Austrian Catholic women still want to attempt the impossible even after Vatican report

Catholic Women's Movement sees open discourse on the ordination of women

Publication of the final report of the Vatican study commission welcomed as a "turning point" and "end of a taboo" - Chairwoman Ritter-Grepl: Discussion has only just begun, next steps now with the Pope.

The Catholic Women's Movement (kfbö) has reacted positively to the recent publication of the Final Report of the Study Commission on the Diaconate of Women. Contrary to the simplistic portrayal in some media outlets of the report as a rejection of women's ordination, the Catholic Women's Movement of Austria (kfbö) sees "a significantly more complex and much more open picture" in the report, which could even represent a "turning point in church policy": "For the first time, all theological, historical, and pastoral arguments have been presented transparently, and for the first time, it is clearly documented that a final judgment is not yet possible," the organization stated in a press release on Friday. All the cards are now on the table, "the discussion is not over, it has only just begun," said kfbö Chairwoman Angelika Ritter-Grepl.

The report, published by the Vatican on Thursday, makes it clear that the crucial questions are no longer being negotiated behind closed doors. The central dogmatic argument—to exclude women from ordination because Jesus was a man—failed to gain a majority in the commission, resulting in a 5-5 tie. Ritter-Grepl saw this as a clear signal: "This argument no longer holds water. At the latest since the final document of the World Synod manages without any recourse to gender stereotypes, it is obvious: The Church is moving forward theologically."

Of particular importance to the Catholic Women's Movement of Austria (kfbö) is that the contributions submitted from around the world were also incorporated into the deliberations, with the kfb being among the 22 participating groups. This makes it clear for the first time that the lived pastoral experiences of women, as well as their theological and sociological arguments, are being taken seriously, said Ritter-Grepl. "We welcome the fact that the voice of women in Austria is documented. The Church listens and records what it hears," the chairwoman emphasized.

Against a "special office" for women

The kfbö also clearly rejected the notion that this could be about a "special office" or a gender-segregated path. “We don’t want a women’s diaconate alongside a men’s diaconate. It’s about equal sacramental participation from baptism and equal responsibility. The Church must not fall back into old divisions,” said Ritter-Grepl. The publication of the report, she added, shows how far the Church debate has already progressed and how important it is that the next steps are not based on a logic of separate paths.

The Catholic Women’s Movement of Austria (kfbö) noted critically that the commission itself was not formed in a synodal manner. However, Ritter-Grepl saw the fact that 22 groups worldwide submitted contributions as a mandate: “Synodality is not just about receiving contributions. Synodality means deciding together, with women on equal footing. For the future, we need structurally embedded participation, not ad hoc consultations.”

No final rejection

The commission stated that the question of women’s ordination remains open and requires further theological and pastoral clarification. From the perspective of the Catholic Women's Movement of Austria (kfbö), this is noteworthy "because it does not constitute a definitive 'no'." The door to the ordination of women thus remains open, and the question has also been explicitly described as part of an ongoing process. The Catholic Women's Movement will "actively participate in shaping this process," says Ritter-Grepl. After documenting the arguments and experiences, they will continue to contribute clearly and constructively "what women have been living for decades: diaconal practice, theological competence, and a spiritual vocation."

In conclusion, the kfbö appealed to Pope Leo XIV to make the present decision in the spirit of true synodality. "It is about deciding together with women, not about them," said Ritter-Grepl.

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