Nun says Church will only survive with total equality including ordination of women

Religious woman: Gender justice a question of survival for the Church

German theologian and author Sister Philippa Rath in the South Tyrolean "Katholisches Sonntagsblatt": The women's question will help decide whether the Church remains open and sustainable "or develops into a sectarian counter-world to democratic modernity".

Gender justice is a question of survival for the Catholic Church, according to the conviction of the well-known German religious and book author Sister Philippa Rath. "Vocation is not a question of gender. Our Church only has a future if women have an equal share in all offices and ministries," said the Benedictine nun, who is also active in the "Synodal Path" reform process, in an interview with the South Tyrolean "Katholisches Sonntagsblatt" (26 April). According to Rath, the women's question helps to decide whether the Church remains open, open to discussion and fit for the future "or develops into a sectarian counter-world to democratic modernity".

She herself has been supporting many women who work in the church on a full-time and voluntary basis for years. "Many of them feel within themselves a vocation to be a deaconess or priestess, but cannot live it." This is "a great suffering that also pains me and motivates me" to stand up for the opening of church offices, Rath explained. The Benedictine nun of the Abbey of St. Hildegard in Rüdesheim explained that she had never perceived her own vocation as a priest; she had always wanted to become a religious.

The theologian and political scientist first explained why ordained women are needed by referring to justice: "It is about the alternative between discrimination and equality" and about the "validity of human and fundamental rights in the internal space of the church". Rath also wants to know what is already written in the New Testament's Letter to the Galatians: "You are no longer Jews and Greeks, slaves and free, men and women, but you are all one in Christ" (Gal 3:28). The Church is harming itself if "countless charisms and gifts" are not used for the building of the Kingdom of God.

There will be "decisive change"

She expressed confidence that in the coming years "decisive changes will take place in our Church". Within the framework of the worldwide synodal process initiated by Pope Francis, the question of women is being raised many times and a reform is being demanded in this regard. "In many parts of the world, many people - men and women - see it similarly."

The author of the widely read books "Weil Gott es so will - Frauen erzählen von ihrer Berufung zur Diakonin und Priesterin" and "Frauen ins Amt - Männer der Kirche solidarisieren sich" also recalled in the interview her involvement as a delegate in the Synodal Palk in Germany, which ended in March: "For me, these three years of joint synodal walking and wrestling with issues were an extremely valuable experience." The togetherness of bishops, clergy, religious and laity, of men and women, young and old has been "inspiring and enriching", said Rath. "We have achieved a lot, despite some painful compromises, to address the systemic causes of abuse and to do justice to the many victims."

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Sister will be the Guest Speaker at Happy Day.   The Church no longer celebrates the Feasts of Saints, she has Happy Days.  The Church has become a social club to celebrate the values of the world.

Happy Day

17.04.2023

Invitation to Happy Day

Sr Philippa Rath, OSB, will speak on the theme "Loving life because God wants it so". Music and poetry slam give the event a special setting. The celebration of the women's liturgy and the subsequent agape allow us to experience community and togetherness. A unique day for unique women!

All Catholic Association women and interested persons are invited.

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