Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests to Ordain Two Women in Indianopolis on July 13, 2014

 Truly, we women priests must be dangerous. Our brothers at the Vatican continue to put us in a special category. For following our conscience and call from God to priesthood, Pope John Paul II declared us excommunicated. In delicta graviora Pope Benedict  XVI deemed us guilty of serious crime – on par with pedophile priests. Now Pope Francis has rightfully excommunicated those who belong to the mafia.

 

Mafia, women priests, pedophile priests…

 

Women priests are not committing crimes. The Vatican is abusing their spiritual power each time it attempts to control women’s lives. That abuse of spiritual power seeps and reverberates into suffering and exploitation of women and their children around the world.

 

Yale-trained theologian, Jamie L. Manson, believes: “Women’s ordination isn’t simply about making women priests. It’s about helping church leaders recognize that if they were to include women in their leadership as their equals, they could truly be a powerful force for economic and social justice for women and children throughout our world.”

 

It’s time for the patriarchal Vatican to acknowledge women priests as images of the divine. We call on Pope Francis to lift the excommunication of Roman Catholic Women Priests.

 

Women priests are strong supporters of Pope Francis’ social justice agenda. Like Pope Francis we say no to a global economy of exclusion. However, we say no to a church of exclusion.  Like Pope Francis we say yes to a global economy of inclusion. However, we say yes to a church of inclusion.

 

Release date: June 29, 2014

 

From The Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests

www.arcwp.org

 

Contact: Janice Sevre-Duszynska, D. Min. (media) 859-684-4247,

rhythmsofthedance@gmail.com

 

Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan, 703-505-0004, sofiabmm@aol.com

See: bridgetmarys.blogspot.com

 

On Sunday, July 13, 2014, at 3 p.m. the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests will ordain two women in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mary Weber will be ordained a priest and Annie Watson a deacon. The presiding bishop will be Bridget Mary Meehan of Sarasota, FL. The ceremony will take place at St. John (Cumberland) United Church of Christ, 11000 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46229. All are welcome. A light reception will follow the ceremony in the church hall.

 

Media are invited to schedule interviews during the time leading up to the ordination and at 1 p.m. on July 13 at the church. Respectful filming/photo-taking during the ceremony is acceptable.

 

The ordinands are theologically prepared and have many years of experience in ministry.

 

Mary Weber of Indianapolis mfwebeber1@comcast.net

317-570-9464

 

Mary Weber, a former Sister of Providence, is a wife, mother and grandmother. She became a Providence Associate recently after spending a year in formation studying feminist theology as well as Providence Spirituality. Prior to retiring she worked as a licensed social worker, an accredited hospital administrator and as a Pastoral Associate. Mary is a volunteer chaplain at a nursing home where she has ministered for 10 years. She plans to establish a house church and assist at an inclusive community already established in Indianapolis. “I envision a church community of equals where all are truly welcomed at the table,” she said.

 

Annie Watson of Indianapolis, formerly of Louisville, Kentucky

andrea_cass@mymail.eku.edu 859-583-1948

 

Annie Watson, a former Sister of Mercy, is also a wife, mother and grandmother.  She is a retired Special Education teacher and advocate for Special Needs children and adults in Kentucky. She has served as a religious educator, youth minister and pastoral care minister. Annie is currently working on a theological certificate program in preparation for ministry as a deacon.