Stealth priestesses would use permanent diaconate as a tool to coerce the Church
Austrian Catholic Women's Movement advocates for structural equality in the Church - recent press release
The Austrian Catholic Women's Movement (kfbö) continues to strongly advocate for equality between women and men in the Catholic Church. In a submission to the Synod Office, the kfbö particularly emphasizes the admission of women to the permanent diaconate.
New Mindset: Gender reciprocity instead of complementarity
The kfbö advocates for an open and just church in which women and men can act and assume responsibility on an equal basis. Jutta Allmendinger, a social researcher and member of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, emphasizes in the kfb's accompanying letter to the Synod Office: "A church that insists on rigid gender roles not only loses social relevance but also undermines its own credibility."
"By using the term 'reciprocity' instead of 'complementarity,' the Synod has taken an important step toward redefining the relationship between the sexes: It is about mutual coexistence and not a predetermined, hierarchical order between women and men. The Catholic Church will recognize that with its current practice of exclusively ordination of men, it not only discriminates against women but also endangers its own credibility and future viability," emphasizes Angelika Ritter-Grepl, Chair of the kfbö (Catholic Church in Germany).
Sacramental ordination of women to the Permanent Diaconate as a necessary step
In its submission, the kfbö emphasizes that numerous women perform diaconal services in the Church, but without the sacramental strengthening and recognition that ordained permanent deacons enjoy. "The people in our parishes experience that women are engaged in diaconal work. It is high time that they are also sacramentally empowered to do so," explains Ritter-Grepl. "The ordination of women to the permanent diaconate would be a clear sign from the Church that it is serious about gender equality."
Patriarchal structures hinder the Church's credibility
The Catholic Women's Movement (Kfbö) makes it clear that the existing gender hierarchy in the Church has far-reaching consequences. Women are often forced into traditional role models that limit their professional and spiritual opportunities. "Women are not naturally more caring or devoted than men—they are made that way," emphasizes Ritter-Grepl. "This stereotypical assignment of gender roles ultimately harms not only women, but also men and the entire Church."
Conclusion: The Church as a model for equality
The Catholic Women's Movement is convinced that those responsible in the Church must actively and seriously continue the debate on the admission of women to ordained ministries. "What comes from the Holy Spirit cannot be stopped," the Synod's final document states. "The ordination of women to the permanent diaconate is a necessary step to do justice to the baptismal dignity of all people," explains Ritter-Grepl. "The Catholic Church must be a role model, not a refuge for patriarchal structures."
Cathcon: Why bother with a Church you think had been degrading women for 2000 years??? Their Church belongs to them not Christ.
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