Association of Roman Catholic Priests Affirms Pope Francis’ Commission on Women Deacons, Invites Dialogue and Lifting of Excommunications

May 13, 2016

From the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests (ARCWP) www.arcwp.org

 Contact: Janice Sevre-Duszynska, D.Min. media, rhythmsofthedance1@gmail.com, 859-684-4247

Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan, sofiabmm@aol.com, 703-505-0004, see www.bridgetmarys.blogspot.com

http://www.cruxnow.com/church/2016/05/12/pope-agrees-to-set-up-commission-to-study-women-deacons/

On May 12th during an audience with 900 women religious from the International Union of Superiors General, Pope Francis said it would be good to establish a commission to study the possibility of "reinstating" women deacons. This could be a first step to the full equality of women as priests and bishops in a renewed priestly ministry in a community of equals.

It is clear from contemporary scholarship that Scripture affirms that Jesus treated women in his community not as subordinates but as equals. Women deacons, like Phoebe in Romans 16, played a major leadership role in their communities.  

The Roman Catholic Women Priests International Movement (on 5 continents, 13 countries, and serving 81 faith communities in the U.S.) is leading the way to a renewed priestly ministry in an inclusive, egalitarian church where all are welcome to receive sacraments.

“I disagree with Pope Francis' position that a woman cannot be in Persona Christi, and thus, cannot preach or preside at Eucharist,” said Bridget Mary Meehan of ARCWP. “This argument is sexist and denies the spiritual equality of women.  All the baptized are images of Christ created In Persona Christi.”

Woman Priest Janice Sevre-Duszynska will deliver the responses to the following Petition to support Women Priests on June 3rd at the Worldwide Jubliee to Celebrate Women Priests. The petition asks Pope Francis to lift the excommunications against women priests, and our supporters and to dialogue.  All are invited to sign the petition.

https://action.groundswell-mvmt.org/petitions/pope-francis-welcome-all-priests

TO: POPE FRANCIS

"Catholics all around the world are served by the faithful actions of Roman Catholic Women Priests, who lead inclusive worshipping communities and live out Pope Francis' "Church of Mercy" every day. However, these priests have been excommunicated simply for following their call. Pope Francis-we are Catholics and people of faith and goodwill who support women priests, because they have changed our lives for the better. Hear our call, and lift the unjust excommunications of these priests and their supporters."

Visit our ARCWP website: www: arcwp.org