"Imagine a Church that is loved as a Woman Loves" Response by Michele Stopera Freyhauf to Pope's Theologian

http://feminismandreligion.com/2013/02/07/imagine-a-catholic-church-that-is-loved-as-only-a-woman-loves-by-michele-stopera-freyhauf/#more-8344


"I came across one of the most abhorrent displays of ignorance Saturday when reading an article quoting the Pope’s theologian, Dominican priest Wojciech Giertych, on why women cannot be ordained. This man is in charge of reviewing speeches and texts submitted to the Pope to ensure that they are free of doctrinal error. Once you read this, I am sure that many will have the same thought that I do ranging from – that explains a lot, to – we are in serious trouble!"

..." Seriously, what kind of Church would we have if priests with a deep faith and deep prayer life, with the ability to draw from the mystery of Christ, and, not to mention, the ability to understand God that is “special” and unique to women!

He continues:“the mission of the woman in the church is to convince the male that power is not most important in the Church, not even sacramental power.”

This statement seriously contradicts his reasons women cannot be ordained. Moreover, I think that I can state with great confidence that women as well as men (even ordained men) are reminding men all the time that power even SACRAMENTAL power is not the most important thing in the Church. However, when people do speak up or act, they are excommunicated.

In his concluding remarks, he tells a bizarre story about a “contemplative nun” who stated to him “oh, wouldn’t it be horrible if Jesus were a woman?” This statement revealed to him that relationships of love and attachment, as well as spousal relationships, are easier for women than men.

I guess I don’t understand how ordaining women would be a bad thing, based on his very own words. As I conclude this post, I leave you with a thought to ponder:

Imagine a Church that is loved as a woman loves and nurtured as a woman nurtures. Imagine a Church that can enter into a special relationship with God and provide special access to Jesus’ heart. What kind of Church would we have?

Michele Stopera Freyhauf is currently a doctoral student in the Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University. She has a Master of Arts Degree from John Carroll University in Theology and Religious Studies, performed post-graduate work in History focusing on Gender, Religion, and Sexuality at the University of Akron, and is an Adjunct Instructor in the Religious Studies Department at Ursuline College. Her full bio is on the main contributor’s page or athttp://durham.academia.edu/MSFreyhauf. Michele can be followed on twitter at @msfreyhauf