Gender Equality
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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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Fruits of the Spirit: Two female Archbishops in two months in Britain
Two women now lead at the highest level in Anglicanism. Sarah Mullally in Canterbury and Cherry Vann in Wales arrive with deep pastoral experience and hard-earned credibility. Their appointments are news; after a moment’s reflection, they also feel inevitable—grounded in proven, practical leadership.
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The burden borne by poor women
Women, Leo points out, suffer disproportionately from poverty, violence, and exclusion. Quoting Pope Francis, he affirms their dignity and heroic witness. Yet, the exhortation raises questions about whether the church’s actions match its words on gender equality.
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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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Tradition or submission: Tradwives and new media spotlight
The “tradwife” debate is not only about fashion or lifestyle. It touches faith, gender, and culture. With younger generations watching, the Church faces a choice: to embrace diversity of expression or allow tradition to dominate the conversation again.
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Reverence beyond lace veils
When framed as a return to “authentic” worship, mantillas risk creating a sense of spiritual elitism. Without intention, they can leave others feeling judged or less devout, shifting focus from conversion and holiness to superficial signs.
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Are women more aware of Spiritual Abuse?
Spiritual abuse was defined as a misuse of power. It occurs when leaders claim to represent God and demand obedience without question. Subordinates often believe conformity is equal to holiness, making this kind of abuse destructive, insidious, and difficult to challenge.
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New Lectionary promises inclusive language
A new Lectionary in Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand signifies a renewed commitment to ensure that Scripture is proclaimed with inclusivity, accessibility, and depth. It invites the faithful to recognise the living word as central to liturgy, identity, and mission.
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The Sistine Chapel’s God isn’t enough today
Can a white, male God creating a white, male Adam still speak to today’s world? Jesus welcomed all—Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free, men and women. Diversity was always part of the divine plan. What if creation looked like all of us?
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Language shapes power: Words matter
Brambilla’s historic appointment is shadowed by a telling detail: an invitation to male-only meetings addressed to her with a masculine title. This slip highlights ongoing resistance to recognising women as equals within the hierarchy of the Catholic Church.
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