Female diaconate
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The Church is not a ‘she’
Recent Vatican documents on women’s diaconate rely heavily on nuptial theology, arguing that female ordination would compromise the spousal relationship between Christ and church. This reasoning transforms metaphorical language into doctrinal necessity, creating theological problems by literalizing what tradition presents as symbolic representation.
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Women cannot image Christ as deacons – Vatican
Pope Francis elevated the Final Synod Document to magisterial teaching, stating that discernment on women deacons must continue and “what comes from the Holy Spirit cannot be stopped.” Yet this new commission report attempts to close discussion entirely.
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From first witness to fallen woman: the rewriting of Mary Magdalene
Names like Mary Magdalene and Photini, the Samaritan woman known as the first Evangelist, reveal a deep yet suppressed tradition of women leaders. Their stories challenge a Church that still struggles to welcome women as full partners in ministry, governance and proclamation.
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Younger clergy out of step with Catholic laity
If young priests aggressively advance their conservative agenda, church alienation could grow. With lay opinion trending progressive, the gap may further depress Catholic identity and parish life.
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A Divine Calling exposes the cost of clerical disdain
There is pain here, but not bitterness; a Sisyphean struggle, but also joy and humour. The contrast between a rich vocation and the obtuseness that blocks it would be farce if it were not so serious for the People of God.
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Pope Leo a careful canon lawyer
Pope Leo is slowing beginning to reveal himself, not through dramatic gestures but through cautious, lawyerly responses; most of which is scripted.
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Ten takeaways from Pope Leo’s first interviews
Pope Leo XIV’s first interviews reveal a leader who listens carefully yet holds firm lines. Women leaders will be promoted, but ordination to the diaconate is not on the table. LGBTQ Catholics are welcomed in Pope Leo XIV’s Church, but doctrine on sexuality and marriage remains unchanged.
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Is the Church allowed to ordain men?
For centuries, women have led priestly ministry in the Roman Catholic Church. Vaticanelle, a parody, imagines Pope Sister Martha and her Synodal Council debating whether men could be ordained. From the outset, she insists priesthood for men is not a serious expectation.
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Diaconal data analysis – the world wants women deacons
As Study Group 5 prepares to release its findings, mounting global pressure shows that Catholics worldwide—laypeople and bishops alike—are calling for a more inclusive Church. The question of women deacons is no longer fringe; it’s centre stage.
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Where will Pope Leo lead the church?
Pope Leo described a church “that builds bridges and encourages dialogue … open to welcoming … those in need of our charity.” He wants “a synodal church … that seeks peace … and is close to those who are suffering.”
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