"Silence Breakers and Truth Tellers": by Kate McElwee from Women's Ordination Conference at Call to Action Conference

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is just finishing their meeting in Baltimore where the Vatican ordered the bishops to delay any vote on sexual abuse reforms until the heads of bishops' conferences worldwide gather at the Vatican in February.  This kind of delay is unconscionable. We know that the time for reform is now. The time for accountability is now. The time for dismantling the clericalism and patriarchy that fuels abuse is now.   Panelists Regina Bannan, Jennifer O'Malley, Martha Sanchez and Sr. Martha Ann Kirk  (and Virginia Saldanha in India via video) at our "Silence Breakers" session at Call to Action Together, right now, we are building that Church.  Over the weekend, we co-hosted two sessions during the Call To Action conference where truth-telling and action were paramount. We heard stories of strength in the face of institutional abuse from women who persisted and spoke out at our session: "From #MeToo to #CatholicToo: Lifting Up Catholic Silence Breakers in the Age of #MeToo."  We joined FutureChurch and CTA in strategizing ways to hold bishops to account in the face of sexual abuse, clericalism, and misogyny.  And we had the opportunity to connect with supporters from around the country, including several rock stars who attended the first Women's Ordination Conference gathering in 1975! Gathering with Catholics who work for reform in our beloved Church energizes us for the work we do for the long haul. We will continue to say Time's Up to the hierarchy, to hold their feet to the fire and to break down the closed doors of the Church until our Church is safe, just, and welcoming to all.  Find more photos from #CatholicToo on our Facebook page With your help, we will continue to break the silence on abuse and oppression of every kind until every door is open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit and justice fills our churches.  Will you show your solidarity for our movement with a donation today? We are filled with gratitude to have connected with so many supporters and Church reformers over the weekend, and to welcome new energy into the effort for women's ordination.  You give us hope; you will make the change we seek.

For equality, Kate McElwee Executive Director