If Pope Francis Decides on Women Deacons in the Roman Catholic Church: My View

In light of our journey as the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests in a renewed model of ordained ministry in a community of  equals, I believe that  if Pope Francis embraces the ordination of women as deacons in the Roman Catholic Church, it would be a first step toward the full equality of women in the priesthood and in all ministries and decision making-roles. 

There are thousands of women who are prepared and ready to serve God's people as deacons. I see incorporating women's gifts in ordained ministry in a non-clerical model of diaconate as a blessing to the church. Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP, www.arcwp.org

on far right, Elena Garcia, newly ordained deacon presides at grandson's baptism at Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community, Sarasota, Florida