Women

  • 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.

    Pope Leo a careful canon lawyer
  • 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.

    Reverence beyond lace veils
  • Vatican to village

    The Synodal vision must stretch from local communities to the highest Vatican offices. It’s not just about what happens in Rome—it’s about transformation everywhere the Church is present.

    Vatican to village
  • Decoding clericalism

    Early Christian communities shared ministry between women and men without the idea of a “sacred” priesthood. The current model evolved from Roman tradition, creating a privileged clerical caste and deepening divisions within the Church over who may serve.

    Decoding clericalism
  • 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.

    Diaconal data analysis – the world wants women deacons
  • Jesus treated women as equals – why doesn’t The Chosen?

    “The Chosen” undermines its portrayal of Jesus’ inclusivity by removing women from the Last Supper. Instead, it invents a scene with no Gospel basis, casting doubt on the series’ commitment to authenticity.

    Jesus treated women as equals – why doesn’t The Chosen?
  • A canon lawyer with a missionary heart

    Cardinal Robert Prevost’s brings a global, grounded perspective to the papacy. Addressing the faithful in St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo emphasised bridge-building, dialogue, and a church with arms wide open to all in need.

    A canon lawyer with a missionary heart
  • Deacons – the diaconate – women deacons

    Dr Phyllis Zagano and Dr Joe Grayland discuss the diaconate and the actual need for deacons and women deacons. When we talk about the diaconate, we’re talking about many, many different things. What good is the diaconate? Why would anybody want to be a deacon, particularly a woman? Why would a woman want to be…

    Deacons – the diaconate – women deacons
  • Synodality: A German perspective on the issues

    Synodality in Germany is an oft-mentioned topic that for some is concerning, others confusing and then for another group is considered the “great future”. “Synodality is a moment of crisis,” Professor Margit Echolt from the University of Osnabrück, told Flashes of Insight. “The issues centre around the democratisation of the Church, equality, sexual abuse, women,…

    Synodality: A German perspective on the issues
  • The Catholic Church does not need women deacons

    Women deacons are effectively working well in the Church, except they’re not called deacons and aren’t ordained. Grayland has worked with eight women across three parishes who served the community full time. While acknowledging the Church might need more priests, Grayland argues the last thing needed is an expanded clerical class through the permanent diaconate.

    The Catholic Church does not need women deacons

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