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Thursday, May 8, 2014

"Does Pope Francis Have a Woman Problem?", Feminist theologians and Women Priests Can Help

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/12/20/does-pope-francis-have-a-woman-problem.html
 (Jon) "O’Brien and many other Catholics hoping for more equality in their church are particularly bothered by Francis’s statements on women needing what he called a separate theology. In the September interview with the Jesuit publications, he said, “We have to work harder to develop a profound theology of the woman. Only by making this step will it be possible to better reflect on their function within the church. The feminine genius is needed wherever we make important decisions. The challenge today is this: to think about the specific place of women also in those places where the authority of the church is exercised for various areas of the church.”  O’Brien argues that the statement is not about seeing women as equals. “Theology of people should include women,” he says.  “The idea that the Church needs a separate theology for women is plain condescending...”
Bridget Mary's Response: Pope Francis should read Elizabeth Johnson's books for a quick catch up on feminist theology! He could consult with Cardinal Kasper, his hand-picked theologian, who is an admirer of top feminists like Elizabeth Johnson and Elisabeth Schussler- Fiorenza. There is no getting around the basic truth that the full equality of women in the church and world is the voice of God in our times. Of course, this means affirming justice and equality for women in the church in all areas of ministry in more open, inclusive, and egalitarian communities of faith. Our women priests are offering the church the gift of a renewed priestly ministry in a community of equals, not a new machisimo clerical model that the Pope abhors. Come and see, visit our communities, Pope Francis. You may be delighted at what you encounter!  Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP, www.arcwp.org

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