A Pathway of Justice and Joy: The Transformative Ministry of ARCWP
By Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
The Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests (ARCWP) is more than a movement—it is a prophetic witness to the renewal of priestly ministry in our time. We are a global community of women and men committed to living out a vision of Church rooted in baptismal equality, Gospel justice, and the liberating power of the Spirit.
At the heart of our mission is a simple but radical truth: God’s call knows no gender. We believe that all the baptized are called to full participation in the life and leadership of the Church. Ordination is not a privilege reserved for the few, but a ministry of service open to all whom the Spirit calls.
Our Program of Preparation for Ordination reflects this inclusive and liberating vision. Offered in partnership with People’s Catholic Seminary (PCS), our ten-unit curriculum offers formation in theology, scripture, sacraments, and pastoral care—designed to prepare candidates to serve with competence, compassion, and creativity. We do not charge for this program. Economic justice is a central tenet of our model. Every person who feels called deserves access to formation—regardless of financial resources.
Moreover, ARCWP affirms that life experience and prior learning are not peripheral, but essential. Many of our candidates have already been serving in ministry, raising families, healing communities, and working for justice. Their wisdom is honored and integrated into the discernment process. We do not treat formation as a one-size-fits-all formula, but as a collaborative journey of discovery and empowerment.
Our internal structures also reflect our commitment to Gospel equality. ARCWP practices a discipleship of equals—a circular model of governance where every voice matters. Our guidelines are developed through community consensus, and leadership is shared through small teams that serve for limited terms. No one holds permanent authority. Bishops have one vote, just like everyone else. It takes two-thirds agreement to create a guideline that binds the whole. This is not just policy—it is theology in practice.
Over the years, we have learned that this kind of community requires courage, humility, and deep listening. We do not pretend to be perfect. We encounter disagreements. But even in these times, we encourage dialogue and mutual understanding. We are committed to a Church that evolves—not by edict, but through dialogue and discernment in the Spirit.
ARCWP is nurturing a living model of Church: participatory, inclusive, Spirit-led. In every sacramental celebration, in every circle of shared prayer or pastoral care, we offer a glimpse of the Church that is already rising—a Church where gender is no barrier, where love is the only law, and where all the baptized are empowered to respond to God’s call.
Our movement animated by hope—hope grounded not in the slow pace of institutional reform, but in the already-unfolding reality of a renewed Church rising from the grassroots. We believe, as Mary of Pentecost believed, that the Spirit still descends on all people. We believe, as Jesus taught, that the Reign of God is among us—especially in those places where power is shared, justice is practiced, and love is made real. We are living a renewed model of priestly ministry in communities of baptized equals.
We walk forward in joy -in affirmation—of our call, our communities, and the Holy One who walks with us.
Rev. Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Bridget Mary Meehan, D.Min.
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community
People's Catholic Seminary
Global Ministries University
phone: 703-505-0004
