LEADERSHIP OF WOMEN
ROLE AND CONTRIBUTION OF WOMEN TO CHURCH MINISTRY
Keywords:
Community, Complementarity, Dignity, Equality, Feminine Genius, Ministry, PriesthoodAbstract
Pope Francis at various times has suggested opening new opportunities for women both in the Church and society which has inspired hope in women for beginnings of the long awaited change. Women, however, continue to be corralled in stereotyped roles in the Catholic Church, keeping them subservient, silent and compliant. The so called “feminine genius” is understood in terms of the stereotyped view of ‘complementarity’ which is a hindrance to women’s equal and full participation in the Church. Canon Law allows women to take on various roles in Church, but these are not given to women, particularly in India. Several encyclicals speak of women’s dignity, equality, rights and freedom, but clericalism and cultic priesthood are the major roadblocks to women’s equal and full
participation in Church leadership and ministry. The SCC (Small Christian Community) where women are present in large numbers, modelled on the Early Christian Community that struggled to live according to the values of the Gospel, can develop into a discipleship community of equals that “witnesses to a counter-culture wherein power and domination are replaced by humble and loving service.” We need more empowered and articulate women for the voice for full equality and participation of women in the Church heard.
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