The Catholic Church Needs Women Deacons; What's Holding it Up


In the book I just finished about women in ancient Christianity the author pointed to the change in the status of women around the 14th century. Prior to that time women served in leadership positions. There were women Bishops in the Catholic Church. But that honor and responsibility was hacked off around the 1500's. No women Bishops since then. There is a group lobbying Bishops to allow women to again serve and a gathering in the Vatican just now considering it. Several other times there were discussions about allowing it but never happened.

According to the author about women in Christianity I've been discussing, the role of women in the Catholic church tracked accurately society's attitudes toward women. Religion simply slapped it label on whatever the culture was doing. Catholics made sure men held the highest positions but needed women to fill in jobs elsewhere. Then, after the Referendum cultural machoism entered the breakaway which became Protestantism. 

According to what I have read Catholic rules do not prohibit either married priests or female decans. That they have both existed in previous times give credence to the view the prohibitions come from a cultural source not a theological one.  

There are many locations around the world and in this country where Catholics would like a representative of the world church to perform duties representing the Church. Priests are not available but local women could receive training provided by the church and carry out these responsibilities. Part of the Deacon's duties is performing some rituals. 

We can almost guarantee Christianity will shoot itself in the foot and not do what it needs to do. History has shown that while the faith does eventually shift positions and beliefs to conform to cultural changes it is often late to the dance. 

Now would be a perfect time for the Catholic Church to allow women Deacons. Instead of waiting decades as it has done it would be refreshing to see the change earlier rather than later.

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