Roman Catholic Women Priests and Leaders of Women's Ordination Celebrate Liturgy in Rome/Fr. Roy Bourgeois Has Open Dialogue with Vatican Officials

Donna Rougeux, Janice Sevre Duszynska,
Ree Hudson, and Fr. Roy Celebrate Liturgy
on rooftop overlooking the Vatican/St. Peter's Basilica.

Photo courtesy of WOC- available on http://woc.smugmug.com/Spirituality/WOC-in-Rome-October-2011/19591699_XBXwSg#1534990335_jxJxLN3-A-LBB

During this week in Rome, Maryknoll Fr. Roy Bourgeois had meetings with high-level Vatican officials. Fr. Roy shared with me today that these conversations were open and positive. Stay tuned for the next chapter in this powerful story of a prophetic, priest of the people, who speaks truth to power in a loving non-threatening way.

Thanks to Women's Ordination Conference and Call to Action for all they have done to promote justice for women in the church. (Special thanks to Erin Hanna, Kate Conmy of WOC, and to Nicole Sotelo and Bob Heineman of CTA, and to Miriam Duigan of Womenpriests.org) The smug mug photos provided by WOC are great! Thanks for sharing this piece of history with us.

Roman Catholic Women Priests, while not allowed in St. Peter's Square, by Police, were not arrested or detained by police. Perhaps, the Vatican did not want the negative publicity as a number of people have said. It is my hope that we have begun a healing process of centuries old misogyny in which spiritual power was invested exclusively in men. Fr. Roy Bourgeois's prophetic witness is a challenge to the deeply ingrained sexism in our church. I believe that women in vestments are visible reminders that women are equal images of God, therefore are worthy to preside at the altar. We are offering the church a new pathway forward to a more open, people-empowered, Christ-centered,inclusive church in our grassroots communities now. The good news is that 200 U.S. priests have signed a petition supporting Fr. Roy's right to speak his conscience. Primacy of conscience is a major teaching of the church. In July the Austrian -based Initiative of 300 Parish Priests announced a campaign of resistance that supports women and married men in the priesthood. Over 250 German theologians as well as the Irish Priests Association have followed suit. This week the Vatican got a glimpse of representatives of the women priest movement up close on its own doorstep. We have heard stories of support and openess even from officials in the Vatican! Let us hope that we are on our way to critical mass. There are over 148 media stories including programs airing on Italian and BBC television. The story of Fr. Roy Bourgeois and the Roman Catholic Women Priests Movement has been broadcast all over the world this week. The "Fr. Roy goes to Rome Story" is now available 24-7 on google and social media! Check out great pictures on smug mug.(link on WOC site) Let us pray for open hearts and open minds. Let us stay open to the Spirit moving in our midst.

Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP

Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests

http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/

sofiabmm@aol.com

"A Colombian First Woman Priest in Latin America" Media Interview with Olga Lucia Alvarez in Spanish With Photos.

Photo: Juan Pablo Gutierrez

Olga Lucia Alvarez, ARCWP, first woman priest in Latin America.

Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests

www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org

http://www.revistadonjuan.com/galerias/olga-lvarez-la-primera-mujer-cura-colombiana/10597546/0

"W Radio", belongs to Prisa in Spain, and It has a daily 12 am to 18:30 pm, radio talk show which is called "W" and It’s broadcasted to New York, New Jersey, Southern Florida, Orlando, and Panama, Ecuador, Colombia and Spain.We are considered the most important Spanish speaking radio speaking with an average audience of 2 million listeners and also recently "W Radio" has entered the ranking of the 10 most listened to station in the world via the Internet.

"What I Learned in Rome" by Bob Heineman/Call to Action/ Thanks for prophetic witness and support for women priests

What I learned in Rome:
1) There's a great amount of archeological evidence available about the lead roles that women held in the early Church. As evidenced at the Church of St Aurea in Ostia and in the Catacombs of St Priscilla in Rome. (well worth seeing for yourself).Our thanks to Dr Dorothy Irwin, who participated in this week.
2) Many religious congregations which have their houses in Romeare quite knowledgeable and sympathetic to the causes we hold dear -- re-examination of the nature of priesthood; opening up service in the priesthood to all believers; re-balancing the relationship of the sexes within the Church. These are some powerful potential allies.
3) Fr Roy Bourgeois, MM is as genuine, gentle and clear-sighted aswe've believed he is. He has been articulate, creative, humorous andcompassionate to all in the delegation. The international delegation of16 which has accompanied him is no less thoughtful and engaged. We definitely felt change in the air on the issue of women's ordination. There is a groundswell of support, reflected in the 148 news outlets that determinedto cover our modest march.
4) "Pink Smoke Over the Vatican" is a terrific vehicle for showing what ordinationmeans for bright, articulate and thoroughly delightful cast of our friends featuredin the film. It will soon be available for wide distribution.
5) When it comes to BASIC RIGHTS, the Vatican is on another planet:
"Freedom of Speech" -- none
"Freedom of Assembly" -- not allowed
"Freedom of the Press" -- "You have no right to film me without my permission. You have no right to quote me without my permission," Msgr who came thru while the press was there.
"Freedom of Religion" -- you've got to be kidding
6) Pat McSweeney of Taunton Massachusetts and Mike Toner of Buffalo arethe best of traveling companions. We've had a great time.
Remember to follow Call To Action on facebook
Many blessings -- Bob H
Bob Heineman
CTA Resources Developer & Chapter Liaison
HeinemanCTA@cta-usa.org
773 404-0004 x 263 (o) 847 682-1056
c)Check out our informative website: www.cta-usa.org

Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Thanks Bob for sharing your insights from this historic moment in our church's history. We in the international Roman Catholic Women Priests Movement owe a debt of thanks to Nicole Sotelo and you and thousands of Call to Action members and to Erin Hanna, Kate Conmy of Women's Ordination Conference as well as so many organizations and individuals, like Maryknoll priest Fr. Roy Bourgeois, and millions of Catholics worldwide who support Roman Catholic Women Priests with their prayers and hopes for a more open, just and inclusive church. We are grateful to Miriam Duigan from womenpriests.org for being a wonderful translator, whose witness got her detained by police along with Erin Hanna and Roy. A special thank you to the gang of eighteen who have come to Rome to witness our support of Fr. Roy and our gratitude to this priest of the people and prophet for justice. With Mary, mother of Jesus, Mary of Magdala, Junia, Phoebe, Priscilla and the holy women and men of the Gospel who were faithful disciples of Jesus we rejoice in our God for this holy shakeup that is bringing a new dawn of justice and equality to our church!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests

Movie of Fr. Roy Bourgeois and Supporters of Women Priests Walking Toward Vatican

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFgu38UvC9s&feature=channel_video_title
(Call to Action Youtube site)

Fr. Roy Meets with High-Level Vatican Officials/Support of Women Priests

International Delegation who Accompanied Fr. Roy to Rome

Photo courtesy of Women's Ordination Conference

Great News from International Supporters of Women Priests in Rome! The petition signed by 15,000 reporters has been delivered. Fr. Roy Bourgeois, prophet for justice and priest of the people, met with high-level Vatican officials.

Way to go Fr. Roy and delegation of women priests supporters. You are moving the issue light years ahead! World media is on board too!

Don't worry about the banners that Roman Police confiscated! One day, the may wind up in the Vatican Museum! Meantime, a supporter here in the U.S. has already said he will purchase next one!

The issues of women priests is causing a spiritual revolution that is being felt by the Vatican.

Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests

sofiabmm@aol.com

703-505-0004

U.S. Hispanics Choose Churches Outside Catholicism

http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=141275979&m=141495484

..."In little more than a decade, New Life Covenant Church in Chicago has grown from 68 people to more than 4,000 members; it had to abandon its old building and meet in Clemente High School. When you include the other churches New Life has started, its membership comes to some 12,000 people.
Hispanics Bolster Church Rolls
The Rev. Wilfredo de Jesus is leading the movement to give a little color to the mostly white Pentecostal faith. He says — and statistics bear him out — that Latinos are saving American Christianity.
"No doubt, every denomination would have decreased in membership," he says, "if it had not been for Hispanic growth, including our fellowship, the Assemblies of God."
It's a truism that 11 o'clock on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour of the week. But the people streaming into New Life's sanctuary are black, white and Asian, as well as Hispanic. Most, like de Jesus, are second-generation Latinos. And three of four services are in English. Indeed, much of the church's growth is fueled by Hispanic-Americans shedding the faith of their parents.
De Jesus says he can spot them every time.
"People come to the church, and I'm in the lobby area, greeting visitors — and they say, 'Hey Father, thank you for the Mass today.' I know where they're coming from."
They're coming from Catholicism. Polls by Pew Research Center show that fewer than 60 percent of second-generation Latinos are Catholic — and the ones who leave Catholicism head for the more boisterous evangelical churches, like New Life..."

Google Has Hundreds of Articles About Supporters of Roman Catholic Women Priests in Rome

Photo/Max Rossi/Reuters

Erin Hanna, (Women's Ordination Conference,

Deacon Donna Rougeux ARCWP, Ree Hudson RCWP, Roy Bourgeois,

Janice Sevre-Duszysnka, ARCWP

https://news.google.com/news/more?q=World+News+fr.+roy+bourgeois+and+janice+sevre+duszynska&hl=en&prmd=imvnsuo&bav=on.2%2Cor.r_gc.r_pw.%2Ccf.osb&biw=1290&bih=665&wrapid=tlif131898638989510&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ncl=dXwDtcTTeFo6QIMMnoQ6D3B_jLhYM&ei=-iKeTu7dMYbQiAL42OzNCQ&sa=X&oi=news_result&ct=more-results&resnum=1&ved=0CCoQqgIwAA

Italian television featured an interview with Fr. Roy Bourgeois and Janice Sevre-Duszynska. Imagine what a hit this program was with the Vatican prelates after the debacle with the Roman police yesterday.

One of the important critiques I offer is that they mentioned the police detained Fr. Roy and two women supporters. How come the media did not mention the names of the two courageous women? I had to make a call to Rome to find out that these two women were: Erin Hanna, executive director of Women's Ordination Conference USA and Miriam Duigan, (translator) from Womenpriests.org in England.

Great Photos courtesy of Women's Ordination Conference

available at smug mug visit link:

http://woc.smugmug.com/Spirituality/WOC-in-Rome-October-2011/19591699_XBXwSg#1534990335_jxJxLN3-A-LB

Roman Catholic Women Priests: RCWP Western Region

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoABSiGI62s
This video reflection shows the ministries of Roman Catholic Women Priests in the Western Region of the United States.

"Lack of Women Will Irreversibly Harm the Church" by Sr. Joan Chittister/NCR

Oct 17, 2011 "From Where I Stand"

"The story is an old one and I've told it before, but never has it felt so ominous as it does right now.It happened this way: About 15 or 20 years ago, I gave a series of conferences in a parish in Canada.So I was surprised when the topic came up at lunch from the couple hosting my visit. More than that, I was surprised at what triggered it..."

"It wasn't the dearth of theology around the question of the ordination of women that piqued them. It wasn't the growing statistic on the coming decline in the priesthood that worried them. It wasn't the fear of merging parishes that troubled them.On the contrary. They had a good parish, they said, a fine and loving parish priest, the kind of congregation that was family to them and the kind of faith to trust the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit among them.What bothered them was their 4-year-old daughter. She was a quick-minded child. Precocious. Persistent. Confident. They knew, they told me, that some day, she would question the difference between what her brother could do in the church and what she could do. That would be years away, of course, but still — maybe more for themselves than for her — they were struggling, to no avail, to find a reason good enough to appease her, they said.

Then, suddenly, one Sunday morning after Mass as they sat at the family breakfast table, it happened.

"Mama," she said suddenly, "why don't we have any girl priests at our church?"

They looked at one another, dumbstruck, unprepared. Too late. There was nothing left to do now but be honest.

"Because, darling," the mother said, "our church doesn't allow girl priests."

The little girl pursed her lips and frowned. "Then why do we go there?" she demanded.

With the retreat to Vatican I in full force, this question and its answer get closer and closer.

Feminine language is fast being cut from the very prayers of the church. The invisibility of women is official policy again. Women have been removed from various church boards stealthily but steadily...

Source URL: http://ncronline.org/blogs/where-i-stand/lack-women-will-irreversibly-harm-church

Bridget Mary's Reflection: Out of the mouths of babes, the Spirit speaks a question for all in our church to hear. Maryknoll priest, Fr. Roy Bourgeois, women priests Janice Sevre-Duszynska, Ree Hudson, deacon Donna Rougeux, Erin Hanna, executive director of Women's Ordination Conference, Miriam Duigian, from womenpriests.org, Bob Heineman, Nicole Sotelo and other supporters of women's ordination are raising the question of God's call to women to embrace a renewed priestly ministry in Rome this week. Let us pray that this prophetic message of justice and equality for women in our church is heard by all including the Vatican.

"Rumble Near the Vatican"- by Bob Heineman from Call to Action/Eyewitness Account of Roman Police Action/Women Priests Rock Church

(Photo courtesy of Women's Ordination Conference
Leaders of Women's Ordination Movement walk with Fr. Roy toward Vatican)

"Rumble near the Vatican" by Bob Heineman
"The fact that the Italian police had such trouble with the Occupy Rome group that turned violent meant that the police were "on edge".
On Monday morning, Oct 17, the press joined us for a showing of Pink Smoke Over the Vatcan. Followed by a press conference including our own Nicole Sotelo. We then walked up the center of the wide boulevard, Via della Concilllazione to a security fence in front of the Vatican. Mike got some great shots.

There we were not permitted onto St Peter’s Square 1) because of our signs, 2) because of the women priests being dressed in alb and stole or 3) because we were a group (take your pick). Long negotiations ensued. Ultimately, what happened was that the police conceded that Roy could go into the plaza to deliver the petition. But they would NOT give permission for the women, especially the women priests. And Roy would not go without them.
At that point the three women and Roy decided to have their picture taken, with a sign that Roy had purchased. That sent the police over the edge. An undercover officer grabbed Roy's sign to show it to one of his captains. Because Roy had the sign made in English and Italian, the police. could read it easily (none of them spoke English). The plain clothesman grabbed Roy's sign and threw it in a waiting police car.
I had been standing aside with the WOC banner and CTA sign folded up for some time. (at least 15 minutes) I had no intention of unfurling it again. But after Roy's sign, they came after me and I ditched the sign just before they got to me. Unfortunately I had no good place to ditch it and theypicked it up rather easily. They took the signs and again threw them into a police car. I believe that was just before the put Erin (the WOC director) and the woman who had been acting as interpreter (Miriam) intoa squad car. They were driven off with siren blaring. Soon Roy was told a car was ready for him. Roy ,on the other hand, was driven to the station with no fanfare. The detainees were released about two hours later.
A magistrate will decide whether they have to come back for a hearing. The signs are held for evidence.We received a lot of good press we're told. (AP, Reuters, CNS & Irish Times). Meanwhile Pat McSweeney, Mike Toner and I have been busygetting a couple appointments for Fr Roy tomorrow morning --with the Vicar General of the Franciscan Order and then the head of the Holy Childhood Sisters, a great friend (once removed) of Pat McSweeney. We hope they can give some solidarity to Roy. Enough for now.-- Bob H
Call To Action – Near Vatican City--
Bob Heineman
CTA Resources Developer & Chapter Liaison
HeinemanCTA@cta-usa.org773 404-0004 x 263 (o) 847 682-1056
(c)Check out our informative website: http://www.cta-usa.org/

Bridget Mary's Reflection: "Women Priests Rock Church"
Thanks to Call to Action's Bob Heineman for this colorful account of the fracas in the Vatican yesterday. The Vatican refused to allow Maryknoll priest Roy Bourgeois to deliver a petition with 15.000 signatures supporting his stance for women priests because he was accompanied by women priests dressed in alb and stole!
Yes, indeed,women priests are rocking the church and shaking up the Vatican hierarchy as we share women's experiences and claim women's power as spiritual equals. I wonder if any cardinals or bishops (maybe even the pope) caught a glimpse of the dustup in St. Peter's Square. I believe that on a deep spiritual, mystical level women priests are beginning a healing process of centuries old deep misogyny in which spiritual power was invested exclusively in men. We are visible reminders that women are equal images of God, and therefore worthy to preside at the altar. In inclusive grassroots communities Roman Catholic Women Priests are moving the church toward partnership in a Christ-centered Spirit -empowered community of equals. For some, like the Vatican , women priests are a revolution. For millions of people, the time has come for a holy shakeup that will bring new life, creativity and justice to the church and beyond.
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
sofiabmm@aol.com
703-505-0004
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org

"Maryknoll Priest Who Backs Women's Ordination Detained at Vatican" NCR/ "Vatican Gift that Keeps on Giving" by Bridget Mary Meehan

Janice Sevre-Duszynska, a Roman Catholic Woman Priest, is confronted by Italian police as she approaches St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Oct. 17. Fr. Roy participated in her ordination in Lexington, KY in 2008. This prophetic stance resulted in his excommunication. Janice was not arrested nor detained. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

http://ncronline.org/news/women-religious/maryknoll-priest-who-backs-womens-ordination-detained-vatican

NCR "The demonstrators, including two women who claimed to be priests and one a deacon, walked from Castel Sant'Angelo to St. Peter's Square carrying banners that said "God is calling women to be priests" and "Ordain Catholic women" while singing and beating a small tambourine."

BMM:The two women are priests: Janice Sevre-Duszynska, Ree Hudson, and Donna Rougeux, a deacon. Interesting that neither the women priests, nor deacon were arrested or detained by police, while Erin Hanna of the Women's Ordination Conference and Miriam Duigian of Womenpriests.org,(neither woman is ordained) were detained as was Fr. Roy. What message is the Vatican sending here?

NCR "Police explained to the group that it was illegal to hold a demonstration without a permit and that it would have been more appropriate to have called Vatican officials ahead of time in order to deliver the petition.
"It's not like delivering a pizza, you can't just show up" unannounced and without authorization, the undercover police officer said.
"It's a very important pizza," one of the demonstrators shouted."

BMM: Truly, the Vatican is the gift that keeps on giving! Now that explanation really takes the cake, the piazza or whatever!!! This sounds like the dialogue in a comedy late night show like Saturday Night Live. You really could not make this stuff up!

NCR: "Father Bourgeois was told several times by the Italian police that they could not prevent him from entering St. Peter's Square by himself to try to deliver the petition to someone in the Vatican, but the group as a whole and specifically the women dressed as priests could not enter the square because "their form of dress is a form of protest."

BMM: No wonder the Vatican officials in a snit! The Curia cannot abide the sight of women in vestments! If only Fr. Roy showed up a alone without these pesky tambourine playing women priests , all would have been well. The doors of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith would swing open and there Cardinal Levada would step out to welcome Roy in for a friendly chat. And of course, accept the 15,000 petitions. (Everyone knows- the rules! No, never must female priests cross into the Vatican, sacred shrine of male domination in the Roman Catholic Church!)


NCR "However, the situation grew tense when police tried to confiscate the group's banners and fliers. Members of the group refused because the vinyl banners cost a lot to produce, one demonstrator explained."
"Because of their refusal to hand over the banners peacefully, Father Bourgeois and two members of the group, Erin Saiz Hanna, executive director of the Women's Ordination Conference, and Miriam Duignan of WomenPriests.org, were brought to a nearby Italian police station. They were not arrested and no charges were made against them."

BMM: Come on, can anyone believe, this whole dustup with the police was about vinyl banners? Why would the Roman police want banners advertising women priests now? Evidence, you say, really of what? Obviously, the women's presence said it all! What is this about -- gathering souvenirs for pilgrims? Or hey, wait a minute. could there be something a bit sinister going on here? Is there someone in the Vatican, thinking ahead a hundred years or so, of a banner display in the Vatican museum. Or perhaps, they could be photo copied for holy cards or perhaps, even become relics! Don't laugh! stranger things have happened in the Catholic Church. Just read the history!
Speaking of history or in this case we should say "herstory", Roman Catholic Women Priests may be a revolution to the Vatican but we are a holy shakeup welcomed by millions of Catholics in the church and beyond!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
sofiabmm@aol.com

Priest and Two Supporters Detained at Vatican: Fr. Roy Bourgeois, Erin Hanna and Miriam Duignan

Photos courtesy of Women's Ordination Conference

available at smug mug link:

http://woc.smugmug.com/Spirituality/WOC-in-Rome-October-2011/19591699_XBXwSg#1534990335_jxJxLN3-A-LB

Priest and two supporters detained at Vatican

Rome, Italy – This afternoon, an international delegation of women’s ordination leaders including Roman Catholic priest, Fr. Roy Bourgeois, marched to the Vatican with a petition signed by 15,000 supporters. Fr. Bourgeois has been threatened by church officials for his public support of women’s ordination. Members of the delegation including Fr. Bourgeois, Erin Saiz Hanna, Executive Director of Women’s Ordination Conference, and Miriam Duignan of Womenpriest.org were detained and then released by local police authorities.

The delegation of fifteen leaders was met by local police at the gate of St. Peter’s and was denied entry. Plain-clothes policemen apprehended the delegation’s banners stating “Ordain Catholic Women,” “God is calling women to be priests” and “Call To Action.” The banners have been withheld as evidence for a pending hearing. Those who were detained were not officially arrested but their case will be heard by a judiciary court.

Bridget Mary's Reflection;

Our prayers and thoughts are with these courageous witnesses for justice and equality.

Erin Hanna, Miriam Duignan, and Fr. Roy Bourgeois Detained by Roman Police/Women Priests Not Detained

Associated Press Photo:(left to right: Ree Hudson, Fr. Roy, Janice Sevre-Duszysnkaat Vatican with international delegation)

Erin Hanna, Executive director of Women's Ordination, Miriam Duignan of Womenpriest.org , and Maryknoll priest Fr. Roy Bourgeois were detained by Roman police. They were part of an international delegation who came to Vatican with 15,000 signatures of support for Fr. Roy who faces dismissal from the Maryknoll Order for his support of women priests.
The interesting twist to this story is that the police did not detain Roman Catholic Women Priests Janice Sevre-Duszynska, Ree Hudson or Deacon Donna Rougeux, who were part of the international delegation who accompanied Fr. Roy to the Vatican. The reason seems to be that they were vested in liturgical attire! If this is so, then this is one for the history books! See Associated Press Photo below of Women Priests Janice and Ree dressed in alb and stoles.

Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
sofiabmm@aol.com

703-505-0004

Janice Sevre-Duszynska

859-684-4247

rhythmsofthedance@msn.com

Media Coverage: Fr. Roy Bourgeois and Women Supporters Detained in Rome at Demonstration for Women Priests

October 17, 2011S/Max Rossi/Reuters

Erin Hanna(WOC), Deacon Donna Rougeux, ARCWP

Ree Hudson, RCWP/USA

Maryknoll Priest; Fr. Roy Bourgeois

Janice Sevre-Duszynska, ARCWP( left to right)

"Catholics campaigning for women priests detained at Vatican"
Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/17/idUS402290250120111017

AP: http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2011/10/17/us_priest_who_backs_womens_ordination_detained/
http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/US-priest-backing-women-s-ordination-briefly-held-2222340.php#ixzz1b3reW25T

http://www.denverpost.com/nationworld/ci_19130340

US priest who backs women's ordination detained

Read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/US-priest-backing-women-s-ordination-briefly-held-2222340.php#ixzz1b3qFvR8S

Fr. Roy and Two Women Released from Roman Jail after Arrest for Vatican Protest for Women Priests

http://newsok.com/us-priest-who-backs-womens-ordination-detained/article/feed/307806

"The Rev. Roy Bourgeois and about a dozen supporters had marched down the main boulevard leading to the Vatican holding a banner "Ordain Catholic Women" and chanting outside St. Peter's Square "What do we want? Women priests! When do we want them? Now!"

Police prevented the group from entering the piazza and told them to take down their banners since they didn't have a protest permit. When police then tried to confiscate the banners, members of the group resisted, resulting in Bourgeois and two supporters being taken away in police cars, witnesses said.

The three were detained for about two hours at a Rome police station and released without being arrested or charged, though prosecutors were still investigating, said Bourgeois' attorney, Bill Quigley.

Bourgeois and members of the Women's Ordination Conference and other groups that support women priests had come to Rome to deliver a petition signed by some 15,000 people backing Bourgeois, who is facing dismissal from his Maryknoll order for his support of women's ordination.

The Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in 2008 ordered Bourgeois to recant his support for women priests or risk excommunication after he delivered the homily at the ordination of Janice Sevre-Duszynska, one of several women who have defied the Vatican and begun passing themselves off as Roman Catholic priests."

Read more: http://newsok.com/us-priest-who-backs-womens-ordination-detained/article/feed/307806#ixzz1b3XNvOpR

Rev. Roy Bourgeois and Two Supporters Detained by Police After Marching to Vatican

VATICAN CITY (AP) — "A U.S. Catholic priest who supports ordination for women has been detained by police after marching to the Vatican to press the Holy See to lift its ban on women priests. The Rev. Roy Bourgeois and two supporters were taken away Monday in a police car after their group marched down the main boulevard leading to the Vatican and chanted outside St. Peter's Square "What do we want? Women priests!" One of Bourgeois' lawyers, Bill Quigley, says police had tried to take the group's banners and members resisted. Bourgeois and members of the Women's Ordination Conference and other groups that support women priests had come to Rome to deliver a petition backing Bourgeois, who is facing dismissal from his Maryknoll order for his support of women's ordination.
Follow @nytimesworld for international breaking news and headlines. "
Follow @nytimesworld for international breaking news and headlines.

Bridget Mary's Reflection:
I wonder who the two courageous supporters are!?

Fr. Roy Bourgeois and International Delegation of Women’s Ordination Leaders Hold Press Conference; March on Vatican to Deliver Petition

Fr. Roy Bourgeois (holds up chalice) at liturgy of ordination

of Janice Sevre-Duszynska (holds up bread) in Aug. 2008
October 17, 2011
ROME, ITALY - Today, at 12:00 noon at Casa Del Cinema (Sala Kodak), Largo Marcello Mastroianni, representatives of Catholic organizations from around the world challenged the “grave scandal” of women’s ordination in the Roman Catholic Church, calling for the full and equal participation of women as deacons, priests, and bishops in a renewed church.
The remarks came following the Italian premiere of the award-winning documentary film, “Pink Smoke Over the Vatican,” during a press conference held by Women’s Ordination Worldwide and other pro-ordination organizations. The activists traveled to Rome with Fr. Roy Bourgeois—an outspoken priest on the issue of women’s ordination—to hand-deliver a petition signed by 15,000 supporters on the issue. After the press conference, the groups staged a vigil in St. Peter's Square.
Fr. Roy Bourgeois, a Roman Catholic priest, peace activist, US veteran, and founder of the human rights group, School of the Americas Watch, currently faces potential dismissal from his Maryknoll order for his public support of women’s ordination. “I have come to Rome with a basic question for our church leaders at the Vatican: how can we, as men, say that our call from God is authentic, but God’s call of women is not?”
“The scandal of demanding silence on the issue of women’s ordination reflects the absolute arrogance of the hierarchy and their tragic failure to accept women as equals in dignity and discipleship in the eyes of God,” said Erin Hanna, executive director of the U.S. based Women’s Ordination Conference. Therese Koturbash, lawyer and National Coordinator of Canada's Catholic Network for Women's Equality continued: “Even though canon law invites our Church leaders to hear from the faithful, our leaders are silent when we try to engage.”
Firm in his conscience, Fr. Roy Bourgeois has broken through the Vatican’s culture of fear to stand with the 63% of Catholics who support women’s ordination in the United States. “Increasingly priests around the world are rising up for women’s equality and ordination in the Catholic Church,” stated Nicole Sotelo, from Call To Action (USA). “Just this summer in the United States alone, 200 priests signed the Clergy for Conscience letter supporting Fr. Roy and his right to speak his conscience. Together, we are creating a stronger, unified movement that carries high the scriptural mandate to preach the good news, without censure, but rather, firmly rooted in one’s conscience: ‘there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus’” (Galatians 3:28).
“A holy shake-up is taking place here," said woman priest Janice Sevre-Duszynska, "that is challenging the institutional church's sexism which treats women as second class members of their own church and contributes to violence toward women in society. Women priests remind us that women are equal images of God and therefore worthy to preside at liturgy and the sacred rituals of our church."
“We love our family, the Catholic Church,” stated Miriam Duignan of Housetop’s womenpriests.org. “We feel obliged in conscience to make our carefully considered reasons known. In doing so, we fulfill our canon law duty to speak out, as our present Pope has encouraged us to do.”
In 1976, the Biblical Commission of Pope Paul VI determined there was no scriptural reason to prohibit women's ordination. Despite the Commission's finding, the Pope issued a statement later that year declaring the Vatican is not authorized to ordain women. “Christian history documents that women were deacons, priests and bishops in the early church. As a result, we know that Canon 1024, which states that only men can validly receive the sacrament of ordination, is blatantly sexist,” concluded Hanna.
###
Call To Action (CTA) educates, inspires and activates Catholics to act for justice and build inclusive communities through a lens of anti-racism and anti-oppression principles. An independent national organization of over 25,000 people and 53 local chapters, CTA believes that the Spirit of God is at work in the whole church, not just in its appointed leaders. For more information, visit http://www.cta-usa.org/ Contact: Nicole Sotelo, Director of Communications, nicole@cta-usa.org +1(773) 404-0004 x285
Catholic Network for Women's Equality (CNWE), based in Canada, is a feminist-focused support and advocacy group for women and men in the Roman Catholic tradition, seeking to effect structural change in the institutional church that reflects the mutuality and integrity of a community of co-equal disciples, and to create life-giving alternatives to the present institutional structures. Therese Koturbash shaburtok@yahoo.ca
Housetop's www.womencanbepriests.org is the largest internet site providing information and documentation on the ordination of women. Though its focus is on the Catholic Church, its work benefits all Christian Churches. Offering thousands of documents in English and 24 other languages, the website covers decrees of councils and synods, the teaching of the Fathers of the Church, medieval theologians, recent papal decrees, contemporary articles and ongoing discussions on scripture, tradition and the teaching authority of the Church. Contact: Miriam Duignan, +44(0)1923 779 446, m_duignan@hotmail.com
International Movement We are Church (IMWAC), Founded in Rome in 1996, is committed to the renewal of the Roman Catholic Church on the basis of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) and the theological spirit developed from it. We are Church evolved from the Church Referendum in Austria in 1995 that was started after the paedophilia scandal around Vienna's former Cardinal Groer. We are Church is represented in more than twenty countries on all continents and is networking world-wide with similar-minded reform groups. Contact: Nicole Sotelo, +1(773) 404-0004 x285 nicole@cta-usa.org
Roman Catholic Womenpriests (RCWP)/ Association of Roman Catholic Womanpriests, an international initiative within the Roman Catholic Church, advocates for a new model of priestly ministry united with the people with whom they serve. The movement is an initiative within the Church that began with the ordination of seven women on the Danube River in 2002. Women bishops ordained in apostolic succession continue to carry on the work of ordaining women in the Roman Catholic Church. Contact Janice Sevre-Duszynska, rhythmsofthedance@msn.com or Ree Hudson, reehud@sbcglobal.net
Women's Ordination Conference, founded in 1975 and based in Washington, D.C., the is the oldest and largest national organization working for the ordination of women as priests, deacons, and bishops into an inclusive and accountable Roman Catholic Church. WOC also promotes new perspectives on ordination that call for less separation between the clergy and laity. Contact: Erin Saiz Hanna, ehanna@womensordination.org +1(401) 588-0457
Women's Ordination Worldwide, founded in 1996, is an ecumenical network, whose primary mission at this time is the admission of Roman Catholic women to all ordained ministries. Contact: Erin Saiz Hanna, ehanna@womensordination.org +1(401) 588-0457; Therese Koturbash shaburtok@yahoo.ca
For Immediate Release October 17, 2011 Contacts: Erin Saiz Hanna, ehanna@womensordination.org US: (202) 675-1006, Rome: 401-588-0457 (US Mobile) Janice Sevre-Duszynska, rhythmsofthedance@msn.com, US and Rome: 859-6844247 (mobile)

Fr. Roy Bourgeois and International Delegation of Women’s Ordination Leaders Hold Press Conference; March on Vatican to Deliver Petition

October 17, 2011

ROME, ITALY - Today, at 12:00 noon at Casa Del Cinema (Sala Kodak), Largo Marcello Mastroianni, representatives of Catholic organizations from around the world challenged the “grave scandal” of women’s ordination in the Roman Catholic Church, calling for the full and equal participation of women as deacons, priests, and bishops in a renewed church.

The remarks came following the Italian premiere of the award-winning documentary film, “Pink Smoke Over the Vatican,” during a press conference held by Women’s Ordination Worldwide and other pro-ordination organizations. The activists traveled to Rome with Fr. Roy Bourgeois—an outspoken priest on the issue of women’s ordination—to hand-deliver a petition signed by 15,000 supporters on the issue. After the press conference, the groups staged a vigil in St. Peter's Square.

Fr. Roy Bourgeois, a Roman Catholic priest, peace activist, US veteran, and founder of the human rights group, School of the Americas Watch, currently faces potential dismissal from his Maryknoll order for his public support of women’s ordination. “I have come to Rome with a basic question for our church leaders at the Vatican: how can we, as men, say that our call from God is authentic, but God’s call of women is not?”

“The scandal of demanding silence on the issue of women’s ordination reflects the absolute arrogance of the hierarchy and their tragic failure to accept women as equals in dignity and discipleship in the eyes of God,” said Erin Hanna, executive director of the U.S. based Women’s Ordination Conference. Therese Koturbash, lawyer and National Coordinator of Canada's Catholic Network for Women's Equality continued: “Even though canon law invites our Church leaders to hear from the faithful, our leaders are silent when we try to engage.”

Firm in his conscience, Fr. Roy Bourgeois has broken through the Vatican’s culture of fear to stand with the 63% of Catholics who support women’s ordination in the United States. “Increasingly priests around the world are rising up for women’s equality and ordination in the Catholic Church,” stated Nicole Sotelo, from Call To Action (USA). “Just this summer in the United States alone, 200 priests signed the Clergy for Conscience letter supporting Fr. Roy and his right to speak his conscience. Together, we are creating a stronger, unified movement that carries high the scriptural mandate to preach the good news, without censure, but rather, firmly rooted in one’s conscience: ‘there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus’” (Galatians 3:28).

“A holy shake-up is taking place here," said woman priest Janice Sevre-Duszynska, "that is challenging the institutional church's sexism which treats women as second class members of their own church and contributes to violence toward women in society. Women priests remind us that women are equal images of God and therefore worthy to preside at liturgy and the sacred rituals of our church."

“We love our family, the Catholic Church,” stated Miriam Duignan of Housetop’s womenpriests.org. “We feel obliged in conscience to make our carefully considered reasons known. In doing so, we fulfill our canon law duty to speak out, as our present Pope has encouraged us to do.”

In 1976, the Biblical Commission of Pope Paul VI determined there was no scriptural reason to prohibit women's ordination. Despite the Commission's finding, the Pope issued a statement later that year declaring the Vatican is not authorized to ordain women. “Christian history documents that women were deacons, priests and bishops in the early church. As a result, we know that Canon 1024, which states that only men can validly receive the sacrament of ordination, is blatantly sexist,” concluded Hanna.

###

Call To Action (CTA) educates, inspires and activates Catholics to act for justice and build inclusive communities through a lens of anti-racism and anti-oppression principles. An independent national organization of over 25,000 people and 53 local chapters, CTA believes that the Spirit of God is at work in the whole church, not just in its appointed leaders. For more information, visit http://www.cta-usa.org/ Contact: Nicole Sotelo, Director of Communications, nicole@cta-usa.org +1(773) 404-0004 x285

Catholic Network for Women's Equality (CNWE), based in Canada, is a feminist-focused support and advocacy group for women and men in the Roman Catholic tradition, seeking to effect structural change in the institutional church that reflects the mutuality and integrity of a community of co-equal disciples, and to create life-giving alternatives to the present institutional structures. Therese Koturbash shaburtok@yahoo.ca

Housetop's www.womencanbepriests.org is the largest internet site providing information and documentation on the ordination of women. Though its focus is on the Catholic Church, its work benefits all Christian Churches. Offering thousands of documents in English and 24 other languages, the website covers decrees of councils and synods, the teaching of the Fathers of the Church, medieval theologians, recent papal decrees, contemporary articles and ongoing discussions on scripture, tradition and the teaching authority of the Church. Contact: Miriam Duignan, +44(0)1923 779 446, m_duignan@hotmail.com

International Movement We are Church (IMWAC), Founded in Rome in 1996, is committed to the renewal of the Roman Catholic Church on the basis of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) and the theological spirit developed from it. We are Church evolved from the Church Referendum in Austria in 1995 that was started after the paedophilia scandal around Vienna's former Cardinal Groer. We are Church is represented in more than twenty countries on all continents and is networking world-wide with similar-minded reform groups. Contact: Nicole Sotelo, +1(773) 404-0004 x285 nicole@cta-usa.org

Roman Catholic Womenpriests (RCWP)/ Association of Roman Catholic Womanpriests, an international initiative within the Roman Catholic Church, advocates for a new model of priestly ministry united with the people with whom they serve. The movement is an initiative within the Church that began with the ordination of seven women on the Danube River in 2002. Women bishops ordained in apostolic succession continue to carry on the work of ordaining women in the Roman Catholic Church. Contact Janice Sevre-Duszynska, rhythmsofthedance@msn.com or Ree Hudson, reehud@sbcglobal.net

Women's Ordination Conference, founded in 1975 and based in Washington, D.C., the is the oldest and largest national organization working for the ordination of women as priests, deacons, and bishops into an inclusive and accountable Roman Catholic Church. WOC also promotes new perspectives on ordination that call for less separation between the clergy and laity. Contact: Erin Saiz Hanna, ehanna@womensordination.org +1(401) 588-0457

Women's Ordination Worldwide, founded in 1996, is an ecumenical network, whose primary mission at this time is the admission of Roman Catholic women to all ordained ministries. Contact: Erin Saiz Hanna, ehanna@womensordination.org +1(401) 588-0457; Therese Koturbash shaburtok@yahoo.ca

For Immediate Release
October 17, 2011
Contacts: Erin Saiz Hanna, ehanna@womensordination.org
US: (202) 675-1006, Rome: 401-588-0457 (US Mobile)
Janice Sevre-Duszynska, rhythmsofthedance@msn.com,
US and Rome: 859-6844247 (mobile)

"German Theologian Ursula King, Keynote Speaker Gives Overview of ,' A Spiritual Revolution...for Equality and Peace' "

By Janice Sevre-Duszynska, ARCWP

(In this article, Janice shares Ursula King's keynote address at 100th anniversary celebration of St. Joan's Alliance in England. This is part of her journey for justice, reclaiming the heart of the vision of Jesus in the Gospel. Tomorrow, Janice will report from Rome as the international delegation of supporters of women's ordination accompany Fr. Roy to the Vatican in quest for justice and equality for women in the church. Stay tuned!)

"German theologian, Ursula King, was the guest speaker on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2011 for the 100th anniversary celebration of the founding of St. Joan's International Alliance in London, England. She began by introducing us to her latest book, Rediscovering the Fire.

As a young woman Ursula studied for two years with Joseph Ratzinger who got his first chair at the University of Bonn at the age of 33. She was 19. When Ratzinger got to the Vatican, he became more reactionary she said.

Ursula recalled an incident that never left her. When she was a young theologian, a very old woman came up to her at a conference and said: "You young women have it so easy. You didn't have to go to prison for the vote."

Another memory surfaced. While living in Bombay years ago she read an article in "The Examiner" addressing the Nuncio about his comment blaming the pharmaceuticals for birth control. The writer then told the Nuncio, "It's the laity that wants birth control."Since the 1960s there has been a great unprecedented leap forward for women's rights.Before that time women died giving birth or spent much of their lives raising children. Only nuns and rich women had time to devote to work for social transformation."

Our Herstory needs to be sought out and then illuminated," Ursula said. "Our Herstory bees to be used as the leaven to pull us forward for the further evolution of women and men."What is happening now, she said, is the transformation of all faiths. She recommended we read "Scripture as a Source of Empowerment," written by a woman from India. Also, "Gendering the Spirit: The Last Frontier," which is a collection of essays by women from Southeast Asia."

A silent revolution of fundamental social transformations, a change of consciousness from the ground up is taking place," Said Ursula. "It is a spiritual revolution in secular movements for equality and peace, values which come from spirituality."From the Christian and Quaker movement came the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago in 1893. There the first ordained Unitarian woman minister (Blackwell1853) gave a speech on women in the pulpit and the importance of women preaching and being ordained.

Ursula challenged our idea of Florence Nightingale which she said is really male stuff we've picked up, not women's. In "Florence Nightingale:The making of a radical theologian by an Aussie writer we learn that Nightingale found the family too narrow a space and longed for a woman Savior, a female Christ.

In the 1987 international book,"Daughters of the Buddha," we learn that in Avata Buddhism the nuns want the spiritual equivalent of males. Yet, major monks were against it. The last full ordination of women monks happened in the 11th century.Hindi women since 1971 have been denied reading Sanscript scripture. Now more Hindu women are engaged in the spiritual movement.We learned that the largest Muslim population in the world is found in Indonesia.

And, in "Women Shaping Islam," that Muslim women function as judges and teachers of Islam. "There is a search for liberation and justice in the grassroots who are making a statement for justice for Muslim women," Ursula said. Today there are 18 million Chinese Muslims. For 400 years, since 1600, there have been female imams. Suggested reading: "The History of Chinese Mosques."Within global transformation, there is the process of educational literacy, of being able to read the classical languages, such as Greek, and of reading sacred literature in light of contemporary issues.

Women are becoming more fully human says Katarin Hulkas in "Awakening the Energies of Love."Meanwhile, "the church is slowly moving itself into a corner of irrelevance," Ursula said. "You really have to fight for your goal."Her final recommendation was "From Reason to Wonder," a book about science and faith.

After Ursula King's talk on the worldwide movement toward liberation, justice and equality, we were permitted to ask questions or make comments. Folks learned that I was an ordained RCWP during our prayer service when I prayed for the continued growth of Roman Catholic Women Priests and those who support us as well as blessings on our work for justice for women at the United Nations.

Now I wanted to make sure that people understood that our Ordinations and our movement for women priests just wasn't adding women and stir. Rather, it was about what we in the Women's Ordination Conference reiterated for 35 years: A renewed priesthood in a reformed church. I spoke about our non-hierarchal structure and circular governance; that we are a community of equals; that our bishops function to ordain women; that our liturgies are inclusive and all are welcome including the divorced, GLBTs and non-Catholics; that we are worker priests; that all say the words of consecration. Later as we were leaving the building, I said good-bye to Ursula King and she thanked me for making saying what I said.

In addition to speakers Ursula King and Myra Poole were longtime members Ianthe Pratt and Mary Dietrich from London and our own Dorothy Irvin who spoke about the Alliance and our work at the United Nations as well as the need for better communication among members in the different countries."

"St. Teresa of Avila, Patron of Church Reformers, A Gutsy Woman and Mentor for Today" by Bridget Mary Meehan

Bridget Mary Meehan

October 15th is the feast day of St. Teresa of Avila.

Teresa was a woman who loved life, lived it fully, knew her own sinfulness, felt the emptiness that God alone could fill, and discovered abiding peace in the presence of God. I think Teresa is a great mentor for spiritual seekers and reformers today.

As an adolescent, Teresa went out regularly, frequently without parental permission. She lied to her father about an affair with a man she hoped would marry her. Teresa recalled that when she was no longer a virgin, they put her in a convent. After becoming ill with heart problems, she returned home.

Shortly afterwards, she decided to enter the convent to save her soul. Her mother, whom she adored, had died when she was eleven. She had a close relationship with her father. Leaving home to enter the convent was a devastating experience: " I can remember completely what it was like, and in sober truth I don't think that the pain will be more when I die then when I walked out of my father's house, for I felt as if my very bones were being pulled apart."

(As I reflect on leaving home at 18 to enter the convent, I put on a brave face, but felt sad as this was the first separation from my family. Now 45 years later this wonderful group of women , our band" is planning a reunion of the "ins and outs". There is a special spiritual bond that we continue to share that is deeply rooted from our shared memories and prayerful presence. When we entered the convent in 1966, we were 90 strong, and had no idea where God was leading us. Now, the joy is, we stay connected on a listserve and support one another with prayer and words of affirmation and encouragement.
Today families are torn apart by gut-wrenching pain when they are separated for long periods of time-- immigrants, military etc. The blessing now is that there is an internet and we can communicate with loved ones across the miles and time zones.)

After entering the convent, Teresa continued to care for her ailing father until his death. " I suffered much hardship during his sickness. I believe I served him womewhat for he trilas he suffered during mine." (There are many care-givers today who are walking in Teresa's shoes and can identify with her compassionate service to her beloved Dad. )

After her father's death, Teresa lived in two worlds. She longed for intimacy with God. On the other hand she was distracted by the social life that convent living at the time. (Apparently, these were the big party days!)

When she was forty years old, Teresa saw an image of Jesus in agony that changed her life. "The vision of Christ left upon me an impression of his extraordinary beauty, and the impression remains today." From that time on, Teresa grew closer to Christ and developed a way of practicing the presence of God which Teresa desribed as an intimage sharing between friends. (Autobiography 8:5) She could share everything- her joys, sufferings, failures, victories- with her beloved friend, God. On one occasion Teresa's wagon got stuck in mud as she was crossing a river. As she watched her supplies float away, Teresa heard God say to her: "This is how I treat my friends.' "Then its no wonder," she responded, " that you have so few!"

Her deepening prayer life led Teresa to reform the Carmelite Order. After prayerful reflection, Teresa decided that it was time for a renewal of religious life. She would initiate communities in which the 'primitive rule' would be followed where women would live as passionate disciples of Christ through prayer and asceticism. Teresa believed that the fruitfulness of prayer was demonstrated in daily living. "What value God places on our loving and keeping peace with one another, the good Jesus places it before anything else. "

When Teresa wrote her Autobiography, she was under scrutiny for heresy by the Spanish Inquisition for visions and raptures. If she had been convicted, she would have been burned at the stake like many others. Her prayer and reform agenda had become threats to church authorities. Sr. Joan Chittister's analysis: "Her prayer was too personal and ... too Protestant...She was hardly anti-Semitic enough since her father himself was Jewish, and she was starting something new."

Teresa had a cheerful disposition; she did not put up with "sour-faced saints" and she enjoyed play. She often entertained her sisters, instrument in hand, encouraging them to lighten up and share laughter with one another. Although she was a busy reformer with a big agenda traveling the length of Spain creating a new form of religious life during the last twenty years of her life, Teresa had time for recreation and fun. She knew that what we accomplish is not as important as the love in our hearts... Like Teresa we can experience a passion for God in our passion for life. (Makes me wonder if Teresa would be an advocate for women priests if she lived in our time, or perhaps a leader in our movement for justice for women in the church. One thing she would not be afraid of the wrath of the hierarchy as she experienced that first hand with the Inquisiton. And she would be a lively fun-loving companion on the journey. )

Teresa died on Oct. 4, 1582. She was cononized by Pope Gregory XV and declared the first Doctor of the Church on September 27,1970.

Teresa's words continue to inspire generations of spiritual seekers. Her "Bookmark Prayer is one that we can use again and again to calm our nerves, center ourselves, and let go and let God be in charge of our lives. Then as night follows day, wondrous things will happen--maybe even a vision or two of God's love that will sweep us of our feet! Teresa has left us contemporary saints-in-the-making that we are, a sound prescription for holiness, one we can find if we talk and walk with God. (This reflection is from the chapter on Teresa of Avila, in Praying with Visionary Women, Bridget Mary Meehan/ Sheed and Ward, 1999, pp75-80.)

Prayer by St. Teresa of Avila

"Let nothing disturb you,



Let nothing frighten you,



Everything is changing;



God alone is changeless.



Patience attains the goal.



Who has God lacks nothing.



God alone fills all our needs."

"Kansas City Bishop Indicted in Reporting of Abuse by Priest"/ New York Times/Call to Action

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/15/us/kansas-city-bishop-indicted-in-reporting-of-abuse-by-priest.html?_r=2&emc=na

http://www.kmbc.com/news/29486658/detail.html?taf=kc1

By A. G. SULZBERGER and LAURIE GOODSTEIN
Published: October 14, 2011

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — "The Roman Catholic bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Robert Finn, and the diocese he leads have been indicted by a county grand jury on a charge of failure to report suspected child abuse in the case of a priest who had been accused of taking lewd photographs of young girls. The indictment is the first ever of a Catholic bishop in the 25 years since the scandal over sexual abuse by priests first became public in the United States.
Bishop Finn is accused of neglecting to report abuse that occurred as recently as last year — almost 10 years since the nation’s Catholic bishops passed a charter pledging to report suspected abusers to law enforcement authorities. .."

Bridget Mary's Reflection:
It is about time the a bishop is held accountable by civil authorities. The protection of children should be a good shepherd's first priority, not protection of the institution. Yet the Vatican is pressing Maryknoll to dismiss Fr. Roy Bourgeois for his promotion of women priests, but we hear nothing from them about dismissing this priest who abused an innocent child. What would Jesus do? I think he'd be outraged as I am sure the majority of Catholics in Kansas City are.

Isn't it time for Catholics to donate dollars in support of prophetic priests, like Fr. Roy, who speak truth to power and who will be cut off, by Maryknoll? Isn't it time for Catholics to cut off their financial support from bishops like Kansas City Bishop Finn? More than ever we need married priests and women priests now and empowered, accountable faith communities who will not put up with sexual abuse cover-ups. As Vatican II reminded us the people of God are the church. Now is the time for action, people of God!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
sofiabmm@aol.com

THE OTHER FACE OF GOD: UNCONDITIONAL LOVE" by Diana Milesko

The Book of Ruth reveals a relationship based on unconditional love, and hesed, or God’s loving kindness toward another. It shows the courage of Ruth, who faces the unknown, and the wisdom of Naomi, who guides Ruth. Ruth’s courage and Naomi’s wisdom embody God’s love and validate ordination of women today. They offer evidence that Roman Catholic women priests can enrich the spiritual growth of everyone, and illustrate how women can achieve their place in the church. First, Ruth reflects godliness in her unconditional love, as opposed to a “conditional” love of a patriarchal institution based on obedience and prejudice. Second, Ruth honors an older woman; in turn, Naomi shows Ruth that obstacles are not insurmountable. Third, Ruth, has the courage to demand justice, without rancor or subservience.
Unconditional Love
That beautiful passage(1) in which Ruth declares her love for Naomi, reminds me of a holy woman in my own life, my Mother, who signed all letters to her seven children, her ten siblings, her students, and everyone she cared for, with, “My Unconditional Love.” Hers was a matriarchy, where all children were equal in the eyes of the mother; her love was unconditional. Ruth is a kindred spirit of the holy in Mother.
In contrast to this unconditional love, in a patriarchy of privilege and power such as the church, love is conditional, based on good behavior and conformity. The institutional church fears loss of this power for themselves more than they value spiritual gain for the many. (2)
Yet every human needs unconditional love. Early Church anchoress, Julian of Norwich (1342-1416) repeatedly declares God’s love is not earned by good behavior nor lost by sin. God’s love is unconditional, like that of a good mother. She stresses that God is both our mother and our father. This idea was also developed by Francis of Assisi in the thirteenth century. (3)
Unconditional love bears hurts, forgives thoughtlessness, and surmounts prejudice, knowing that buried within them is an ember of God’s energy waiting for a breath of love. Women priests are this breath of love, from which a brighter, warmer church will arise.
Respect for other Women
Contrary to abundant and demeaning mother-in-law jokes, Ruth demonstrates love and respect for the elder Naomi. Unfortunately, this respect is not seen often enough. Too many women perceive other females as competitors for men. Consequently, they master techniques and dress to emphasize sex appeal, since that attracts males. They claim, as if it is desirable, “I prefer the company of men over women.” Sexual attraction is normal, of course. But it cannot be the sole quality upon which to esteem women.
Columnist Ruth Marcus observes how much appearance matters for female candidates. “It is no accident that the two most prominent women in the Republican Party today, Sarah Palin and Michelle Bachman, are trim and attractive.”(4)
Ruth would hold that female attractiveness is not of prime importance, and discrimination against women is deeply wrong.
In 1970 our first Jewish Congresswoman, Bella Abzug was elected from New York’s Manhattan District 19. Called “Bellicose Abzug” by Time Magazine (5), she was known for wide-brimmed hats, a fiery personality, as well as work for feminism, peace, and civil liberties. She said, “ I began wearing hats as a young lawyer because it helped me to establish my professional identity. Before that, whenever I was at a meeting, someone would ask me to get coffee.” Ruth would deem Bella Abzug a soul-sister, hat and all. Both were strong, determined, and just. Both women knew that self-respect and courage are agents for attaining equality. Like Ruth, Bella Abzug was a role model for the holy.
Courage to Demand Justice
Ruth goes to work in a foreign field knowing God accompanies her. She is independent and demonstrates self-esteem when talking with Boaz. “Ruth has rights and she knows it. She is entitled by Jewish law to the leftovers in the fields. She seeks justice, not favors. The word of God in Ruth is that women have rights. Women, too, are a Word of God and are also worthy of being heard.” (6)
Women today must have courage to assert, again and again, that there is no defense for discrimination. When women are insistent in this, they expand godliness in everyone. The church opposes women priests because they threaten it’s patriarchy. That is a good thing. For the patriarchal church is a harsh, authoritarian thing with a God that loves only conditionally and is male. Ironically, the church’s central image is not a powerful oppressor, but a crucified and powerless victim (7) who loves and respects women. It follows, then, that the church was founded on a love and concern for society’s outcasts. This foundation is anticipated in the Book of Ruth. God works primarily through Ruth and Naomi, and not Boaz, to bring new life to the line of David from which the Messiah comes. “Women plot the liaison between Ruth and Boaz, initiate the relationship, make plain the resolution, name the baby. And Ruth hands the baby to Naomi as her own. This is woman’s work. And of God. ‘The Lord made her conceive,’ the Scripture says. Boaz is not even in the picture.” (8)
The story of Ruth gives further evidence of God’s love for the marginalized. The Moabite, Ruth, marries Boaz and their son, Obed, is grandfather of King David. It is a Moabite, whom the Torah curses, (9) an outcast woman, from whom Israel’s greatest king and its future come. The story of Ruth makes clear that God works through everyone. She proves women are designed for the priesthood; they bring God’s love to the world. In contrast, the 1994 papal declaration of John Paul II stated that now, and for all time, women cannot be priests. Many Catholics are troubled by such blatant and boastful claim to male supremacy. One in ten Americans are former Catholics. (10) Women leave the church because it does not accept them in God’s love. They know that Christianity, spoken by Jesus, affirms God’s love equally for everyone. Unconditional love cannot co-exist with a patriarchy that asserts only what men do is important and women are inferior and exist largely for men’s use.
Bella Abzug once observed, “The establishment is made up of little men, very frightened.” She could be speaking of the church. Men in the institutional church are afraid to admit their limitations, so distort Scriptures to “prove” their superiority. This is not new. In the 12th century, the name of a strong woman, Junia, was changed to that of a male in the Bible. (11) Apparently as a woman, Junia was too threatening to the patriarchal church.
Today, insecure males use false tradition and phony law to dominate women. They hide behind strange definitions of religion and questionable interpretations of historical texts. Religion should help us see the God in each of us. Church leaders should ask a question so popular that it has attained a cult quality. Nonetheless, the question is always valid. “What would Jesus do?” Would Jesus, a victim who defended outcasts, permit church tradition to discriminate against women? Of course he wouldn’t. Like his ancestor Ruth, (through his mother, Mary, lineage of David,) Jesus loved and respected women as well as men.
Ruth would champion the thousands of women like Bishop Bridget Mary Mehan and Janice Sevre-Duszynska, who are moving the church out of it’s calcified prejudice toward a loving acceptance of women as equals in the priesthood. There is no ‘ordination’ anywhere in the New Testament, much less a law forbidding women to be priests. “Jesus was a revolutionary. The Last Supper was not an ordination. Jesus never ordained anyone. He called us to a community of equals, with mutuality: a circle, not a hierarchy. He challenged the religious and civil authorities of his time to empower the marginalized, including women.” In 1976, no biblical obstacles were found to women's ordination. Women's rights are human rights. Who are Shaughnessy and his brother priests at the Vatican to say that God calls only men? Such thinking and behavior is a sin against women and our loving God.” (12) It is this commitment to justice, this principle of life, that Ruth would celebrate as an image of the holy.
Today’s Catholic women, like Naomi and Ruth, have no intention of being victims. They are moving forward, living God’s message of justice and change. Like Ruth, they are the other face of God--a nurturing, loving face that is courageous, wise and strong. They value themselves; in turn, others value them as well. They seek justice with dignity. They become Catholic priests. This is how change happens. Bit by bit, woman by woman. They don’t wait for a patriarchy of frightened old men to grant ‘permission.’ Their courage reveals the true meaning of God--love of self; love of everyone--and helps future generations of women, and men as well, become more Godly. Like Ruth, they move the human race toward a better spiritual future.
“The fact that women keep striving for fullness of humanity may be the greatest act of faith they make in a just and loving God.” (13)
When Boaz marries Ruth, he gives what he possesses; Ruth gives what she is. In giving what one is, one becomes more than one is. Ruth is wisdom, and “Wisdom [is] the feminine personification of God in the Hebrew Scriptures.” (14)
When the institutional church disallows women priests, it diminishes the entire Catholic community. Most especially, it diminishes itself. Women are as spiritual, if not more, than men. Women are the backbone of the church. They do the work; they sing the songs; they teach the young. Women and men are two faces of God; when they become collaborators in faith, they expand our reach toward the best in humanity; the best in godliness.
But if they are denied the priesthood--the place that can best use their courage, their nurturing, and their wisdom--they look for wholeness in other arenas. Some turn to eastern practices. Each yoga practice begins and ends with the greeting, “Namaste,” which means, "the Divine in me greets the Divine in you." That is reverence. It is far removed from, “the puny thing that religion has been allowed to deteriorate into over the years.” (15)
“It is wrong to leave half the human race--its most caring and compassionate side--out of the discussions. How can there be a decent life decision unless based on care, compassion? The presence of women is necessary if a human race on the brink of extinction from war, racism, starvation and global violation is itself to be saved.” (16)
Ruth shows that life is to be shaped, not endured; that women can surmount the impossible. The authoritarian church is preoccupied with power and control; it fears change, and ordaining women is change. Yet the world is rapidly changing, and the church must change as well. Ruth would call for the church to rejoice at the ordination of women priests.
Conclusion
A wise old woman, once told me, “The challenge in life is its daily-ness.” Years ago, I went to church looking for help in this daily-ness, with no luck. “Nothing is said in the pulpit to rouse...to inspire...to dare...to...spiritual achievements.... The lessons doled out to women are meekness and self-abnegation...to do some humble service for men,” said Elizabeth Cady Stanton. (17) Her words mirrored my experience.
One exception was Sheil Center at Northwestern University where I attended mass in the 1970‘s, when our children were young. Fr. Krump was genial, but his true talent was his sermons. He didn’t give many. Each week he invited someone from the community to speak. God’s energy permeated the chapel on Mother’s Day when a mother spoke about the delight and challenge of her role, or on Father’s Day when a father talked about the wonder of his responsibilities. Such speakers reflected the holy. Ruth would be proud.
The simple story of Ruth is an inspiration for all women, but especially for those who want to be priests. Ruth does not rationalize; she loves both men and women. She takes advice from Naomi, her mother-in-law, and speaks as an equal to Boaz. Ruth shows unconditional love and hesed, God’s loving kindness toward another, and reveals women as images of the holy. Her story gives strength and inspiration to women priests whose ordination is crucial. For women priests will help the Church find the God in all of us.





BIBLIOGRAPHY
for DM640 Women of the Bible
THE OTHER FACE OF GOD: UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
Lessons from the “Book of Ruth”
by Diana Milesko
Page 1 (1)1(Ru 1:8,9,14-17) “Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you.
Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die; there will I be buried.”
(2) Catholic Patriarchy Towards a Liberal Catholicism: “Psychology and Four Women” by Peter C. Morea. SCM Press. 2000, pp.96-110.
(3) Wikipedia: Julian of Norwich
(4) Columnist Ruth Marcus, October 6, 2011 “Erie Times” p 7B
Page 2 (5)“The CIA: Prying into Mail, Plotting Murder”, Time Magazine Mon, Mar. 17, 1975
(6) The Story of Ruth: Twelve Moments in Every Woman’s Life by Joan D. Chittister (Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids MI/ Cambridge UK 2000) p 49
(7) Catholic Patriarchy (ibid)
(8) The Story of Ruth: (ibid) p 54
(9) Deut 23:3 An Ammonite or Moabite may not enter the assembly of the Lord; to the tenth generation none of their descendants shall ever do so.
Page 3 (10) Bridget Mary’s Blog, October 3, 2011
(11) Praying with Women of the Bible, Bishop Bridget Mary Mehan, Liguori/Triumph Press Liguori, MO, 1998. pp. 109-110
(12) Bridget Mary’s Blog, October 3, 2011: Janice Sevre-Duszynska Priest, Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests Lexington
Page 4 (13) The Story of Ruth (ibid) p 75
(14) Praying with Women of the Bible p 35
(15) “What Is Prayer? A Conversation with Srr Joan Chittister” by Janet Haag, The Huffington Post, June 8, 2010
(16) The Story of Ruth (ibid) p 81
(17) Praying with Women of the Bible pp 27- 28 Elizabeth Cady Stanton

***Note from Bridget Mary Meehan

This insightful paper connecting Ruth to contemporary issues of justice and equality was written by Diana Milesko for a Global Ministries University D. Min. course- DM640 Women of the Bible.
For more information about Global Ministries Univeristy, visit: www.globalministriesuniversity.org