Pope Francis and the Doctrine of Complementarity by Mary Eileen Collingwood ARCWP

America Magazine published an interview with Pope Francis recently.  In that interview, when asked whether a woman can be ordained a priest, Francis responded that this is a theological problem that lies in the fact that people just do not understand the theology of the Petrine Principle and the Marian Principle.  Implying that if they did, there would be no difficulty in understanding that women simply are not destined to be ordained. 
 
The Doctrine of Complementarity is a teaching of the Church that embodies the differences and purpose of the male and female. The male is always the head of the church, the family, the faith community, the corporation, the social activity, the war effort. From the male comes the “seed” from which all human life is created. The male is considered the minister/administrator—a role modeled by what is known as the Petrine Principle. 
 
The female is considered the heart, the moving spirit, the nurturer of the church, the family, the faith community, the spirit of social awareness, the vessel from which human life emerges.  The Church even goes so far as to use the analogy that Jesus is the bridegroom and the female is the church-bride, the faithful spouse of the male church—a role modeled by what is known as the Marian Principle. This principle encompasses the belief that the femininity of the church is mirrored in this dedicated role of the female.  
 
From this Doctrine of Complementarity came Pope John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body.”  Most dioceses in the US have adopted this theology in all the institutions of religious education within their purview.     
 
From this teaching comes hierarchy, patriarchy, autocracy, caste systems, misogyny, the notion that the female cannot think clearly and decisively, which leads to the overall disrespect and abuse of women.
 
But Francis doesn’t stop there, he goes on to explain that the female can also be the secretary!  Yes, she can serve the male in duties that are beneath their stature.  She will organize, announce, and take notes—what Francis refers to as the Administrative Principle!
 
Clearly, Pope Francis has not evolved in his view of the place and purpose of men or women.  Until that happens, until another pope with more enlightened understanding comes along, nothing in the present teachings of the Catholic Church will change in this regard.  Clearly, Synodality can never be actualized until women are recognized as equal partners with men, with the ability to stand next to them in all aspects of church life.
 
If a church is built on a firm foundation, it will flourish.  If the church believes Jesus is the cornerstone of the church, then it also must embrace the reality that Jesus was inclusive of men and women.  So, if a church is built on sand (read: without women), it will fall.  Women cannot be ignored.  If they continue to be dismissed, the church will surely fall. 
 
But all is not lost, my friends: Women Priests are Here!  The Spirit isn’t waiting for Francis!  We are the recipients of the Spirit’s energy and vision as we lead faith communities with justice and equality.  Regardless of how unaware Pope Francis is, we are the prophets of our time!  We are living the change that needs to happen.  And by our commitment and calling to ordained ministry, we shall be known. 
 

Polish artist Bodhan Piasecki
In 1998, Bodhan Piasecki was commissioned by BASIC- Brothers and Sisters in Christ, an advocacy group, to paint the Last Supper as: a Jewish Passover meal with women and children present

 

                                               
                                                 
 

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