WOMEN AND MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH
Editorial
Pope Benedict’s XVI’s response to questions from 15 priests of the Diocese of Rome last month didn’t receive much attention. That’s too bad. Because the bishops in North America badly need to discuss what he said.
During the Pope’s two-hour session with the priests, Fr. Marco Valentini asked the Pope why the Church doesn’t recognize that women’s experience, wisdom, and points of view would complement those of the men in decision-making positions. Not surprisingly, Benedict XVI asserted that priestly ministry is reserved for men, but he responded to the question saying "it is right to ask" if it would not be possible "to offer more space, more positions of responsibility to women."
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