Archbishop Diarmuid Martin said that he would like there to be “a much stronger female presence in the Church” and he said he believed this was “achievable, even with a male priesthood”. Article in Belfast Telegraph by Sarah MacDonald, My Response: Full Equality Includes Women Priests and Women as Decision-Makers in Church, Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/full-details-of-finnegan-abuse-must-be-revealed-archbishop-36765417.html

Easter Vigil at Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community in Sarasota, Florida on March 31, 2018

My Response: Archbishop Diarmuid Martin admits the truth about the misogyny present in the "all -male priesthood." He has the diagnosis right, but not the solution. He proposes “a much stronger female presence in the Church” and he said he believed this was “achievable, even with a male priesthood”. 
Unless the Vatican ordains women, full equality will be an illusion. 
Roman Catholic Women Priests have experienced the wrath of the Vatican. 
 In 2010, the Vatican decreed that those who ordained women are guilty of the most serious sin, a 'delicta grviora'. This is the same category the Vatican put priest criminals who sexually abused children. 
The truth is we are following our consciences in leading the church toward the full equality of women  in a renewed model of priestly ministry in inclusive communities where all are welcome. 

When I was in Ireland last year, I requested a meeting with Archbishop Martin to share my experience of the Roman Catholic Women Priests Movement. Although his schedule did not have an opening then, I am hopeful that when I return in August 2018, there will be time for a conversation. 
 It is time for the Vatican to drop the harsh punishments and treat women priests- as Jesus would, beloved sisters and brothers who are living prophetic obedience to the Spirit in the 21st century. Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP, www.arcwp.org

By Sarah MacDonald

April 2 2018

 

..."The archbishop also admitted that misogyny “is present in the Church” and he warned that there was a danger that an all-male priesthood could become “a men’s club”.

He recalled his time in Rome and said: “There was a misogynist culture there in the Vatican.

“Misogyny is really about men feeling that they are in charge; feeling that they have particular rights.”

In an interview with RTE Radio’s Miriam O’Callaghan Show, he added: “I think all of us have to examine our consciences to see where we are on this.”

Asked by O’Callaghan if he thought he would ever see female priests in his own lifetime, Dr Martin replied: “No.”

However, he said he would like there to be “a much stronger female presence in the Church” and he said he believed this was “achievable, even with a male priesthood”.

“Misogynism is a sign of human immaturity and that is a worry. If there are priests who are misogynists then it means they are not mature in themselves and that they haven’t ever had healthy relations with women or don’t understand that.”

Speaking later after Easter Sunday Mass, the archbishop highlighted that Mrs McAleese had quoted his remarks on women’s low standing in the Church and alienation during her address in Rome.

Archbishop Martin, who is president of the World Meeting of Families gathering in August, also said there was no way that the Pope wouldn’t address the issue of clerical abuse and meet survivors when he visits the Republic in August."

Belfast Telegraph