https://advaticanum.com/article/archbishop-of-vienna-i-would-certainly-wish-for-the-ordination-of-women/
Archbishop Josef Grünwidl of Vienna has publicly expressed his hope for women's ordination, while acknowledging that a future Church council would be needed to authorize it.
He stated:
"I would certainly wish for the ordination of women, but I see that at present this would be a decision that has to be taken at the level of the universal Church by a council. At the moment I do not see any realistic prospect of that decision being reached in that sense."
His words raise an urgent question: If a future council is needed to recognize women priests, why not begin preparing for that council today?
As a Roman Catholic woman priest and bishop who has served inclusive Catholic communities for two decades, I know firsthand the joy and healing that women's priestly ministry brings. We accompany people on the margins, welcome those who have experienced exclusion, and celebrate sacraments in communities where everyone has a place at the Eucharistic table.
We are already living the Gospel equality we long to see throughout our Church.
A Historic First Step: Vatican-Sponsored Dialogue
Imagine Pope Leo, bishops, women priests, theologians, and members of inclusive Catholic communities gathering in prayer, listening to one another's stories, and discerning together where the Holy Spirit is leading us.
Imagine bishops hearing firsthand how women priests are bringing healing and hope to Catholics who have felt unwelcome in the institutional Church.
This is the heart of genuine synodality: listening with open hearts, respecting one another's experiences, and discovering the Spirit's presence beyond familiar boundaries.
Such a gathering would not need to resolve every theological disagreement. It could begin by building relationships and creating a pathway toward reconciliation and a future Church council.
Preparing Together for a Future Council
I respect Archbishop Grünwidl's concern for the unity of the universal Church. Yet I respectfully challenge the idea that we must wait for a council before taking meaningful steps toward women's full equality.
The Holy Spirit does not need a council's permission to call women to priesthood.
Women are already answering that call with courage, faith, and love.
A future council could formally recognize women's priestly vocations. But its preparation must include the voices and lived experiences of women priests and the communities we serve.
A Vatican-sponsored dialogue could inspire similar conversations in dioceses around the world, bringing bishops, theologians, pastoral ministers, and the people of God together in prayerful discernment.
Women must partner in shaping the Church's future, not simply be subjects of decisions made by others.
An Invitation to Walk Together
Pope Leo, I invite you to open this conversation with us.
Archbishop Grünwidl, thank you for speaking openly about your hope for women's ordination. I invite you to help transform that hope into a living process of dialogue and renewal.
We do not need to agree on everything before we begin listening. We can begin with our shared love for Jesus and our beloved Church.
I dream of a Church where no one must choose between fidelity to God's call and belonging to the faith community she loves. A Church where gender equality is a reality and all vocations are honored, leadership is shared, and everyone is welcome at the Eucharistic table.
Archbishop Grünwidl has opened a door with his words. Now is the time for Pope Leo and the world's bishops to help us walk through it together.
The Spirit is already moving. May we have the courage to follow.
Rev. Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP
Bishop, Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
Co-founder, People's Catholic Seminary
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