Synod Endorses Expanding Diaconal Role Women Already Do in Exceptional Circumstances

 

The closing document from the Synod on Synodality states -what is already the practice in places like the Amazon- that under specific circumstances the basic duties of a deacon can be performed by a lay woman or man. This ordinarily includes preaching, leading liturgies, baptisms and witnessing marriages. The synod promotes expanding these opportunities in response to pastoral needs. 

This is a backdoor into a "defacto diaconate" for women without ordination. In other words, women can do diaconate service, but without the public authorization that the Rite of Ordination provides.

While Pope Francis is not comfortable ordaining women as deacons, the Synod voted to keep this controversial topic on the table for ongoing discernment.

The real issue of women deacons has nothing to do with some of the excuses given like "needs more study," a niche issue, "unripe",  but, rather, with the actual act of ordination to the clerical state and what that means.

Pope Francis has said he does not want women ordained because of clericalism.

Yet,  he continues to ordain men into this same clerical state. 

I agree  with him that clericalism is a major problem and that a new model is needed.

This is where Roman Catholic Women Priests have 22 years of lived experience to offer! We do not interpret ordination as a state apart from the people with special privileges that makes us more holy or Christ-like. Rather, ordination is an act of consecration to serving God's people as animators, community builders, sacramental facilitators, soul friends, and  faith-filled companions on the journey.

We have been pioneering a new model of priestly ministry in inclusive communities of equals in which the entire community celebrates sacraments and participates in decision- making, not the ordained alone. We offer a path to healing for centuries of misogyny and a spiritual home for marginalized groups and communities such as LGBTQ+ and divorce and separated Catholics. 

   

Here I see an  open invitation to a sacred conversation in our common mission of fostering a Synodal church for everyone especially the wounded. There are many calls, many gifts and all the baptized are equal images of Christ. Therefore all ministries should be open to all genders. As Fr. Jim Martin says, ''We are on this road together."