Breaking the Church's Glass Ceiling: Demanding Women's Influence in the Vatican
Women in Rome push for increased decision-making power in the Catholic Church, as advocated by Rosa Rauch. - Women in Rome call for increased involvement in the Catholic Church, as advocated by Rosa Rauch.
Women's Ordination Conference (WOC) member Kate McElwee does not mince words. She states, "As the world holds its breath for white or black smoke, we kick up a storm of pink smoke, hoping that one day the Church acknowledges women as equals."
The exclusion of women from the Church's inner circle is a stark reality that activists like McElwee aim to change. In Rome, during the recent conclave where 133 cardinals elected a new pope, a handful of women stood their ground, challenging the Church's traditional patriarchal structure.
Miriam Duignan, a participant, voiced her frustration about the exclusion of women in such crucial decision-making processes: "With these 133 men secluded in the Sistine Chapel deciding the fate of the Church, it's like nuns are their only interaction – cleaning their rooms and serving them food."
The Church's unwavering stance on male-only decision-making processes has left many questioning its relevance in a world where gender equality is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
A Male-Dominated Club
Women are systematically excluded from the conclave, an event that gathers cardinals to decide the future leadership of the Church. This male gathering makes crucial decisions behind closed doors, leaving half of the Church's population out of the loop.
Pink Smoke Protests
WOC and other advocacy groups have begun using pink smoke to signify their plea for women's inclusion in Church decision-making processes. This acts as a counterpart to the white and black smoke signaling the election of a new pope.
Its Time for Change
Church officials have historically resisted calls for gender equality, but the tide is slowly turning. The election of Pope Francis in 2013 brought fresh perspective, with several women being placed in positions of responsibility, albeit lower-level ones. However, many argue that this is not near enough, and the need for more inclusive leadership roles is necessary.
Taking a Stand
Activist organizations, such as Women's Ordination Worldwide (WOW) and the Wijngaards Institute, are pushing for change. They aim to inspire the Church to embrace a more egalitarian structure, giving women the opportunity to shape its future.
The battle for women's rights within the Catholic Church is far from over. Groups like the WOC are determined to ensure that women's voices are heard in the decision-making process, bringing the Church into the 21st century.
[1] Women's Ordination Worldwide (WOW)[2] Wijngaards Institute for Catholic Research[3] CNN Belief Blog – Women call for change in Vatican
- The Women's Ordination Conference (WOC) member, Kate McElwee, expressed a hope, "As the world holds its breath for white or black smoke, we kick up a storm of pink smoke, hoping that one day the Church acknowledges women as equals."
- The traditional patriarchal structure of the Catholic Church was challenged by a group of women during the recent conclave where cardinals elected a Pope, with Miriam Duignan voicing her frustration, "With these 133 men secluded in the Sistine Chapel deciding the fate of the Church, it's like nuns are their only interaction – cleaning their rooms and serving them food."
- Groups like the Women's Ordination Worldwide (WOW) and the Wijngaards Institute are working towards change, aiming to inspire the Church to embrace a more egalitarian structure, giving women the opportunity to shape its future.
- Advocacy groups like WOC and WOW also use symbolic methods, such as pink smoke, to signify their plea for women's inclusion in Church decision-making processes, as a counterpart to the white and black smoke signaling the election of a new Pope.
