Debate on female priests is long overdue

Whenever I attend a priestly ordination, I utter a silent prayer that one day women may be given the opportunity of serving humanity as ordained ministers. It is painful, embarrassing and almost impossible to defend women’s current exclusion. Jesus chose 12 men as his Apostles but women were the first to witness his resurrection and then were sent to share the good news with the whole world.

Jesus did not choose any Gentiles as Apostles but no race has ever been excluded from priesthood. It is hard to imagine then that Jesus would have barred half of the planet from priesthood merely on biological grounds. Put rather more crudely, the uterus would hardly be an obstacle to priesthood for Jesus the liberator. But for centuries the ordained ministries of deacon, priest and bishop have been reserved for men in the Catholic Church.

In recent times, Popes John Paul and Benedict even forbade all debate on the ordination of women. But with the new, refreshing openness of Francis, humble debate and soul searching is not just tolerated but encouraged. Two weeks ago Francis surprised many by announcing that he was setting up a study commission comprising of 12 members – six male and six female – to research the viability of diaconate for women. The team does not comprise of bishops or bureaucrats but is a team of scholars; that composition is also telling.

EARLY CHURCH

The basis for the study is that in the early church, female deacons were ordained by the laying on of hands just like men. So proponents will now argue that if women were deacons in the past, then why not today? Of course opponents will argue that deacons were not ordained and that it was just a ministry of service to the poor. However, it is generally accepted that sacramental orders has three levels: deacons, priests and bishops. Saying that out loud is enough to get angry reaction from opponents of ordination of women.

Francis is very aware of the fear of causing schism in the church. However, he is taking a bold step, even if it’s a small one. Women have offered enormous service to the world over the centuries, displaying courage, mercy, wisdom and leadership in education, health and social services. However, they have never been granted leadership and decision making positions in the church. Their voice is on the margins and their opinions merely consultative.

This, however, is not a rights issue; it’s much bigger than that. It’s not about dressing women in dog collars and clerical garb. It is not imitation but complementarity. The Catholic Church has for centuries missed the charisms and gifts that women can bring to the table and altar. The creativity, colour, sensitivity and warmth that women possess are urgently needed in the church. One could argue that the whole sexual abuse of children scandal could have been avoided had women been in a leadership and oversight role in the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis has brought energy, life and humility back to the church. Indeed his leadership now permits me to write this piece without fearing the belt of an episcopal crozier. Let the debate begin and let it be robust.

[email protected]; @GabrielDolan1