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Saturday, January 26, 2013

"Combat Soldiers & Clergywomen: Problematic Equality" by Mary E. Hunt

http://www.waterwomensalliance.org/2013/01/january-24-combat-soldiers-clergywomen-problematic-equality-by-mary-e-hunt/#.UQQHU5n8_8Q.email

"When the celebrations wind down I will be looking for people who want to ask hard questions about how we humans deal with our differences without war. Before the Catholic hierarchy makes its announcement, I want to talk about how we Catholics organize ourselves for worship and service. Meanwhile, I content myself with the age-old advice, be careful what you pray for..."

Bridget Mary's Response:
Excellent question, and a thought-provoking article by  feminist theologian Mary Hunt!
I believe that a renewed priestly ministry must avoid the clerical trap of the "good old boys club."  Baptism into Christ makes us all spiritual equals. Women priests are making a bridge to gender equality from the kyriarchal model of church to a community of equals model that is truly empowered. It is a fragile bud, but it is beginning to blossom.
 In Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community in Sarasota, Fl. we have co-presiders of ordained and non-ordained at our weekly liturgy. The assembly celebrates the Eucharist. Some of the highlights are a shared homily with community participating,  the recitation of the Eucharistic Prayer is done by members of the congregation gathered in a circle around the altar. All pray Words of Institution, all do final blessing etc.  Our arcwp celebrations are not a return to the glory days of the "magic fingers" of the old clerical model of priestly ministry, but a faith-filled community celebration of the contemporary Body of Christ who shares the Body of Christ with the Body of Christ on the margins. We conclude our service with mutual blessing as a prophetic people on the edge where we are called to go forth and let the service begin anew. 
Bridget Mary Meehan,arcwp
www.arcwp.org








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