Leadership Pathways

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) formed a process designed to engage the entire membership of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious in the ongoing process of becoming transformational leaders.  I am very much interested in knowing more about that.  In 2016 the LCWR had an audience with Pope Francis in which, among other things, they asked him to consider ordaining women deacons.  In response Pope Francis formed a commission to consider the question, but so far no official statements have come forth from that commission.   

My interest in women’s ordination is twofold.  In general, I have always seen this as one of the most important justice issues of our time.  The oppression of valiant and gifted women, and the Catholic Church’s denial of their authority and leadership ability, is directly related to the widespread abuse and oppression of women across all cultures and social strata.  Now, in addition to a strongly felt general interest in women’s ordination as a justice issue, I have a deep personal interest in ordination because of the urgent sacramental needs of the sick and dying in the hospital where I serve as a chaplain.  My interest in ordination does not come from a desire for the recognition that goes with the title of priest or deacon.  My interest stems from the daily recognition that the sick and dying need more chaplains with the faculties to hear their confession, anoint them and give them last communion.  As a chaplain my role in this is clear.  I do whatever helps the patient go to God with love and trust in God's mercy.  I am impelled to respond to this need if the need for reconciliation and anointing if no ordained priest is available.

Pope Francis expressed a valid concern to the Leadership Conference that he did not want to add women to the cancer of clericalism that besets the Church already.  Meanwhile, the number of priests and religious is radically declining year by year, and there are not enough to provide the pastoral service needed to keep our churches, schools and hospitals open, let alone minister to the sick and the dying.  One reason for the scarcity of vocations to the priesthood and religious life is the previously mentioned inequality and injustice against women.  One solution is to extend the faculties to administer the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick to deacons and then to ordain women to the diaconate.  Freestone’s book attests to the fact that changes were made over the centuries to allow religious and the laity to reserve and administer the Sacrament of Communion because the need and desire of the faithful to receive it exceeded the availability of priests to offer it.   

I join the Leadership Conference of Women Religious in advocating for ordaining women deacons because it is the right and just thing to do, and because it will allow the Church to better serve the needs of the faithful.