Women in the church (and in society) is a huge topic – one that I cannot do justice to in it’s entirety but feel like I need to address at least a fragment and give my voice, a contemporary female voice, to this topic.
The Hamilton song hits the nail on the head indirectly:
When you got skin in the game you stay in the game
But you don’t get a win unless you play in the game.
Hamilton
Women are not really playing in the game that is Catholic Church leadership. We need a seat at the decision-making table. I understand that this is reflective of current society, but quite simply, for an organisation that claims to be counter-cultural this is simply not good enough. The church has been run by men as far back as is documented and surely this has entrenched the hierarchical male archetype. Look at the hierarchy – the Cardinals (all men) and to be a Cardinal you need to be a Priest and women cannot be priests (apparently that is heretical and you get excommunicated for that one!) The Roman Curia with all its various secretariats are all run by men (mainly Cardinals). Where is the female voice in this – other than the one woman appointed last year to a managerial role in the Secretariat of State (and kudos to Pope Francis for doing this)? When are women going to have a seat at the table instead of being expected to clear away the dishes? When can we ‘play in the game’?
I revisited the various recounts of Jesus and women in Scripture. There was an inclusive aspect to his teaching and a ready acknowledgement of women in their innate human dignity, however, the 12 apostles were men. I spent some time thinking about that and have something to say. These accounts are all told through a male lens, the male lens that has clung to the power of governance throughout the history of the Church. There is mention of the influence of women. Women supported Jesus’ ministry, Mary was a significant influence, and Jesus interacted with women in a way that was counter-cultural, maybe their influence has been minimised in literature scribed through a male power lens? Every aspect of his ethos upholds the equal dignity of the sexes and yet 2000+ years later and we do not have equality. We do not need to be ‘looked after’ or protected from the heavy weight of responsibility – we are capable and ready. What would Jesus say today to those who perpetuate this injustice?
I really like the Wedding at Cana. Breaking it down: Mary made a decision, Jesus acted on it and all was well. Women can make decisions. She must have made many over time and who can argue the grit of this Blessed Woman who stood by her son at the Crucifixion? She found a solution and put into action what needed to occur to save the family the shame that would have been forthcoming had they run out of wine. I like Mary’s approach – she didn’t need to form a committee and have a discussion or read a proposal and it was done with discretion. Sometimes you just need to get things done.
I love the He For She speech by Emma Watson as it acknowledges the limits that befell both genders through the inequality in society. Why can’t men show emotion and be manly? Why can’t men be nurturing? Why can’t women make decisions and give direction? We are slowly moving in a direction that accepts the holistic nature of humanity rather than adhering to toxic stereotypes. It isn’t just about empowering women to lead – it is about empowering men to be compassionate and emotional.
Women are under-represented in every government. To change the world we need to have more women at the decision-making tables and until we do society will continue to perpetuate the male model of leadership as the most valued. Feminine and masculine leadership are different – don’t expect women to adopt male styles and be willing to support those male leaders willing to employ feminine leadership in their arenas. To change and grow our church we need to let women ‘be in the room where it happens’. We can all win on this one. Just as men can show compassion women can bring intelligence and let’s just remember the bible paints wisdom as female.
To reinforce the wisdom that has come from women I am finishing with one of my favourite quotes from St Teresa of Avila. These words, I think, if absorbed by the majority would render our world into the global community we often allege we have:
“May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.”
St Teresa of Avila
We need to hear these wise women more frequently, let’s give them a voice and a seat at the table where the decisions are made.
The Female Theologian 