Catholic Church Needs to End its Sexism

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/letters/catholic-church-needs-to-end-its-sexism-16244045.html

Roy Bourgeois:They finally got him

Comment:  Yes-Roy has been dismissed-but in light of these acts against Catholic people, could this hierarchical administration be considered "Catholic".  I do not think so.  I think the Vatican hierarchy is schismatic, acting against the church and the people of God.  I think they have placed a Catholic rendition of "holy Jihad-a war against those made enemies.  In our case, Women who are ordained become criminals; and priests, bishops and the pope  himself, who harbored criminals that murdered the souls of our children and those who care for them are "saved and honored". 

Surely "Catholics" understand basic morality.....and that the Vatican's behavior does not represent basic Catholic beliefs.

Diane Dougherty, ARCWP

Roy Bourgeois: They finally got him

Tom Roberts | Nov. 20, 2012

http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/roy-bourgeois-they-finally-got-him

 

Ah, they finally got him, as we all knew they probably would. Eventually. And with a press release it was done: Fr. Roy Bourgeois, a Maryknoll priest for 45 years, was told that the Vatican "dispenses" him "from his sacred bonds."

And the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, caught in the culture that finds advocating for women's ordination such a grievous and unpardonable offense, "warmly thanks" Roy "for his service to mission and all members wish him well in his personal life."
And so it goes, as Vonnegut would say. So it goes.

Bourgeois' case is a prime illustration of what, today, the institution can and can't tolerate. Bourgeois' major offense, the sin that is unforgiveable in the eyes of the church, for which penalty is removal from the order which he has served for nearly half a century and dismissal from the community, was advocating for women's ordination.

It's a clear case: the priest attended a woman's ordination ceremony and, as the release noted, his "disobedience and preaching against the teaching of the Catholic Church about women's ordination led to his excommunication, dismissal and laicization."

The three biggies, all at once, all wrapped up in less than four years' time.

-----------------

The point has by now been made by countless readers and others who see the gaping discrepancy in what church leaders finds tolerable and intolerable. But it is worth stating once more, in public and for the record.

-----------------
.
He then goes on to discuss 'The Cardinals Who Nearly Destroyed the Church'.

The point to be made, now that Bourgeois is out, is an obvious one. There are cardinals who have had as much to do as any individual might with the near destruction of once grand Catholic communities in places like Boston and Philadelphia, who have been permitted to remain priests and go quietly into retirement.

Not a word has been said by Rome or by his successors about Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua who had a large space in Philadelphia's chancery office that was filled with files recounting sexual abuse of children.

Bevilacqua oversaw priests who were involved in nothing short of sexual torture of youngsters. And he hid their deeds until the statutes of limitation kicked in and the priests could no longer be prosecuted. They would retire, and he would escape the law and any Vatican sanction until he could retire.

His successor, Cardinal Justin Rigali, ignored the charter that the bishops themselves had been forced to construct in the course of the scandal. He violated the church's rules and likely violated civil law by not reporting alleged abusers. And off he quietly went, as a middle manager in the chancery office headed to jail.

Cardinal Bernard Law, everyone knows, had to leave Boston because of the enormous public pressure and the outrage of his priests, but he took a cushy job in Rome and retained his seats on at least six powerful Vatican congregations, including the Congregation for Bishops, until he was allowed to quietly retire.

In Kansas City, Mo., Bishop Robert Finn, convicted in September of one count of failing to notify police that one of his priests had taken hundreds of lewd photographs of children, is still a bishop.

Finn recently attended a national meeting of bishops, and not one of them publicly raised the issue. The body of bishops, which has repeatedly apologized for unspecified "mistakes" in the handling of the abuse crisis and repeatedly promised transparency and accountability, couldn't bring itself to mention the glaring contradiction and hypocrisy in its midst.

Not a word from the Vatican. Not a word from Cardinal Timothy Dolan, president of the conference. All were silent. And not a word from Finn about the damage and expense he has already cost the diocese.

What's glaringly clear is what's tolerable and what's not tolerable to the all-male, celibate culture of hierarchy.

Roy Bourgeois wanted to talk about the rights of women in the church. That's the ecclesial crime that will get you kicked out.

http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/roy-bourgeois-they-finally-got-him

Take Action for Roy Bourgeois

http://bridgetmarys.blogspot.com/2012/11/take-action-to-support-roy-bourgeois-now.html

Take Action to Support Roy Bourgeois, Man of Conscience, Priest of the
People, Prophet for Justice in the Catholic Church"The Vatican Cannot
Dismiss the Issue of Gender Justice in the Catholic Church"

Yesterday we received the sad news that Maryknoll has chosen to dismiss
the voice of one of their own who has spent over 40 years of ministry
following his conscience and standing up for the oppressed.

Fr. Roy refused to be silenced when his conscience dictated that he
speak out, you can support him by sharing his story and continuing to
have conversations about the unjust power structures in the church.

1. Share the story. Fr. Roy Bourgeois has written a booklet about
his own faith journey and discernment of conscience. He encourages you
to use his story as a conversation starter with your own friends,
family and community.

Download a copy of his story My Journey from Silence to Solidarity and

use the book as a tool to break the silence on women's ordination

Order copies from me (All donatons go to Roy)

You can also send copies of the book to your
friends, priest, local news editor and others in your community.

Diane Dougherty add57@numail.org

2. Support Fr. Roy.

Send letters of support to Fr. Roy

P.O. Box 15057

Washington, DC 20003

or

2135 W Roscoe
Suite 1N Chicago, IL 60618

3. Pledge to continue the conversation. This holiday season,
pledge to share Roy’s story with family and friends and to talk with
them about the roles of women in our church community.

4. “The Vatican and Maryknoll can dismiss me, but they cannot
dismiss the issue of gender equality in the Catholic Church. The demand
for gender equality is rooted in justice and dignity and will not go
away.” ~ Fr. Roy Bourgeois

Our prayers are with Roy Bourgeois, man of conscience, priest of the
people, prophet for justice in the Catholic Church. In his response to
the Vatican Dismissal, Roy wrote:

" As Catholics, we profess that God
created men and women of equal worth and dignity. As priests, we
profess that the call to the priesthood comes from God, only God. Who
are we, as men, to say that our call from God is authentic, but God's
call to women is not? The exclusion of women from the priesthood is a
grave injustice against women, our Church and our loving God who calls
both men and women to be priests. When there is an injustice, silence is
the voice of complicity. My conscience compelled me to break my silence
and address the sin of sexism in my Church. My only regret is that it
took me so long to confront the issue of male power and domination in
the Catholic Church."

http://bridgetmarys.blogspot.com/2012/11/vaatican-dismisses-fr-roy-bourgeois.htmlSee
More
Let us support Roy Bourgeois, a courageous prophet, with our prayers
and by breaking the silence about women's ordination in solidarity with
over 150 women priests who are living justice in inclusive communities
now in the United States, Canada, South America and Europe.
Janice Sevre-Duszynska, ARCWP, 859-684-4247, rhythmsofthdance@gmail.com
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP, 703-505-0004, 703-671-6712 sofiabmm@aol.com
www.arcwp.org

Bridget Mary Meehan
sofiabmm@aol.com

Statement from Roy Bourgeois by way of WOC

For Immediate Release

"The Vatican and Maryknoll can dismiss me, but they cannot dismiss the issue of gender equality in the Catholic Church."

November 20, 2012

Contact: Erin Saiz Hanna

(202) 675-1006

Dismissal of Fr. Roy Bourgeois from Maryknoll Religious Order

Statement from Executive Director, Erin Saiz Hanna

The Women's Ordination Conference (WOC) is heartbroken to report that the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has canonically removed Roy Bourgeois from his community the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers because of his support for women's ordination.

Fr. Bourgeois' dedication to social justice, his unwavering conscience, and his personal friendships with women called to priesthood compelled him to bravely speak out against the inequality of women in our Church. As a Maryknoll priest for forty years, he has consistently followed the gospel of Jesus by speaking out against injustice, risking everything for what he knows to be right.

Perhaps no longer a priest in the eyes of the Vatican or Maryknoll community, Fr. Roy will remain a prophet in the eyes of the marginalized. Fr. Roy joins a much larger Church - the Church of the people of God - who understand that men and women are equal in the eyes of God. History is on our side, and someday, as they are canonizing him, the Vatican will apologize for this painful mistake.

I spoke with Fr. Bourgeois this morning. While he is devastated to lose his community, and saddened by the harshness of this final step, he remains steadfast in his faith and conscience. He has asked for solitude and prayers during this time of transition.

Supporters are encouraged to mail letters of support to the WOC office (P.O. Box 15057 Washington, DC 20003). In addition, Fr. Bourgeois, the dedicated activist, recommends supporters order or download a copy of his story My Journey from Silence to Solidarity and use the book as a tool to break the silence on women's ordination. Please watch for further actions to support Fr. Roy.

The following is a statement from Fr. Bourgeois. Any additional inquiries may be directed to me at (202) 675-1006.

November 20, 2012

STATEMENT ABOUT MY DISMISSAL FROM MARYKNOLL

I have been a Catholic priest in the Maryknoll community for 40 years. As a young man I joined Maryknoll because of its work for justice and equality in the world. To be expelled from Maryknoll and the priesthood for believing that women are also called to be priests is very difficult and painful.

The Vatican and Maryknoll can dismiss me, but they cannot dismiss the issue of gender equality in the Catholic Church. The demand for gender equality is rooted in justice and dignity and will not go away.

As Catholics, we profess that God created men and women of equal worth and dignity. As priests, we profess that the call to the priesthood comes from God, only God. Who are we, as men, to say that our call from God is authentic, but God's call to women is not? The exclusion of women from the priesthood is a grave injustice against women, our Church and our loving God who calls both men and women to be priests.

When there is an injustice, silence is the voice of complicity. My conscience compelled me to break my silence and address the sin of sexism in my Church. My only regret is that it took me so long to confront the issue of male power and domination in the Catholic Church.

I have explained my position on the ordination of women, and how I came to it, in my booklet, My Journey from Silence to Solidarity. Please go to: www.roybourgeoisjourney.org.

In Solidarity,

Bishop Bridget Mary's response to the hierarchy

Monday, November 19, 2012

Vatican Dismisses Fr. Roy Bourgeois from Maryknoll/ Roman Catholic Women Priests are a Spiritual Revolution that is shaking up the Vatican! Thank God!

http://ncronline.org/news/people/maryknoll-vatican-has-dismissed-roy-bourgeois-order

Erin Hanna, Donna Rougeux, Ree Hudson, Fr. Roy Bourgeois, Janice Sevre-Duszynska
(UPI photo)

The Vatican's surprise dismissal of Fr. Roy Bourgeois is a power play meant to intimidate supportive priests of the international Roman Catholic Women Priests' Movement. It will not work. Nothing will stop Roman Catholic Women Priests who are part of the spiritual revolution that is shaking up the Vatican.

On the contrary, Vatican opposition to the international Roman Catholic Women Priests Movement is the gift that keeps on giving. Hundreds of priests in Europe are on record as supporters of women's ordination. One recent example is Jesuit Bill Brennan , who co-presided with Janice Sevre-Duszynska, a Roman Catholic Women Priest at a Progressive Catholic liturgy on Nov. 17, 2012. More and more Catholics welcome women priests' led liturgies in inclusive communities where all are welcome at the table.

Fr. Roy may no longer be a Maryknoll priest according to the Vatican, but he will always be a prophetic priest of the people. Fr. Roy confronted the "old boys network" in the Vatican with the truth; sexism is a sin that is always wrong.

Fr. Roy Bourgois's courageous prophetic witness to Gospel equality is a lesson that the Vatican needs, but resists because they are afraid of women priests. Yes, gentlemen, we represent change in the clerical model. Our renewed model of priestly ministry advocates oneness with the people we serve, not separation or a spiritual class system with the hierarchy on top and the laity on the bottom. Gospel equality is our motto. All the baptized are "personae Christi", not just the priests as the Vatican proclaims.

All Catholics are called to be followers of Jesus who treated women as disciples and equals. The Risen Christ chose Mary of Magdala to the be the apostle to the apostles. Women were ordained during the first thousand years of the church's history. The institutional church cannot continue to discriminate against women and blame God for it. Roman Catholic Women Priests are a breath of fresh air in the Catholic Church, and a holy shakeup whose time has come.

Kudos to Fr. Roy and the hundreds of male priests who publically stand for justice in the Catholic Church, challenging the "elephant in the living room" of institutional sexism! The time for the full equality of women in the Catholic Church has come. Thank you, Fr. Roy, for your courage and solidarity.

Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
www.arcwp.org
sofiabmm@aol.com
703-505-0004

Roy Bourgeois is Dismissed from Maryknoll Community-

http://ncronline.org//news/people/maryknoll-vatican-has-dismissed-roy-bourgeois-order

Roy Bourgeois, a longtime peace activist and priest who had come under scrutiny for his support of women's ordination, has been dismissed from the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, which he served for 45 years, according to the congregation.
The Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith made the dismissal in October, according to a news release issued Monday afternoon by the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers.
Dominican Fr. Tom Doyle, a canon lawyer acting on Bourgeois' behalf, told NCR he was not aware of the move.
Doyle said he and Bourgeois met with Maryknoll's superior general, Fr. Edward Dougherty, in June, and the issue of dismissal had not been discussed.
"The idea then was that things would continue and they would not dismiss Roy and they would continue to dialogue," Doyle said. "And then this just happened, unilaterally. [Bourgeois] had no idea."
Bourgeois was not available for comment Monday afternoon.
Mike Virgintino, the manager of communications for the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, declined to answer any questions about the matter.
"I cannot answer any additional questions," Virgintino said. "We have to stay with that statement. I can't answer anything more."
The statement reads: "The Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, on October 4, 2012, canonically dismissed Roy Bourgeois from the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America, also known as the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers.
"The decision dispenses the Maryknoll priest from his sacred bonds."
Monday's statement from Maryknoll puts a cap on years of discussion about Bourgeois' role in the order following his participation in the ordination of Roman Catholic Womanpriest Janice Sevre-Duszynska in August 2008.
Shortly after, Bourgeois was notified by the Vatican congregation that he had incurred a latae sententiae, or automatic, excommunication for his participation.
Over a period of years, the congregation had not responded to requests for clarification on the matter.
Monday's statement from Maryknoll states that Bourgeois' "disobedience and preaching against the teaching of the Catholic Church about women's ordination led to his excommunication, dismissal and laicization."
"With this parting, the Maryknoll Society warmly thanks Roy Bourgeois for his service to mission and all members wish him well in his personal life," the statement concludes. "In the spirit of equity and charity, Maryknoll will assist Mr. Bourgeois with this transition."
Maryknoll asked Bourgeois to publicly recant his support of women's ordination, telling the priest in a March 2011 letter he faced laicization and removal from the order if he did not comply.
In a series of letters and interviews since then, Bourgeois has said he could not comply with the request.
"In essence, you are telling me to lie and I say I do not believe God calls both men and women to the priesthood," Bourgeois wrote in a formal reply to Maryknoll's request. "This I cannot do, therefore I will not recant."
Maryknoll's leadership took a vote on removing Bourgeois from the order in the spring. While the order would confirm at the time that a vote had taken place, it would not comment on its outcome.
Doyle told NCR at the time that Maryknoll Fr. Mike Duggan, the U.S. regional superior of the order, informed Bourgeois of the vote, which was a split decision.
Doyle said Duggan told him two council members voted in favor of dismissal and three members abstained.
After the spring vote, Doyle and Bourgeois met with Dougherty on June 6.
In interviews following that meeting, Bourgeois said the discussion made no mention of his removal, but instead focused on the rights of conscience of Catholics and "the importance of people of faith and members of Maryknoll to be able to speak openly and freely without fear ... of being dismissed or excommunicated."
Bourgeois is known for his work with SOA Watch, a group he founded in 1990 to protest the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, a U.S. Army training school at Fort Benning, Ga., formerly known as the School of the Americas.
Bourgeois served for 45 years in Maryknoll, with 39 years as a priest.
[Joshua J. McElwee is an NCR staff writer. His email address is jmcelwee@ncronline.org.]
The full statement from the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers follows:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Congregation For The Doctrine Of The Faith
Canonically Dismisses Roy Bourgeois

Maryknoll, New York – November 19, 2012 – The Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, on October 4, 2012, canonically dismissed Roy Bourgeois from the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America, also known as the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. The decision dispenses the Maryknoll priest from his sacred bonds.

As a priest during 2008, Mr. Bourgeois participated in the invalid ordination of a woman and a simulated Mass in Lexington, Kentucky. With patience, the Holy See and the Maryknoll Society have encouraged his reconciliation with the Catholic Church.

Instead, Mr. Bourgeois chose to campaign against the teachings of the Catholic Church in secular and non-Catholic venues. This was done without the permission of the local U.S. Catholic Bishops and while ignoring the sensitivities of the faithful across the country. Disobedience and preaching against the teaching of the Catholic Church about women’s ordination led to his excommunication, dismissal and laicization.

Mr. Bourgeois freely chose his views and actions, and all the members of the Maryknoll Society are saddened at the failure of reconciliation. With this parting, the Maryknoll Society warmly thanks Roy Bourgeois for his service to mission and all members wish him well in his personal life. In the spirit of equity and charity, Maryknoll will assist Mr. Bourgeois with this transition.

Wonderful Inclusive Liturgy at SOA watch, Columbus, GA

From Bridget Mary's blog

Jesuit Priest Bill Brennan, 93, of Milwaukee Co-Presided with ARCWP priest Janice Sevre-Duszynska at Progressive Catholic Coalition Liturgy

Jesuit priest Bill Brennan, 93, of Milwaukee co-presided with ARCWP priest
Janice Sevre-Duszynska at SOA Watch vigil, Nov.17 in Columbus, GA. The inclusive liturgy is sponsored by the Progressive Catholic Coalition. Over 350
participated.

Janice Sevre-Duzysnka ARCWP and Jesuit Bill Brennan co-preside at litugy

Peace-Activists attend Liturgy



ARCWP Priests and Katy Zatsick and Janice Sevre-Duszynska

ARCWP Priest Diane Dougherty in red stole

Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests (ARCWP) priests Janice Sevre-Duszynska and Katy Zatsick carry our banner to witness in solidarity with others from many faiths and no faith for justice and non-violence. Thousands gather each year in Columbus, GA. to demonstrate for the closing of The School of the Americas because it has been linked to death squads who have killed thousands in Latin America. ARCWP stands for justice for all, justice for the marginalized, justice for the poor, justice for women including women's ordination in the Catholic Church.
www.arcwp.org

God's Women ACP Ireland

http://www.independent.ie/opinion/letters/gods-women-3085580.html

• The recent Association of Catholic Priests survey, which found that almost 90pc of Irish Catholics would support married priests and that 77pc were in favour of women being ordained, hopefully denotes a fruitful new awakening and not just another religious hot-air bubble.

As Catholics, we believe that Christ created 'mankind' in his own image and likeness, both man and woman. The word 'wo-man', which is probably of Hebrew origin, means 'from man'.

In the natural process, one cannot exist without the other -- putting the emphasis on equality. Likewise, the wording from the sacrament of marriage: "The two become one."

Records have it: the Catholic Church ordained women priests and bishops for nearly 11 centuries. The Bishop of Pelagio complained in the 14th Century that women were still being ordained as priests and hearing confessions. The New Testament implies that women presided at eucharistic meals in the early church. So why not again?

Women are far more active in the church, more religious, enthusiastic, sensitive and caring than men.

Up to the Council of Trent in the 16th Century, 50pc of priests were married and accepted by the people. Peter, the first pope, and the other apostles that Jesus had chosen were for the most part married men. Seven popes were married with children and Pope St Silverus had a son who became Pope St Homidas in the Fifth Century.

It was a change of Catholic Church rules that brought about celibacy in order to prevent church property getting into the hands of married couples and their children. Modern-day legislation would easily handle that. We have several married priests in the Catholic Church worldwide today and it seems to work.

As a regular church-goer, I'm very happy in my relationship with Jesus Christ and the teachings of His church. I would, however, feel lacking if I did not support optional celibacy and the ordination of women priests.

In a time of great change, these are moves towards real renewal that must bring all-round enhancement and interest in the Catholic Church.

James Gleeson

Thurles, Co Tipperary

Teen Refused Confirmation for supporting Gay marriage on Facebook

http://www.startribune.com/local/blogs/179500861.html

http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/380452/

Pell blames media 'smear'

Comment:  George Pell is an Opus Dei Archbishop who is steeped in a clericalism that denies a priest can do anything wrong-most particularly he higher they climb up the hierarchical ladder.

http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/pell-blames-media-smear-20121113-29aj7.html#poll

More Jesus, Less Pope Patricia Fresen CTA Conference

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20121111/NEWS01/311110068/Speaker-Women-s-ordination-matter-justice-Catholics

"Nuns on the Bus" Modified by the Diocese of Arlington

http://www.arlingtondiocese.org/news.php?id=345
Statement Regarding the "Nuns on the Bus"2012-11-01

STATEMENT REGARDING THE "NUNS ON THE BUS" CAMPAIGN AND SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO CHURCH (ARLINGTON)

MICHAEL J. DONOHUE, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
DIOCESE OF ARLINGTON:

(Nov. 1, 2012) “Today, it came to the attention of the Diocese of Arlington that one of our parishes was planning to host the ‘Nuns on the Bus’ at a parish event tomorrow, in the lead-up to next week’s elections. The diocesan Political Activity Guidelines require parishes to submit a proposal in advance and consult with our Virginia Catholic Conference with regard to any planned event involving political or public policy issues. Those required steps were not taken for this event.

“The diocese therefore worked with the parish to modify the event so the Political Activity Guidelines would not be violated, while retaining the intended focus of the event on the parish’s outreach and social ministries. The ‘Nuns on the Bus’ are welcome to attend Mass at the parish, but they may not make any presentation, distribute any written material, or otherwise utilize the facilities of Saint Charles Borromeo Church in any way.

"It is unfortunate that the organizers of this event did not follow established diocesan procedures, which provide that that ‘No speakers are to be invited to events before receiving the reviewer’s approval.’ We recognize the concerns of many in the diocese raised by the scheduling of a ‘Nuns on the Bus’ campaign event at one of our churches and regret any inconvenience to those involved.”

Warning to Faithful by Diocese of St. Augustine:ARCWP's respose

Letter in part -PDF file could not be copied....

DIOCESE OF ST. AUGUSTINE,

TheTribunal

17 September 2012

Dear,

Recently I requested to meet with you through Father Phillips, the pastor of Holy Faith Church, regarding your attendance at a Eucharistic liturgical service-conducted by Dina O'Callaghan, an excommunicated Catholic woman.

I was disappointed to hear that you declined my invitation.

I was also disheartened to find out that you told Father Phillips you attended the service with full knowledge of Mrs. O,Callaghan's situation and magisterial teaching with regards to the ordination of women. Father Phillips has informed me that, while you have no intention of attending Mrs. O'Callaghan's services again, you cannot promise not to do so. Father Phillips therefore informed you that he can no longer permit you to represent the Church in public by serving as a “Reader”.

Enclosed are four documents that explain why the catholic church believes it is beyond her capacity to ordain……(woould not copy)

Please study and pray over them………

I must warn you, in accord with Canon Law, that if you choose to participate in the "Masses" conducted by Mrs. O,Callaghan and other members of the organization of Roman Catholic Women Priests or encourage others to attend you will be placing yourself outside the fulI communion of the Catholic Church and further actions may need to be taken by the Bishop up to and including denying you the reception of the sacraments.

Once again, please study and pray over the documents I have enclosed. I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you and help you to remain in full communion with the Catholic Church.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Very Reverend Timothy M. Lindenfelser, J.C-L.

Judicial Vicar

Most Reverend Felipe J Estevez

Reverend John Phillips

Response from Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan and ARCWP leadership

******************************************************

To: Catholic Center

11625 Old St. Augustine Road

Jacksonville, FL. 32258-2060

Fax:904-262-6493

Phone: 904-262-3200

 

Dear Rev. Timothy Lindenfelser, Bishop Felipe J. Estevez and Rev. John Phillips:

 

The Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests (ARCWP) is saddened by your recent letter (see below) threatening to deny sacraments to Tom and Gwen Umlauf, faithful Catholics, who attended a liturgy at which one of our priests, Dena O'Callaghan, presided. Your threat to use denial of the sacraments to Tom, Gwen and anyone who attends women-priest led liturgies is an example of ecclesiastical bullying that Catholics everywhere are challenging.

 

We note that your letter condemns Dena O’Callaghan but fails to mention her husband, John , a Roman Catholic priest who presides alternately with her at Catholic Masses in their local communities in Ocala and elsewhere.

 

Even if you oppose the ordination of women as priests, it is unconscionable that you would single out a dedicated Catholic couple like Tom and Gwen Umlauf, and threaten to deny access to the sacramental life of the Church for attending a liturgy celebrated by a woman priest.

 

Roman Catholic Women Priests are living prophetic obedience to God who calls us to lead our church into a new era of gender justice rooted in Jesus’ example of Gospel equality and partnership. Even Vatican biblical scholars support our position. In 1976, the Pontifical Biblical Commission concluded that there is no evidence in Scripture that would prohibit women’s ordination in the Catholic Church. Sexism is a sin. The institutional church cannot continue to discriminate against women and blame God for it.

 

The Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests (www.arcwp.org) is walking in the footsteps of women like Saints Mother Theodore Guerin and Mary McKillop, both of whom were excommunicated by their bishops and canonized by Pope Benedict.

 

Primacy of Conscience takes priority over all laws. Therefore, Catholics, in all situations must follow their consciences. We affirm Gwen and Tom for their love of the church and courageous act of prophetic obedience to the Spirit.

 

Like the prophets who spoke truth to power, we challenge this example of ecclesiastical bullying as anti-Jesus and anti-Catholic. You attempt to sever members of the body of Christ, but they know that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:35-39).

 

We call you, Rev. Timothy Lindenfelser, Bishop Felipe J. Estevez and Rev. John Phillips, to walk in the footsteps of Jesus as our brothers and partners in ministry in a renewed priestly ministry.

 

 
From: The Leadership Circle of ARCWP:
Dena O'Callaghan, Dorothy Shugrue, Judy Lee, Bridget Mary Meehan
www.arcwp.org

 

 

Who "Owns" the Catholic Church?

University withdraws theologian's invitation after pressure from financial contributors
http://ncronline.org/news/theology/university-withdraws-theologians-invitation-after-pressure-financial-contributors