Recently, there have been many people writing about the so-called “feminization” of the Church. Many people have been critical of this and they suggest that women are leading the Church astray. I have always found the argument strange: from the very beginning women have had an active, central rule in evangelization; indeed, on Sunday we celebrate one, St Mary Magdalene, who in the East is labeled as an “Equal to the Apostles.”
Contrary to the opinion of these critics, women have always had a very influential role in the Church. Since the laity have been called to participate more in ecclesial functions, the laity have been given new possibilities in how they can integrate their Catholic faith to their daily lives. It is not surprising that we see women taking this responsibility seriously. Instead of believing this to be proof that things are going wrong, and the Catholic Church is being “feminized,” we should see it as it is: women have an important role in the Church and should not be ostracized when they exercise it. The Pope, apparently, feels the same way: according to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Pope is now looking to appoint more women at top Vatican jobs.
Will critics now claim the Pope is an “ungodly feminist” trying to de-masculinize the Church?
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In