Feminist Catholics respond to Synod

The leaders of Women Church Convergence, a coalition of feminist Catholic groups, issued a strong response this week to the Synod, saying that the meetings lacked credibility because of its exclusion of women. "The egregious omission of women and families in forming Church policy has a devastating impact on Catholics and others worldwide. Instead of an obsession with doctrine, families need the Church to dismantle systems of oppression, work to end violence against women and children, stand firmly against war and the destruction of our planet, recognize women's moral agency, and honor decisions about family life made with informed consciences and prayerful discernment,” said the statement, which was written at a gathering of the leaders of feminist Catholic groups from around the country.

Jamie Manson noted this lack of credibility in her column last week. After a Bishop claimed that African women don't want reproductive healthcare or condoms, Jamie commented, "as compelling as the archbishop's statement was, I would be more likely to believe this sentiment if I heard it directly from African women, victims of HIV/AIDS, or starving families. In the United States, we have learned time and again that the words of bishops do not always reflect the beliefs of the laity. I cannot help but wonder if the same phenomenon doesn't exist in sub-Saharan Africa." The lack of women present in the decision making rooms of the Vatican is a serious problem; the lack of their commentary in mainstream media coverage of the Synod was also glaring. Women are an integral part of this worldwide Church, their voices and gifts must be celebrated and we're glad to see them speaking up!