women deacons
How social distancing may change the way we do church
By Thomas Reese — April 22, 2020
(RNS) — Given the average age and low number of Catholic priests, services that conform to social distancing will have to be led by laypersons, most of whom will be women.
German theologian spearheads transition to a ‘gender appropriate’ Catholic Church
By Claire Giangravé — February 17, 2020
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — In a country with a long tradition of outspoken theologians, Agnes Wuckelt has her say about Germany's Catholic bishops' two-year summit studying the Church's beliefs on sexuality, love and priestly life.
Pope Francis punts on married priests
By Thomas Reese — February 13, 2020
(RNS) — Francis appears to have feared splitting the church over the question of celibacy.
What the US bishops can learn from the Amazon synod
By Thomas Reese — October 31, 2019
(RNS) — The American Catholic hierarchy isn't ready to follow the synod's search for real-world solutions. Too many conservatives believe that if we simply return to the old ways of doing things, everything will be fine.
As Amazon synod closes, bishops ask the Pope to allow some married priests
By Claire Giangravé — October 26, 2019
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Meeting in Rome, Catholic bishops from the Amazon recommended that the Pope allow married deacons to become priests in their region as a way to cope with a growing shortage of priests.
2/3 of Amazon bishops support married priests, says Brazil bishop
By Claire Giangravé — October 9, 2019
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — According to one Brazilian bishop attending the Vatican summit on the Amazon region, a majority of Brazilian bishops are in favor of allowing the ordination of married men to the priesthood.
Catholic bishops end synod with controversy and compromise
By Thomas Reese — October 29, 2018
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The synod's report deals with a host of issues of concern to young people: treatment of women in society and in the church, the church’s attitude toward LGBT members, clerical sex abuse, warfare, poverty, migration, human trafficking and corruption. But the work must continue in local churches.
Catholic groups launch conversation about female deacons
By Josephine McKenna — June 15, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The pope has ruled out the ordination of women as priests, but he may endorse women deacons.
Orthodox Church debate over women deacons moves one step closer to reality
By Catherine Clark — March 9, 2017
(RNS) The Patriarch of Alexandria, who presides over the entire Orthodox Church in Africa, reintroduced women deacons last month. Will other Orthodox churches follow his lead?
Pope says he believes ban on female priests is forever
By Yonat Shimron — November 1, 2016
ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE — 'St. Pope John Paul II had the last clear word on this and it stands, this stands,' Francis said.
Supporters of women as priests see hope in pope’s openness to deacons
By Emily McFarlan Miller — September 2, 2016
(RNS) The movement to ordain women as priests in the Roman Catholic Church isn’t new. But its supporters have seen glimmers of hope for their cause this summer.
Will the Catholic Church have women deacons?
By guest — August 4, 2016
(RNS) Unlike the issue of the priesthood, there is no long list of papal encyclicals and church councils that would prohibit the ordaining of women deacons.
American on women deacons panel: ‘I feel like I’ve won the Academy Award’
By David Gibson — August 3, 2016
(RNS) Phyllis Zagano, a scholar at Hofstra University, is the only American woman named to the Vatican panel that will study whether women can be ordained as deacons.
Pope Francis names panel to study ordaining women deacons
By Josephine McKenna — August 2, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The move follows through on a pledge he made to a group of nuns in May, and it reignites the heated debate on what roles Catholic women can fill in the church.
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