A Tribute to President Jimmy Carter by Rev. Diane Dougherty ARCWP and President Jimmy Carter's Address to Catholic Reformers' Meeting at Call to Action

 In this particular photo, we are both laughing because I reminded him of a comment he made to Pope Francis that when the Catholic Church ordained women, he would become Catholic.  I told him that could happen now because I was an ordained priest in the Catholic Church and my church-the Church of the Visitation-was located right here in Georgia.  He is an honorary member.

President Jimmy Carter and Rev. Diane Dougherty ARCWP

2/22/23

I am now 10 years a priest-and go back to the day of my commitment-having no idea where that would lead but open to what comes next.  Ordained in the First Metropolitan Church after 1 1/2 years of searching-I was received by the gay community as the only "Institution" that would allow me to be ordained in their church.  They were a harbor in the storm of stepping out into the future and still are.  

I invited many dignitaries, most particularly the Archbishop of Atlanta-letting him know he had the first chair at the table....and Jimmy Carter-a long time advocate for women's rights.  Little did I know that Carter, of all people, would send me personal congratulations....a treasure in my basket of affirmations.

Not long after that, I was invited to participate in two Carter Center Human Rights Defenders Workshops. One centered around his book-A Call to Action-Women, Religion, Violence and Power was presented.  Janet Blakeley's niece asked if she could attend with us and I made these arrangements ....

These gatherings defined in me the overwhelming undue influence of culture wars that impact women, most particularly the role religion played worldwide- and the unending energy, persistence and commitment women are making at all sectors of society to bring the message of equality and justice  within our society.

Shortly after that, Barb Zeman and I were asked by Call to Action USA to see if Jimmy would give the Opening Address at their 40th Anniversary.  We collaborated on the Address and sent it to Carter-who then re-wrote everything from his memory and heart.  I was invited to attend the taping and presented him with t shirts for Rosalyn and himself and gave them 2 ARCWP pins and a copy of Pink Smoke Over the Vatican.  In this particular photo, we are both laughing because I reminded him of a comment he made to Pope Francis that when the Catholic Church ordained women, he would become Catholic.  I told him that could happen now because I was an ordained priest in the Catholic Church and my church-the Church of the Visitation-was located right here in Georgia.  He is an honorary member.

As he moves onto the next stage of his journey, we will be glued together in the hopes and dreams of multitudes wishing to bring about a world that works without violence and power brokers, especially Churches and denominations that recognize if we are equal in the Sight of God, we are called by God to work to develop structures that are equal in the sight of us all.

Attached is a copy of Carter's script for CTA. Profound words-even today.

Diane Dougherty, ARCWP

Avondale Estates, GA 30002

678-918-1945

doughertyadd@gmail.com

President Jimmy Carter'sAddress to Call to Action

Good evening Call to Action USA.  

As I have learned about you, I realize we share common roots.  At the time I was elected president in 1976, Pope Paul VI called on Catholics to take a more active role in bringing justice to our world.  He said that your actions would lead to transformation, which I see as constitutive to preaching the gospel.  In the past 38 years, your actions are truly good news and a shining light within a society that desperately needs the changes we seek.

Since 1976 the initiatives of Call to Action have carried the voice of hope.  You wrap your arms around a gospel that brings the good news to those thrown to the margins of society by unjust laws, political unrest and discriminatory practices.  You are a social and political voice in our time.

In my book A Call To Action, I address the issues of disparity in gender, race, wealth and age. I do not see this struggle in terms of any one religion-rather, it is a global societal struggle embedded in the fabric of every society and the religions they espouse.  So I join you today in solidarity as you continue to forage ahead with your mission as leaders and companions on this journey. 

During your time together this weekend, and after 38 years of hard labor in the field, you are still faced with a church that models our society in marginalizing many of its women, its people of color, LGBTQ people, and, in fact all those who question any portion of the Church's interpretation of Jesus’ mission. However, you continue to find a way through these difficult societal and religious issues and, by your very tenacity, you are creating currents of change.

I believe with you that the world’s discrimination and violence against women and girls is the most serious, pervasive and ignored violation of basic human rights. This constitutes the sin of sexism. The liberation of women demands full participation at the decision making table and most particularly within religious bodies.  This is a goal we all share.  

                                                     

When the Human Rights Defenders Forum at the Carter Center found the reluctance of human rights forums to intersect with religious leaders your group, Call to Action USA, never ceased to advocate for structural change within your denomination.  You have continued to follow your Call by leading through voice and action, especially in the face of much rejection.  As you advocate within your local communities to confront internal structures that oppress, we at the Carter Center and many activists throughout the world, join with you in solidarity. We support your efforts to see through the eyes of anti-racism and anti oppression giving witness to the just practices that are needed in the 21st century.

Working for justice and equality in the church and in our communities are one in the same in terms of importance and urgency.

As I call all people to forcefully speak out against abuses, you give voice to that call. Together we are learning to call each other to stand up and speak out, to challenge unjust rules and to change the structures we can change. Thus, we limit the power of those who are divisive and closed minded … those who exclude others in the name of that faith. 

 

You are leaders in the development of comprehensive practices that are changing so many churches today.  Your secret lies in initiatives like your Just Church Program.With the call to Women’s Ordination in 1981, at the same time we were trying to pass the Equal Rights Amendment, you have, for almost 4 decades, continued to work for women’s equality 

 

Your advocacy of racial and church worker justice stands as a guiding light and beacon of hope to many who desire to bring change to the religious practices steeped in unconscious support of discrimination that promotes economic inequality.   

 

By standing with the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, The Roman Catholic Women Priests Movement, and Corpus –the support group for married priests, you continue to give voice and visual recognition to women of agency.

Your continued support of Dignity USA and the LGBTQ community and their struggle for equality shows the world what it is like to envision a church that truly welcomes all and continues to struggle non-violently until these goals are accomplished.

Through your liturgical inclusion of women priests and support of the Women's Ordination Conference, so many people are becoming aware of the need for a renewed and inclusive church, one that offers the graces of a God who is with us and desires we be one.

 

You boldly declare that the Catholic Church is both the People of God and the hierarchy. As you continue to struggle to make your mark, your action gives witness that when we enter into this struggle, we create the vision our world so badly needs.  

 

Continue to follow your call to bring about a Just Church. Give witness to the possibilities that society will change. You are agents of that change.  You are leading the way.

 

I stand with you, Call To Action, in the valiant struggle to move our faith, our country, and our planet forward.