Groundbreaking Ordinations in Mexico Affirm Commitment to Women in Ministry

"The Mexican Lutheran Church has affirmed a commitment to women in ministry with its first-ever ordination of female pastors. The three women will serve in congregations of the LWF member church in Mexico City.

Rev. Dr Elaine Neuenfeldt, LWF women's desk secretary, called the ordinations an "important sign" that will further reflection within the Lutheran communion on this issue. The LWF endorses women in ministry, and celebrates public witness of ordained women as both an expression and a gift of women’s leadership."

Read more:

LUTHERAN WORLD INFORMATION
>LWI News online:
>http://www.lutheranworld.org/News/Welcome.EN.html

Roman Catholic Womenpriests : TV interview with Bishop Christine - Women Priest Struggles for Acceptance by Roman Catholic Church

Woman priest struggles for acceptance by Roman Catholic Church
RT - Moscow,Russia

http://www.russiatoday.com/Top_News/2009-07-29/woman-priest-struggles-for-acceptance-by-roman-catholic-church--.html

Roman Catholic Womenpriests : Homily by Roman Catholic Womanpriest Kathy Redig

Homily—17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
July 26, 2009
by Roman Catholic Womanpriest Kathy Redig, Winona, Minnesota, Midwest Region

For the next 5 Sundays, the Scriptures will speak to us about the “bread of life”—
this, in the face of a world, where millions go to bed hungry every night. Men and women and children suffer from malnutrition—wars are fought over the right to eat—the need to eat. There are those who question whether the earth can feed all of its people, yet in this country, subsidies are paid out every year to farmers to keep fields lying fallow so as to regulate the price of grain. Yet, we hear stories about the bread of life and that we are somehow suppose to feed the hungry. This country is called the bread basket of the world. How do we reconcile that with starvation around the globe?
In our first reading from 2 Kings and in our Gospel reading from John we see like situations. There apparently is not enough food to go around. Then miraculously—something happens and there is not only enough food, but food to spare. It seems that the miracle in both cases comes about through the hands of mere mortals—in their willingness to be instruments for the divine—in their ability to believe in something bigger than they could see or imagine.
In both cases, someone steps forward with some loaves—some fish—not enough but a start. I believe it is significant that the prophet, Elisha and the prophet, Jesus don’t just miraculously bring food out of nothing but that in each case, bring food from the gifts of the people present. A small gift given in faith, with love has the power to grow and be not only enough, but be a gift beyond the immediate need. There is always the chance, when we love unselfishly, for great things to happen. We should not underestimate that power.

On this past Tuesday, I had the opportunity to give an hour of my time to a children’s summer camp located at the Maplewood Center here in Winona. The camp was sponsored by Winona Health. The week was devoted to giving underprivileged children opportunities to experience healthy living—learning how to eat in a healthy way, how to be with others in society—how to enjoy many wholesome activities—how to simply have good fun.
My topic, as you might guess was on spiritual health. I decided to tell the group of 6-11 year—olds the story of creation, using props and story boards from Jerome Barrymore’s Children’s Bible Series, entitled, Godly Play. My emphasis was to get across to these children one concept—that we have a God who loves us very much. A playful, loving God, who before anything was created—in the abyss, with nothing else around—thinking of all that she would be creating, simply smiled. Throughout this story we get the sense that God simply delights in giving the gifts of each day. At the end of each day’s creating, God looks at the day’s work and says, “it is good!”
I took the lesson to the next step and suggested that the gift of creation to each of us, including our own lives was not intended for just us to enjoy—but the greater gift perhaps—the next gift, was for us to share what we have received—to do our part to extend the love. Is it that we have to do big things?—no, it can be as simple as Anna Quindlen says in her little book on life—“show up, listen and try to laugh.” As we spoke about, the last couple of weeks here—we can do extraordinary things through our ordinary lives. A friend reminded me of that just recently.
A story came across my desk just the other day that illustrates this very well—an example of someone going out of their way a bit, doing some extraordinary kindness, that in the whole scope of the world doesn’t change much perhaps, but for one little girl and her family, made a great difference and truly showed them the face of their loving God. It seems that a 14 year-old dog, named Abbey of a particular family, died. Four year old Meredith was crying the next day as she grieved for the family pet. She asked her Mom if they could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would know who she was. Of course Mom said yes and this is what Meredith dictated to her Mom.

Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so that when you see her, you will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.
Love,
Meredith

They placed the letter in an envelope addressed to God/Heaven with their return address and Meredith affixed several stamps to it saying that it would take a lot to get it all the way to heaven and then they dropped it in the post box. A few days later Meredith asked if God had gotten the letter and her Mom said she thought so.
The next day there was a package wrapped in gold paper on their front porch and it was addressed “to Meredith” in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it and inside she found a book by Mr. Rogers entitled, When A Pet Dies. Taped the front cover was the letter they had written in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey and Meredith and this note:

Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized her right away. Abbey isn’t sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don’t need our bodies in heaven, I don’t have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by—thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me—what a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much. By the way, I’m easy to find, I am wherever there is love.
Love,
God

We began this reflection talking about the need to share bread with the hungry—an ever present need when the known fact is that so many go to bed hungry every night—so many die every day for lack of food. We are like the apostles—incredulous before the sheer scope of the situation—“what good is my little gift—my small offering against so many?” But we must not forget the stories of scripture today—God can and does perform miracles despite our lack of religious imagination. We simply have to show up and do our part—like the person in the dead letter office in the life of Meredith.

That simple story is a case in point for the fact that people don’t only need bread for their physical bodies, but for their spirits—the food of heart and soul is needed as much as the food for our physical bodies. Again, we may think that we are not able to do much in any given situation, but don’t underestimate the power—the miracle that can happen through each of us if we are willing to show up and be instruments on this earth for our loving God. Each time we gather for Eucharist and we take the bread and wine into our bodies—it becomes then Jesus’ body and blood for the world through the actions of our lives. This is a wonderful power that Jesus gives us!

As Paul says today in his letter to the Ephesians— “As children of the one God who is over all and works through all; we will be agents of God’s good will.” And do we have a choice about whether to do these good works? No, we really don’t—if we say we are Christian and follow the prophet from Nazareth, we can only respond to the love given by giving back.

We are all, each of us diminished when anyone goes hungry in any way—be it in body, mind or spirit. Let us pray today that each day we would have the strength to show up and do our part.

Roman Catholic Womenpriests : Celebration of St. Mary of Magdala Feast in New Jersey

Roman Catholic Womanpriest Mary Ann Schoettly gathers with local community to celebrate a liturgy in honor of St. Mary Magdala in New Jersey.

New book by Ophelia Benson: Does God Hate Women?

The co-author of the new book Does God Hate Women?
discusses patriarchy, the burka and capitalism

Link to Interview in New Statesman with Ophelia Benson

http://www.newstatesman.com/religion/2009/07/women-rights-religion-god

Roman Catholic Womenpriests: NPR -Baptists Leaders face challenges on women's roles

Link to Radio Broadcast:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106932178

National Public Radio
Morning Edition, July 24, 2009
A few highlights:
Sheri Klouda, who taught Hebrew at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth shared her story:

"I was told I would not be considered for tenure because I was a woman and because he believed that women should not be teaching theology to men," says Klouda.

Southwestern Baptists Theological Seminary has "developed a new "track" for women seminarians, which includes home-making and home-schooling."

Wade Burleson, pastor of a Southern Baptist megachurch in Enid, Okla. disagrees with the policies of his denomination.

"I'm not a betting Baptist, but if I were, I would put money on the table that 50 years from now, Southern Baptists will look at women and the role of women the way we now look at slavery," Burleson says.

In a recent article, published by the Guardian in England, former U.S. president Jimmy Carter said he left the Southern Baptist Church because women and girls have been discriminated against in a misinterpretation of the Word of God. "The justification of discrimination against women and girls on grounds of religion or tradition, as if it were prescribed by a Higher Authority, is unaceeptable."
"This view that women are somehow inferior to men is not restricted to one religion or belief... At its most repugnant, the belief that women must be subjugated to the wishes of men excuses slavery, violence, forced prostitution, genital mutilation and national laws that omit rape as a crime."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jul/12/jimmy-carter-womens-rights-equality
This debate is one that cuts across denominational lines. More and more women and men are crossing the line of discrimination, rooted in religious beliefs. Roman Catholic Womenpriests are leading the way toward a renewed priestly ministry in grassroots communities in the Roman Catholic Church. Like Rosa Parks, Roman Catholic Womenpriests refuse to sit in the back of the bus in a church that continues to discriminate against women. Roman Catholic Womenpriests offer women an option, not available before, when women left the church to be ordained in other denominations. Now Catholic women for the first time in centuries can serve God's people as deacons, priests and bishops in Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered, inclusive communities. Let's hear a big Amen from the people of God around the world!
Bridget Mary Meehan
www.romancatholicwomenpriests.org
sofiabmm@aol.com

Roman Catholic Womenpriests : Bishop Tom Gumbleton's Homily on NCR.Online

http://ncronline.org/blogs/peace-pulpit/fifteenth-sunday-ordinary-time

In his homily on NCR Online, (fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time) Bishop Tom Gumbleton cites the alarming data that a large number of RC churches in the United States are being closed because of shortage of priests.

Bishop Gumbleton then goes on to raise the question of women's vocation to priestly ministry: "And there are those who are calling for it, but then they're pushed away like Amos was pushed away, silenced. You can't speak about that as a possibility, not to speak about ordaining married men or about women." Yet, I am confident that God is taken an initiative and we who are the church have to begin to listen to that and to respond to it and try to make sure our leaders respond to it. "

I give thanks for the courage of Bishop Tom Gumbleton who speaks out about women's call to priestly ministry. In an ecclesiastical desert, Bishop Gumbleton is a lone courageous, prophetic voice in the U.S. hierarchy, unafraid of speaking truth to power.

Sexism is based on the view that women are inferior to men and is always sinful. And as former president Jimmy Carter reminds us in a recent article, "Losing my religion for equality" "This discrimination, unjustifiably attributed to a Higher Authority, has provided a reason or excuse for the deprivation of women's equal rights across the world for centuries."

In other words, the Roman Catholic Church cannot continue to discriminate against women, and blame God for it. Those days are over and the time for the full equality of women is now here.
Bridget Mary Meehan

Roman Catholic Womenpriests : House Church Celebration of Feast of St. Mary Magdala in Falls Church, VA.

On July 22nd, 2009, we hosted a liturgy in honor of the feast day of St. Mary Magdala in our home in Falls Church, VA. We sang, prayed, and reflected on the role of St. Mary Magdala as the first witness to the Resurrection. The Risen Christ sent Mary to "go and tell", announce the Good News to the other disciples. The church Fathers referred to her as "The Apostle to the Apostles." We also discussed the non-canonical Christian writings such as Pistis Sophia, and the Gospel of Mary, which present Mary as a leader and teacher of the male disciples, whom Peter resented. Scholars believe this tension reflected the debate in the early church about the role of women as leaders in the church. Amid chuckles, we noted that some things never change!!
Our community also discussed at length the call to a renewed priestly ministry and asked me to share my journey. Peg and Bob, with whom I co-ministered in a parish community for fifteen years shared some wonderful memories. Both have been companions on the journey with me, like Junia and Andronicus whom Paul cites as exemplars in the faith in Romans 16. We noted in Romans 16 that Paul commends by name, many women leaders for their hard work. Today over 80% of church ministry is done by women. So women are still doing the heavy lifting in the church today in parishes throughout the U.S.
There is tension between the hierarchy and women in the church who advocate full equality of women in the church, including a renewed priestly ministry. The image that comes to mind is that of a dance! Despite our disagreements and rejection by the institutional male leaders, RCWP are faithful members of the Body of Christ, the people of God. Like St. Mary of Magdala and Peter, we are "dancing" a new church into being!

Bridget Mary Meehan

Roman Catholic Womenpriests; Reflection on the House Church: Fodder for "Traditionalists"

Fodder for “Traditionalists”
The House Church
was the beginning of
Church.

It provided space
for Preaching the Word,
for Worship,
for social and Eucharistic
table sharing.

The House Church
provided Equal Opportunity
for Women;
The house traditionally was considered women’s sphere
and women were not excluded from activities
in the house and
in the House Church.

Women played an important part
in the founding,
in the sustaining,
in the promoting of
House Churches.

The earliest Christian manuscripts
give us strong historical evidence
for coequal roles of women and men
in infant Church.

There are no more distinctions between . . .
male and female,
all are in Christ, Jesus.

So, indeed,
be a traditionalist and
forsake the hierarchical discrimination
against women.

Love, John Chuchman

Roman Catholic Womenpriests : Liturgy in honor of St. Magdala in Pittsburgh, PA

Bishop Joan Houk of the Great Waters Region presides at liturgy in honor of St. Mary Magdala at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh, Pa on July 19, 2009

Roman Catholic Womenpriests : Jimmy Carter Speaks out against sexism in religion

Image on mosiac of Bishop Theodora and St. Praxedis
in St. Praxedis Church in Rome

The Words of God Do Not Justify Cruelty to Women

Discrimination and abuse wrongly backed by doctrine are damaging society, argues the former US president

by Jimmy Carter

"Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status ..." (Article 2, Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

"During the years of the early Christian church women served as deacons, priests, bishops, apostles, teachers and prophets. It wasn't until the fourth century that dominant Christian leaders, all men, twisted and distorted holy scriptures to perpetuate their ascendant positions within the religious hierarchy."

"Their continuing choice provides the foundation or justification for much of the pervasive persecution and abuse of women throughout the world. This is in clear violation not just of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, Moses and the prophets, Muhammad, and founders of other great religions - all of whom have called for proper and equitable treatment of all the children of God. It is time we had the courage to challenge these views. "

© Guardian News and Media Limited 2009

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/07/12

This brilliant article, by former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, reflects the worldwide movement for justice for women in every aspect of human life including religion. Women are equal images of God and thus, should function as equals and partners within their local religious institutions.
The time for the full equality of women in all religions is now. It is an issue of justice. God does not discriminate, so neither should the church.

Bridget Mary Meehan

Roman Catholic Womenpriests : Link to Retreat Pictures up on Picassa

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=102542754447&h=DMdmg&u=AtBrk&ref=nf

Roman Catholic Womenpriests : First National Retreat in Chicago, IL. from July 13th-July 16th, 2009

Roman Catholic Womenpriests Community
who attended retreat in Chicago July 13-16, 2009

Bishop Patricia Fresen ordains Janine Denomme
as a deacon on July 14, 2009
Priest: Juanita Cordero on step


Newly ordained Janine's family and friends

childhood pics of womenpriests

left to right
Priests: Kathy Sullivan Vandenberg, Mary Ellen Robertson
and Bishop Patricia Fresen

left to right
RCWP deacon Alta Jacko, Laura Singer, Board President
from Women's Ordination Conference
Barbara Zeman and Janine Denomme


left to right:
Roman Catholic Womanpriest Alice Iaquinta,
Deacon Linda Wilcox

Left to Right: Roman Catholic Womenpriests
Juanita Cordero, Suzanne Avison Thiel,
Bridget Mary Meehan


Thirty-seven members of the Roman Catholic Womenpriests community gathered in Chicago from July 13th-16th for our first national retreat. We opened our hearts to one another, prayed together, and celebrated the Spirit's presence in one another and in our movement. It was a deeply moving and bonding experience and one in which we experienced God's energizing strength in making justice, full equality, and equal partnership a reality for women in our church as we serve the people of God in priestly ministry in grassroots communities in the United States. On July 14th, Bishop Patricia Fresen ordained Janine Denomme as a deacon. Janine is a liturgist and leader of one of the local Chicago parishes. She has been active in music ministry, and has conducted retreats and workshops in the local Catholic community. Janine will be a deacon in a new inclusive Roman Catholic Community in Edgewater/Chicago. For more information, contact Barbara Zeman at elke@rcn.com
On July 25th, 5:30pm, Roman Catholic Womanpriest Barbara Zeman and newly ordained deacon Janine Denomme will be celebrating a liturgy on the feast of Mary of Magdala and in memory of Patty Crowley at Kathy Osterman Beach Ardmore and Sheridan, Chicago, IL. RSVP LTS72@aol.com 773-736-2562 On July 22nd, the feast of St. Mary of Magdala, I will be celebrating a liturgy in Falls Church, VA. at 7:00pm. Email:sofiabmm@aol.com For more information about Roman Catholic Womenpriests liturgies in your area, check our website at www.romancatholicwomenpriests.org For more information about other liturgies in honor of Mary of Magdala, check www.futurechurch.org Women's Ordination Conference www.womensordination.org

Roman Catholic Womenpriests : Janice Sevre-Duszynska's response to. "what the sisters are up to" in New York Times

from left to right, Bridget Mary Meehan and Janice Sevre-Duszynska

"What the sisters are up to"
by Francis X. Cline
New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/12/opinion/12sun3.html?th&emc=th

Response by Janice Sevre-Duszynska:
Dear Sisters in Faith,

In our mutual liberation movement, I walk in solidarity with you as you face patriarchal abuse of power by the Vatican.

Justice is an issue for women in all areas of life, in all movements of the Spirit, including justice in a church that excludes women from full equality, equal partnership and sacramental ministry.

On the pathway to justice for women in the world and in the church, ordination is an option. Roman Catholic Womenpriests have ordained sisters and will continue to do so. We are renewing priestly ministry in a community of equals as we renew our church.

Roman Catholic Womenpriests invite religious women who are called to ordination to claim their "Yes!" at this sacred moment.

Peace,
Janice Sevre-Duszynska
RCWP

Roman Catholic Womenpriests : Joan Houk's Response to "Vatican Inquiries Into Sisters Causing Trepidation" published in Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Joan Houk on left, on right, Bishop Ida Raming laying on of hands at bishops ordinations on April 19, 2009 in California.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09191/982873-110.stm

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09184/981499-82.stm

Church monologue

Thank you for publishing the article about the Vatican's investigation of U.S. religious sisters ("Vatican Inquiries Into Sisters Causing Trepidation," July 3). Being a Catholic today has much in common with being in an abusive marriage. Do you stick it out and work for change, or do you leave? Many have left, and those who have stayed are being "investigated."

People in an abusive marriage can go to counseling. The counselor creates a safe place to discuss differences. Some abusive spouses will not go to counseling, and neither will the official church.

There is no safe forum for discussing the ordination of women, which many believe is the key issue behind the Vatican's move. The official church has a three-step monologue process for those who disagree: (1) write official documents telling people what to believe, (2) failing to convince, apply sanctions, and (3) when people will not be silenced, tell them that they have "placed themselves outside the church."

If Catholics speak out about the ordination of women, they risk being removed from their religious communities, their ministries or their jobs, which can mean loss of financial supports and benefits.

I speak about this from the inside having been told in public print that I have put myself out of the church. No personal letter, no phone call, no counseling, no discussion, no dialogue, just "out"; however, I will not be abused, and I will not leave my church. The result of my taking this stand is that I have found myself in the best of company.

JOAN CLARK HOUK
McCandless
The writer was among women ordained by Roman Catholic Womenpriests in July 2006.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09191/982873-110.stm#ixzz0L02rF3OZ&C

Roman Catholic Womenpriests : Article by Gary Macy on Visitation of Religious Orders

Gary Macy, scholar and church historian cites that the present Vatican investigation of apostolic religious orders in the United States is not in continuity with the first twelve hundred years of the church's history.
For example:

"Early abbesses were powerful and acted independently not only of the papacy, but also of the local bishop. In fact, the most impressive example is the powerful Cistercian abbess of Las Huelgas near Burgos in Spain who wore her miter and carried her crosier until she was finally forbidden to do so in 1873. The abbess had the power to appoint parish priests for the countryside subject to the convent of Las Huelgas, some 64 villages. No bishop or delegate from the Holy See could perform a visitation of the churches or altars or curates or clerics or benefices under the care of the abbess. The abbess of Las Huelgas was even able to convene synods in her diocese and to make synodal constitutions and laws for both her religious and lay subjects."

http://ncronline.org/news/women/visitors-past

In addition, Gary Macy, in his book, The Hidden History of Women's Ordination, points out that for the first twelve hundred years of the church's history, women were ordained.
It is time to reclaim our ancient heritage of women as equals and partners in the church both in Holy Orders and in religious life. It is my hope that many nuns, especially those with vocations to priestly ministry in a renewed church, will make these connections and together with Roman Catholic Womenpriests be agents of transformation, bringing justice and equality to our church.
St. Mary of Magdala, Phoebe, Prisca, Aquila, Lydia, Brigit of Kildare, Clare of Assisi and all you holy women and men who have before us as prophetic witnesses, pray for us.
Bridget Mary Meehan

Roman Catholic Womenpriests : St. Mary Magdala Celebrations

(courtesy Charlotte Therese artist)

We will celebrate a liturgy in honor of St. Mary Magdala, apostle, on her feast day, July 22, 2009 in Falls Church, VA. at 7:00 pm For more information, email Bridget Mary Meehan at sofiabmm@aol.com or call 703-671-6712


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2009

Contact:
Sr. Christine Schenk (Cleveland, Ohio)
216-228-0869; 216-513-3647 (cell)

Mary Louise Hartman (Princeton, New Jersey)
609-924-9529

Women in Ministry with St. Paul focus of over 200 international Mary Magdala Celebrations:
Organizers Request Vatican to Restore Deleted Women Leaders in Lectionary

CLEVELAND, OH: In mid-July, organizers across the US and in Canada, Great Britain, Australia and Uganda will join together in a worldwide effort to expand awareness of women leaders in the early Church, especially Mary of Magdala, Phoebe, Prisca, Lydia and other little known women leaders who ministered with f St. Paul.

The Vatican designated this past year as the Year of St. Paul and invited Catholics to more fully reflect on his important role in the church. FutureChurch's Mary of Magdala this year will celebrate the often unnoticed women who ministered alongside of St. Paul. Participants will also be asked to send postcards to Vatican leaders asking them to include the missing stories of biblical women leaders.

"Many people mistakenly believe St. Paul was anti-women," Said FutureChurch Director Sr. Christine Schenk, Yet, as Pope Benedict himself has said so well, St. Paul worked closely with women leaders such as Phoebe, Junia, Lydia and Prisca (papal address February 14, 2007). Unfortunately, Romans 16, a passage that names eleven women and identifies some of them as deacons, apostles, and co-workers, is never proclaimed on a Sunday. Nor are the accounts of women leaders in the Acts of the Apostles (Lydia, Prisca, Tabitha), which are read only on the weekdays of Easter, so most Catholics never hear about their important ministry alongside Paul. (For more information, see "Women in the Bible and Lectionary" by Ruth Fox OSB, published in 1996 by Liturgy 90)

"St. Mary of Magdala was a foremost leader in the early Church, led the group of women who accompanied Jesus at his death, and first proclaimed the good news of his resurrection. She was not a prostitute as some believe. For centuries Mary of Magdala's story, like those of the women leaders in the ministry of St. Paul, has been minimized or excised from the official lectionary used in both Catholic and Protestant churches," said Sr. Christine Schenk of FutureChurch.

For the past two years, FutureChurch spearheaded a campaign to "put women back in the biblical picture" at last October's Synod on the Word. For the first time in history Catholic bishops meeting in a synod "recognized and encouraged" the ministry of women of the Word, discussed the need to restore women's stories to the Lectionary, and invited the greatest number of women ever to participate as auditors and biblical experts.

Although the synod is over, the work to open an examination of the Lectionary as recommended by Synod Proposal 16 is not done. Participants at Mary of Magdala celebrations across the nation will be sending paper and electronic postcards to Cardinal Antionia Cañizares Llovera, Prefect for the Congregation for Divine Worship encouraging him and the synod committee to follow through on this proposal. Specifically, the postcards ask to:

· Open an examination of the Lectionary to "see if the actual selection and ordering of the readings are truly adequate to the mission of the Church in this historic moment," as recommended by Synod Proposal 16.

· Restore women leaders such as Phoebe (Romans 16) and Lois and Eunice (2 Tim 1:4, 5) to Lectionary texts from which they have been deleted.

· Include stories about other women leaders such as Shiprah and Puah, the midwives who saved a nation of Hebrew boy-children, perhaps even Moses.

· Convene a gender-balanced group of biblical scholars and liturgists to decide which women's stories would be most fruitful for prayer, preaching and catechesis if added to the Lectionary.

"We think it's important for women and men to learn the contemporary scholarship about women in the early Church and we are especially happy to have a celebration in which women can preside and preach at worship," said Mary Louise Hartman of Princeton, New Jersey, FutureChurch Board member

To educate about women leaders and to model gender balance in scripture proclamation, FutureChurch began special international celebrations of the Feast of St. Mary of Magdala in 1998. Each year nearly 300 such events are held in mid July. Participants hear presentations by biblical scholars about early women leaders and experience prayer services at which competently prepared women preach and preside.

"One of the reasons the Mary of Magdala celebrations have proved so enduring is that Catholic women and men are edified to discover that Jesus included women in his Galilean discipleship. Most Catholics mistakenly believe that Jesus called only men, when in fact Luke 8:1-3 tells us Mary of Magdala, Joanna, Susanna and many other women accompanied him in Galilee. Since the Lukan reading is never read on a Sunday, the stories of Jesus' women disciples are rarely if ever the subject of homiletic attention," says Chris Schenk, FutureChurch Executive Director.

For each of the past thirteen years FutureChurch spearheaded between 200 and 300 special celebrations of the July 22 Feast of St. Mary of Magdala in the U.S. and worldwide. The prayer services always highlight biblical women leaders and women's leadership in the Church. They will engage between 30 and 300 people in parishes, convents, Catholic schools, Protestant churches, private homes and small faith communities.

Sample electronic postcards and a list of celebrations nationwide are available at www.futurechurch.org


To contact a local organizer in your area call Sr. Chris Schenk at 216-228-0869 x 4 or Ms. Emily Holtel-Hoag at 216-228-0869 x 3

Roman Catholic Womenpriests : Highlights of Ordinations of Women Bishops- 9 min.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C2k7F6110k

On this 9 min. video, you will see some highlights of the historic ordinations of the first women bishops in the United States to serve our growing movement. Bishops have a pastoral and spiritual role in the movement. They are not on the Leadership Circle/LC. The Leadership Circle perform the administrative tasks. Priests do not promise obedience to a bishop. Notice that at our ordinations, women prostrate before the altar, not the bishop(s) as a symbol of our consecration to serving God and the people. Also note that the people prayed with the bishops the prayer of consecration, and although not seen in this short video, the community lays hands on the ordinands. Look at slide show on right hand corner of blog and you will see the people laying hands as well as the presiding bishops.

www.romancatholicwomenpriests.org
sofiabmm@aol.com
Bridget Mary Meehan

Roman Catholic Womenpriests : " US Nuns facing Vatican Scrutiny"

New York Times article (July 2, 2009)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/02/us/02nuns.html?_r=1&hp

Commentary:
One of the reasons that the nuns incurred the Vatican's wrath is their support of justice for women in the church specifically the issue of women's ordination.
In a recent letter, Roman Catholic Womenpriests extended our prayerful support and expressed our solidarity with the Leadership Conference of Women Religious/ LCWR and the apostolic orders who are undergoing Vatican investigation. Religious women have been prophets over the centuries and challenged our institutional church to live the Gospels. We are, like many Catholics and non-Catholics, are grateful to the nuns for their dedication and service to God's people especially those on the margins of society.
It is my hope that these gutsy women continue to speak truth to power as courageous witnesses of Christ's compassion and justice in our world. Our church and world needs their witness to Gospel equality now more than ever! Some fear that the Vatican will impose an older model of pre-Vatican 11 traditional convent life. Others suggest that perhaps it is time for the women religious to drop their canonical status and adopt a new, renewed model of religious life similar to Sisters for Christian Community/SFCC. (my community). Our rule of life is the Gospel and our charism is building community so that all may be one. There are many options for women religious to consider that could offer fresh possibilities for a future, unimpeded by Vatican interference. Nuns have mountain-moving faith and and as we know all things are possible for God. My guess is that we are in for some surprises by the Spirit here.
The movement for full equality of women in the church is moving forward and becoming a reality in grassroots communities now as Roman Catholic Womenpriests respond to the call to serve God's people in a community of equals. Let justice flow like a river to end all oppressive domination and usher in freedom and equality for God's beloved people. Sisters, the ball is in your court now, take the lead! Anyone called to priestly ministry?
Bridget Mary Meehan, rcwp
sofiabmm@aol.com

Roman Catholic Womenpriests : Benedict XVI: Church Needs Change of Mentality/ARCC spot LIght

Members of Mary, Mother of Jesus Community pray over
Bridget Mary Meehan in preparation for her ordination as bishop.

The article below indicates a welcome shift to "pastoral co-responsibility" It also is a reminder that women, half of the church's membership are excluded from priestly ministry and full equality in the church. It is time for the Vatican to address the issue of justice for all including women in the church.The people on the margins have moved to the mainstream and reflect Christ's example of a discipleship of equals.They are taking pastoral co-responsibility in empowered, prophetic communities in a number of ways including calling women forth to serve their faith communities as deacons, priests and bishops. This is the charism, the gift that the Roman Catholic Womenpriests' movement brings to our beloved church. Yes, Pope Benedict, the church needs a change of mentality and Catholics are moving forward to live this renewed vision now. Amen to ARCC's article!

Bridget Mary Meehan, rcwp

ARCC spot LIGHT (analysis of Church issues offered by the ARCC Publications Committee, R. Schutzius, ed.)

Benedict XVI: Church Needs Change of Mentality

ROME, MAY 28, 2009 (Zenit.org).- "Lay people are not merely the clergy's collaborators, but rather share in the responsibility of the Church's ministry", says Benedict XVI. The Pope called on the laity to become more aware of their role when he inaugurated an ecclesial conference for the Diocese of Rome on "Church Membership and Pastoral Co-responsibility". "There should be a renewed becoming aware of our being Church and of the pastoral co-responsibility that, in the name of Christ, all of us are called to carry out," the Holy Father said.

The Pope, in one sense, is absolutely correct on this one! He recognizes, as we all do, that serious changes are needed in the Church, and even points in the right direction suggesting that we all are co-responsible for the Catholic Christian Community, the Church. The Pontiff acknowledged that this requires a "change of mentality," especially regarding lay people, shifting from "considering themselves collaborators of the clergy to recognizing themselves truly as 'co-responsible' for the being and action of the Church, favoring the consolidation of a mature and committed laity". "There is still a tendency to unilaterally identify the Church with the hierarchy, forgetting the common responsibility, the common mission" of all the baptized.

But the "devil is in the detail" (perhaps literally). "Up to what point is the pastoral responsibility of everyone, especially the laity, recognized and encouraged?" he asks. We must ask in return, what co-responsible member of a community has no say in choosing its leadership, or how the resources of the community are spent, or can tolerate secrecy, lack of accountability, and no participation in decisions of the community?

ARCC suggests that Pope Benedict must first change his own mentality about the Church. He means well, but his understanding of co-responsibility is just not real. He seeks to change our Church mentality back to the pre- Vatican II model when we had responsibilities but no rights. We call that a monarchy, not a community. His words remain sounding gongs and tinkling cymbals until he changes first.

Remembering the Women Sunday Readings

7/5/09, 14th Sunday , Mark 6, 1-6

7/12/09, 15th Sunday, Mark 6, 14-29

ARCC is a co-sponsor of THE AMERICAN CATHOLIC COUNCIL (ACC) Please consider joining this effort to bring about much-needed organizational restructuring in the Church

Feel free to distribute this article without change. Thank you for support of ARCC..

Send comments to rschutz1@prodigy.net or 1-877-700-ARCC (2722).

Roman Catholic Womenpriests : Irish Television Program/Spirit Level Broadcast on Roman Catholic Womenpriests- Interview with Bridget Mary Meehan

The video of the RTE (Irish TV) programme Spirit Level, broadcast on Sunday 28th June in Ireland, is now accessible on the RTE site at http://www.rte.ie/tv/spiritlevel/av_20090628.html?2570701,null,228

If you move the slider on the viewer to Minute 26 you will come to the start of the section on women priests.
This program was filmed in Dublin earlier this month when we celebrated Mass with the Women's Ordination and Married Priests Community.
Bridget Mary Meehan

Roman Catholic Womenpriests : Videos Online on youtube, google etc.

Mosaic of Bishop Theodora and St. Praxedis in St. Praxedis Church in Rome

Videos on YouTube and Google about Roman Catholic Womenpriests Movement

Highlights of Historic Women Bishops Ordinations in United States ( 9. min.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C2k7F6110k

The Case for Women Priests ( 5 min.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGBlRvc6J2k

Archaeological Evidence of Women Priests and Bishops: An interview with Roman Catholic Theologian and Archaeologist Dr. Dorothy Irvin
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2648827455394718550

Roman Catholic Womenpriests: Growth in the Movement in the United States
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dbZm_co9_A

Excerpts from Patricia Fresen's Lecture at Call to Action
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tP53N8YvZ0

Roman Catholic Womenpriests: Vision and Mission
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJrn-rmHpPQ&NR=1

Women Roman Catholic Priests: VOA Video on House Church in Sarasota
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EuJ5KHzs28

A New Model of Priestly Ministry:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMYrQOpK58M&NR=1

Highlights of Pittsburgh Ordinations-First U.S. Ordinations of Roman Catholic Womenpriests on July 31, 2006
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8mZYhWN0Gc

Highlights of Press Conference in Pittsburgh -- first U.S. Ordination of Roman Catholic Womenpriests
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-t3x-ecWVg&feature=related

Roman Catholic Women Celebrate Liturgy at National Conference of Call to Action in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2006
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfKSfJ9cLwY&feature=related

Highlights of Roman Catholic Womenpriests Ordinations in New York
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2689082182390282128
Roman Catholic Womenpriests: New York Ordinations-Prayer of Consecration
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5182652314346668161

Roman Catholic Womenpriests: St. Louis Ordinations
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=655315827921596796

Mass Presided by Catholic Women- Welcome Pope Benedict to the U.S.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWp3zUb14Ms&feature=related

Homily (clip) by Roman Catholic Womanpriest (Andrea Johnson) on occasion of Pope's Visit to U.S.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7aeLL6MSZo&feature=related

Roman Catholic Womanpriest Ree Hudson speaks at press conference on occasion of Pope Benedict's U.S. Visit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T49nUOE0MnM&feature=related

Roman Catholic Womenpriests Ordained in Boston
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK4gostPPgY&feature=related

Roman Catholic Womenpriests: Ordination in California
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36NJL4protk&feature=related

Roman Catholic Womenpriests Ordain Four Women in Chicago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCwPVWcthkY&feature=related
Roman Catholic Womenpriests: Ordination in Chicago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWgB3TRkpvM&feature=related

View Fr. Roy's Homily at Ordination of Janice Sevre-Duszynska in Kentucky on google
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8981028910855872604

Ordination clip of prostration before altar of Janice Sevre-Duszynska in Kentucky
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1350776209260830572&hl=en

Roman Catholic Womenpriests: Philadelphia Ordinations:
NJ Woman Ordained in Controversial Ceremony
http://videos.nj.com/star-ledger/2009/04/nj_woman_ordained_as_a_priest.html

YouTube Movies of Ordination Ceremony of first womenbishops ordained in the United States by Roman Catholic Womenpriests:
Entrance Procession:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-tsOVVddBo

Clips of Bishop Patricia Fresen's homily at Ordinations of Women Bishops-

three parts:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJQFDNMnAO8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7I5T_ZC6es

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpZ1RAc7PqA

Examination of Bishops-Elect before the Community

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-mSG_PZ8cA

Prostration of Bishops/Litany of the Saints

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCk3yWVs4FQ

Laying of Hands

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woC43RqYmdA

Anointing of the Bishop's Head

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA4UJp5Nd-U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyjolnnVc2c

Presentation of Book of Gospels

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1kGVF_q2Yc

Investiture with Bishop's Staff

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwr0fens4-Y

Bishop Patricia Fresen presents first women bishops to be ordained in the United States to the Community

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6m2iexOXvU

Pink Smoke Trailer ( documentary produced by Jules Hart-- coming soon)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6uUC0zGShk

RTE/Irish Television Broadcast on Bridget Mary Meehan/ Roman Catholic Womenpriests (aired on June 28, 2009) Move slider to 26 min. point in program to pick up interview
http://www.rte.ie/tv/spiritlevel/av_20090628.html?2570701,null,228

Roman Catholic Womenpriests New Television/Internet Program: Overview 2002-2008 including homily by Maryknoll priest Fr. Roy Bourgeois
(photo courtesy of Bob Watkins)
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8317430528624416961

For more resources/videos/articles/information about Roman Catholic Womenpriests, visit
www.romancatholicwomenpriests.org

Read our book Women Find A Way-- edited by Elsie McGrath and Bridget Mary Meehan
Stories of the call of womenpriests to serve the people of God.
www.virtualbookworm.com
also available on amazon.com
Email: Bridget Mary Meehan at sofiabmm@aol.com

Roman Catholic Womenpriests: Photos and Videos- Farewell Party for Aisha Taylor, outgoing executive director of Women's Ordination Conference

Aisha Taylor, (left to right) outgoing director of Women's Ordination Conference (WOC) Bridget Mary Meehan RCWP, Erin Hanna (incoming executive director of WOC)

Laura Singer, president of the Women's Ordination Conference
voice the gratitude of the movement for Aisha's leadership

Aisha Taylor and Erin Hanna

Aisha Taylor

Bernie Byrne presenting card and gift from NOVA
On Thur. June 25, 2009, supporters of the Women's Ordination Conference gathered to pay tribute to Aisha Taylor outgoing Executive Director of the Women's Ordination Conference. Fr. Roy Bourgeois, MM, threatened with excommunication for his public support of women's ordination in Washington DC gave a powerful talk addressing the importance of solidarity with the women's ordination movement. He recalled that he became involved when he attended the ordination of Janice Sevre-Duszynska in Lexington, Kentucky. This prophetic action on his part resulted in the treat of excommunication by the Vatican. The Maryknoll Order stood by Roy as their brother and a member of their community whom they continue to support.

Andrea Johnson and Bridget Mary Meehan from Roman Catholic Womenpriests attended this gala event that paid tribute to Aisha Taylor's many accomplishments during her five year tenure a WOC. Erin Hanna led the tributes and will continue the essential mission of the Women's Ordination Conference.

I feel hopeful that young women like Aisha, Erin and Laura are leading the way to the full equality of women in the Roman Catholic Church. May justice for women in the church become a reality in our lifetime!

Bridget Mary Meehan, RCWP

Clips of Maryknoll priest, Fr. Roy Bourgeois' inspiring talk on women's ordination to the priesthood as a justice issue and need for solidarity:
"Sexism is a sin..."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSg8Prc5GaU
"The exclusion of women in the priesthood is a grave injustice."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6tp9ttH3rY

www.romancatholicwomenpriests.org
www.womensordination.org

Roman Catholic Womenpriests: Homily by Kathy Reddig on Corpus Christi

Kathy Reddig is a Roman Catholic Womanpriest
who serves a Catholic Community in Minnesota. She gave permission to share the homily she preached on Corpus Christi Sunday, June 14, 2009.

Homily—Corpus Christi

June 14, 2009

Over the years, since the time of Jesus, when he first made the Passover Meal something new by proclaiming the profound words, “This is my body, this is my blood, the whole notion of the Body and Blood of Jesus—or Corpus Christi—which actually means, “the Body of Christ, has made quite an evolution. Even from the time when I was a child learning about these mysteries—a span of 50 years, I have seen the changes. When I was preparing to make my first, (and we always added then) “holy” communion—it was all about reverence, worship and awe. There were special protocols if ever a host was dropped—everything stopped and it was as if everyone was holding their collective breath until Father retrieved a white cloth and picked Jesus up so that no one would step on him—something we would never have wanted to do!

Jesus, in the form of bread and wine was so sacred then that there were special things everyone had to remember about even how to receive this gift that was originally intended as a way for our God in Jesus to be closer to us. In those days, as many of you recall, we didn’t even receive the wine—the most precious blood was simply too precious for us to receive. And we received the host, the most precious body on our tongues as we weren’t worthy to touch it and we were never to chew it. This puts a great deal of stress on a young child like myself who was also very reverent and would never think of desecrating the host in any way.

Today things have changed. With Vatican II, we were encouraged by John XXIII to open some windows, let some fresh air in—think again about the original intention of this special gift. Jesus took common elements—the stuff of the Passover Meal—

flat bread—matzos—remembering the time of their forebears’ fleeing captivity in Egypt—no time to put leaven in the flour—wine, the common drink. Within the course of this religious ritual, Jesus did something new. He said, never again will you need to offer atonement/blood offerings to our God. I will become the sacrificial lamb who takes upon himself all the sufferings—all the evil that humans are capable of—I will become at last the offering that “cleanses your consciences”—makes you a whole and worthy gift to our loving God. My whole life has been to show you the way—this is my body—you are my body for the world. This is my blood—you are now that blood—that life-force, and without you, I have no heart, no voice, no eyes, no ears to engage the world. I came that you might know how much our loving God holds each one of you close—in the palm of God’s hand—carries you close under her heart as a mother soon-to-be carries her precious young.

Today, as a result of Vatican II, I see there being much more emphasis on the body of Christ, which is all of us, than on the body of Christ which is represented by the bread and wine on the table that we will soon together make sign and symbol of Jesus present among us.

Another aspect of those pre-Vatican II times, as I described earlier was the over-emphasis on worshipping the body and blood of Jesus in the form of bread and wine. It spawned practices of Eucharistic devotion and perpetual adoration—practices the Church is trying desperately today to reinstate, which will further keep Jesus away—untouchable as in earlier times.

The word “transubstantiation” –a word we second graders in the 50’s could barely pronounce and even less understood, was the talk of the day whenever the Eucharist was mentioned. The doctrine, as most of you know, states that one must believe that the bread and wine, with the words of consecration, have become “flesh” and “blood” even though they still appear to be bread and wine—taste like bread and wine.

The question perhaps to ask is—can the bread and wine—looking like bread and wine, tasting like bread and wine, still be Jesus-with-us? How about this? When we eat the bread and drink the wine, sign and symbol of Jesus-with-us, it becomes, actually, flesh and blood in our bodies. Again, I believe this is an instance of us taking Jesus’ words too literally and spending undo time and energy trying to get our heads around something that is not intelligible. I believe what Jesus intended is that he would remain with us, a part of us, body and blood, by incorporating all that he taught us and making it literally, a part of us. That’s what we mean when we say we are now Jesus’ body for our world. Hopefully, we become a bit more transformed into the body and blood of Jesus each day. People should be able to see Jesus in our actions.

Jesus’ task on this earth was to show us the way—he said, you will do greater things than I. He wasn’t going to be the one staying around—that would be our task. He knew we would need to feel his presence and thus he gave us the Eucharist—as a way to remember him, as a way to receive the strength needed to be his body in our world.

You might have wondered why we all say the words of institution unlike in the traditional Church. Many inclusive communities have been doing this for several years now and it is reflective of taking ownership for Jesus present-among-us.

We all together say the words that in effect make it so and it is again a mystery we can only see around the edges—dimly, as through a glass, to use Paul’s words. If we can grasp the fact that our God has loved us from all time, and that is proven by the sending of Jesus to be one with us, we have gotten the core message. Then, because Jesus couldn’t remain with us in physical form, he left us a way—a sacrament that when we share it, we become cognizant of his presence with us in a special way. We live in our respective worlds—in our own life situations and we are Jesus’ body and blood for the world, if we so choose.

For me, if it is a choice between reverencing Jesus’ body in the host and in the cup or reverencing Jesus’ body in our world and its people, my choice is clear—the world and its people.

So, am I saying that the sacrament of the altar is not important to me? No, on the contrary—it continues to be a very important ritual and a starting place for me. Jesus’ gift to each of us—his body, his blood, his loving, his dying, his rising—all instill within me a great sense of responsibility because if I believe he is here present, then I am called to make his gift my own—and not only my own, but a gift I am obligated to share with my world.

Earlier, I spoke about Vatican II bringing fresh air into the Church. In this homily, I have spent the most of my time trying to help us see the importance of putting the stress in the right place. As a child, I had a great reverence for the Eucharist—I went to Catholic schools and on special days when there was 40 hours devotion—the Eucharist was displayed outside the tabernacle.

I thought it so wonderful to go into the Cathedral on my lunch break and worship Jesus there. Those were the thoughts of a child. As an adult, I believe Jesus meant so much more than that.

I remember God’s words to the 1^st Testament people—I don’t want your offerings of bullocks and lambs—we might add—I don’t need you to worship me in the bread and the wine, but in the flesh and blood of my people. There was a time when we worried about dropping the host and desecrating it on the floor—I believe Jesus is more concerned about the desecration that happens when we fail to recognize him in the sufferings and needs of others. Our God simply wants us to have clean hearts that show our love by the way we live our lives.

So my friends, I invite us to have great reverence for the Eucharistic

meal—something we make our own each time we celebrate together, each time we say the words that make Jesus present here in our lives in a special way. We remember Jesus’ words to us—where two or three are gathered in my name—I am there. We become a family when we share this meal—we become vulnerable to each other as we eat together and we promise as a community, with Jesus’ help to continue to share his life among us. That is why anyone who wants to be part of our celebration and partake of the meal is welcome here, because Jesus has 1^st welcomed us. Partaking of the bread and wine as sign and symbol of Jesus with us only makes sense if we then go out and share the gift of Jesus’ love with all we meet. Worshipping or reverencing Jesus in the bread and wine only makes sense if we likewise reverence him in each person who comes into our lives.