"While the theme of women as second-class citizens was not addressed directly by the panel of women speaking about their roles in the church, Gajiwala said in a separate NCR interview last week that the church's link between ordination and governance leaves women without decision-making roles.
"I hope that some time, if the structure is going to remain the way it is ... then at least that they will de-link governance and ordination so that women can be part of decision-making."
"Right now, what happens is that we are there mainly as consulters," Gajiwala said. "Yes, we do influence decisions, but the decision is not ours. This is a fact."
On Sunday, Beattie called for a church where women are full partners with men.
Beattie, a convert to Catholicism, said Pope Francis' apostolic letter, Evangelii Gaudium ("The Joy of the Gospel"), showed "the church that I dream of -- the messy, free, faithful, joyful community that when I joined the church ... I glimpsed very strongly."
Bridget Mary's Response; The fact that this conference was sponsored by the Vatican is hopeful. However, until either the link is broken between ordination and governance in canon law, women will remain second class citizens in our own church and until women are partners and equals in all areas including priestly ministry, the joy of the Gospel will be an illusive dream, not a reality. Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP, www.arcwp.org
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