Matt C. Abbott
'Voice of the Faithful' to call for women's ordination?
By Matt C. Abbott
The controversial Catholic lay organization known as Voice of the Faithful might soon be officially calling for women's ordination.
I received the following e-mail:
Colleagues on the National Representative Council,
VOTF leadership has sidelined several issues and subjects over the last four years in an effort to give our mission statement and goals a chance to breathe on their own. Nevertheless, the Holy Spirit breathes where it wills, not necessarily paying attention to categories and boundaries when dealing with the life and growth of our Church. Thus, we believe that a VOTF-significant subject that can wait no longer is the status of women in the Catholic Church. Attached please find a resolution for the NRC's consideration, discussion and vote.
The intent of the resolution is to establish a collective voice that would respond to the Church's ancient "spin" on women. It is wide in scope and is constitutive of more than half of the Church's members. Ultimately, we believe this resolution will contribute to the formation of a church that proclaims and lives the reality that both men and women share equal status in the eyes of God; hence, equally recognized within the church "communio."
Critics predict if we extend our focus VOTF will lose ground. The fact is that VOTF will not flourish if it does not evolve. We have considered the negative effect that this resolution might have, but are convinced that such an extension of vision will only illuminate our journey for justice. Pursuing this initiative will provide important opportunities for collaboration with others of like mind, and secure VOTF's position on the map of the Church in the 21st Century.
Rich Moriarty Peggie L. Thorp Mary E. Collingwood
[E-mail addresses deleted]
RESOLUTION PROPOSAL:
Whereas, our Church is the entire People of God; and
Whereas, VOTF affirms our mission statement (to provide a prayerful voice, attentive to the Spirit, through which the Faithful can actively participate in the governance and guidance of the Catholic Church) and third goal (to support structural change within the Catholic Church); and
Whereas, the future of the Faith we are called to sustain is dependent upon a supporting structure inclusive of the voices and talents of all the People of God, and
Whereas, the Gospel message of inclusion is diminished by discrimination against more than half of its total membership; and
Whereas, women are excluded not only from governing positions within the Church's hierarchical structure, but also from many ministerial leadership roles; and
Whereas, the deterrence of future abuses by the hierarchy is dependent on the entire People of God,
THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED THAT:
Voice of the Faithful calls for Church-wide discussion on advancing equal access for women to all positions of leadership and ministry within the Catholic Church.
Related articles:
http://www.catholicculture.org/docs/doc_view.cfm?recnum=6003)
http://www.catholiccitizens.org/press/contentview.asp?c=6707
© Matt C. Abbott
The controversial Catholic lay organization known as Voice of the Faithful might soon be officially calling for women's ordination.
I received the following e-mail:
Colleagues on the National Representative Council,
VOTF leadership has sidelined several issues and subjects over the last four years in an effort to give our mission statement and goals a chance to breathe on their own. Nevertheless, the Holy Spirit breathes where it wills, not necessarily paying attention to categories and boundaries when dealing with the life and growth of our Church. Thus, we believe that a VOTF-significant subject that can wait no longer is the status of women in the Catholic Church. Attached please find a resolution for the NRC's consideration, discussion and vote.
The intent of the resolution is to establish a collective voice that would respond to the Church's ancient "spin" on women. It is wide in scope and is constitutive of more than half of the Church's members. Ultimately, we believe this resolution will contribute to the formation of a church that proclaims and lives the reality that both men and women share equal status in the eyes of God; hence, equally recognized within the church "communio."
Critics predict if we extend our focus VOTF will lose ground. The fact is that VOTF will not flourish if it does not evolve. We have considered the negative effect that this resolution might have, but are convinced that such an extension of vision will only illuminate our journey for justice. Pursuing this initiative will provide important opportunities for collaboration with others of like mind, and secure VOTF's position on the map of the Church in the 21st Century.
Rich Moriarty Peggie L. Thorp Mary E. Collingwood
[E-mail addresses deleted]
RESOLUTION PROPOSAL:
Whereas, our Church is the entire People of God; and
Whereas, VOTF affirms our mission statement (to provide a prayerful voice, attentive to the Spirit, through which the Faithful can actively participate in the governance and guidance of the Catholic Church) and third goal (to support structural change within the Catholic Church); and
Whereas, the future of the Faith we are called to sustain is dependent upon a supporting structure inclusive of the voices and talents of all the People of God, and
Whereas, the Gospel message of inclusion is diminished by discrimination against more than half of its total membership; and
Whereas, women are excluded not only from governing positions within the Church's hierarchical structure, but also from many ministerial leadership roles; and
Whereas, the deterrence of future abuses by the hierarchy is dependent on the entire People of God,
THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED THAT:
Voice of the Faithful calls for Church-wide discussion on advancing equal access for women to all positions of leadership and ministry within the Catholic Church.
Related articles:
http://www.catholicculture.org/docs/doc_view.cfm?recnum=6003)
http://www.catholiccitizens.org/press/contentview.asp?c=6707
© Matt C. Abbott
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