Women
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When clericalism becomes narcissism, the altar turns into a stage
Clerical narcissism perpetuates itself when a newly ordained priest is assigned to a pastor who demands unquestioning obedience, creating successive generations of leaders hostile to collaboration.
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From hope to silence: when the Church blinked
A Jesuit bishop reached for a medieval image — bridegroom, bride — to slam the door on women’s ordination. He didn’t stop there. He criticised fellow Jesuit, Pope Francis, for leaving the question open at all. The message was unambiguous: this conversation is over.
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Paul VI’s emerald ring returns to Canterbury on Mullally’s finger
Mullally wore the emerald ring Paul VI gave to Michael Ramsey in 1966, while a belt buckle from her years as a working nurse was refashioned into the morse clasp of her cope — storied symbols grounding the ceremony in both ecumenical history and a life spent caring for the sick.
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US bishops speak on racism, silent on women
The bishops’ silence on misogyny may stem from false theology: the Arian heresy that women can’t image Christ because Jesus was male. This ancient error continues to trap church leaders in an all-male clerical bubble that prevents them from fully defending women.
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The young women the Church is losing — and why
Young Catholic women are abandoning institutional religion for direct action—caring for the homeless, demanding equality, and fighting for human rights. They embody the Beatitudes’ values but reject religious identity, motivated instead by humanitarian concern and compassion.
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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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Global South shut out again: Synod’s liturgy team under fire
Reactions to the new Synod liturgy working group focus heavily on diversity. With limited involvement from the Global South, the dominance of clergy and few women represented, many suggest the credibility of the group’s synodal aims is weakened.
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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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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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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.
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