laypeople (particularly women) aren't accepted into authentically shared ministry.

      Benedict's XVI's response to the priests in Rome isn't exactly dramatic. But it appears he's recognized an unhealthy backlash toward laywomen ministers in the Church. His tone has changed --and North American Bishops must take notice.