Apologise to the Women of the Church

An Invitation to Catholic Men to apologise to the Women of the Church

This is an invitation to offer an apology to the women of the church for the discrimination and unjust treatment women have received from our church. We ask you to join us in this apology by signing this statement. The list of signatories will be presented to Pope Benedict XVI on International Womens Day, March 8, 2010.

Throughout much of human history women have been treated as if they were not equal to men. While many societies and nations have taken positive steps to eliminate this injustice, the Catholic Church has been reluctant to change. We have not admitted women to full leadership in the community, and in this we continue to discriminate against them.

Women may also sign to show their acceptance of this apology and their support for the petition.


OUR APOLOGY TO THE WOMEN OF THE CHURCH

In spite of St. Pauls words: "There are no more distinctions between Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female, but all of you are one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3,28), the church has refused to acknowledge that equality.

We have ignored the lesson contained in the example of Jesus when he made his resurrection known first to Mary Magdalene.

We ignore the practice of the early church where many women hosted and led communities, and instead we perpetuate the attitude common in ancient times according to which women are treated as inferior.

It is undeniable that womens ordination is a justice issue. Its basis is the value, dignity and equality of women (Sister of Charity Louise Akers).

We believe this to be true. Unfortunately we have not always seen this, but instead we have lived, thought and acted as willing participants in the male-oriented, clergy-dominated church.

We now apologise to the Women of the Church for this injustice which belittles your contribution to the life and mission of the church, insults your dignity, and denies you a share in the leadership of the Christian community.

We believe that the church has no right to repress, confine or subjugate even one of its members.

We make this apology as an expression of support for and solidarity with all Catholic women. We wish to acknowledge our solidarity in particular with those religious women who have adapted their lives and apostolic activities in accordance with the directives and spirit of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). We also express solidarity with those women who have responded willingly, but unsuccessfully, to Gods call to participate fully in ministry in the church.

We therefore raise our voices now, calling on the church, through the pope and the bishops of the whole world, to give women equal opportunity with men. Let all levels of ministry, leadership, and governance in the church community, including priesthood, be open to all.