Douglas Laycock, J.D/Newcomers Facing Traditionalists in a Tug-of-War Struggle By Megan Larkin

WASHINGTON--A silent storm is brewing to put “the people” in church pulpits--women, lay members, minorities and other faithful—who find the church doors locked against them by traditionalists who want no “outsiders.”
Women priests denied the pulpit are in the forefront, and backed by some strong advocates.
“Something is bubbling now,” Suzanne Thiel, president of Roman Catholic Women Priests, told The Spiritual Herald. “We’re not going away and it seems to be snowballing and developing. We seem to be a thorn in their side.”

Hushon added that the “movement is getting larger and larger” and he predicts that it will soon reach a critical mass at which point huge gains will be made.
“We could see some very interesting things as acts of resistance. We could see two weeks in a row significant numbers of people who don’t give anything in the collection bowl. We could see two or three weeks in a row at the end of this year where nobody shows up to give communion. Or nobody shows up to read. Or nobody shows up to teach,” he said.
Those in power are seeing the vulnerability of their position. The movement not only consists of lay people but includes religious leaders who are speaking out together. Reports of disobedience are increasing and in the Catholic Church in particular priests are deliberately disobeying orders of higher authorities with no repercussions...
The movement’s leverage will continue to grow along with its numbers, inspiring bigger and bolder attempts to challenge the status quo.
http://www.thespiritualherald.org/article.php?id=208

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X78CfOZ8W-0

Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Congratulations to John Hushon and the American Catholic Council Conference for their work for renewal in the Catholic Church. Let us be the change that we profess to be as we transform our beloved church. Mary, Mother of Jesus Catholic Community's leadership Circle was present in Detroit. The Associaiton of Roman Catholic Women Priests were present too!
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org
sofiabmm@aol.com