Catholic Women’s Ordination Group Outlines Traits for New Pope

For Immediate Release: April 15, 2005

Contact: Aisha Taylor 703 352-1006 office, 202 422-2235 cell

Catholic Women’s Ordination Group Outlines Traits for New Pope

WASHINGTON, DC — As the cardinals begin the conclave to elect the next pope, the Women’s Ordination Conference (WOC), a national Catholic organization leading the movement for women priests, states the qualities women want in the next pope.

“The Women’s Ordination Conference calls for a pope who will usher in a renewed priesthood that includes women,” stated Joy Barnes, the organization’s Executive Director. “Pope John Paul II divided the Catholic Church over the role of women by banning women priests and closing the discussion. We pray for a pope who will take the first step in healing this divide—opening the dialogue on women’s ordination.”

Pope John Paul II appointed all but three of the cardinals who will be voting and who may become the next pope.

“While I know the reality that many cardinals oppose women’s ordination, there is diversity among the College of Cardinals–– some are open to reform,” continued Barnes. “However, the election of a pope opposed to progressive Catholic reforms would galvanize the 60% of US Catholics who support women’s ordination and motivate people in the pews to work for change in the church.”

WOC advocates for a pope who:

• Supports women’s ordination into a renewed priestly ministry.
• Fully embraces gifts of women in all levels of church governance and decision-making.
• Creates systems of accountability to eradicate abuse, sexism, racism, heterosexism, and all oppression within the church.
• Develops inclusive ministries and teachings that are relevant to lay Catholics.
• Incorporates the laity in decision-making bodies of the church.

On Monday, April 18, WOC activists across the United States will protest the lack of women’s voices in the conclave during public prayer services. Public actions called “Open the Conclave with Pink Smoke” are confirmed in Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Lexington, Ky., Washington, DC, and more.

Founded in 1975, the Women’s Ordination Conference promotes the voices of Catholic women excluded from official church structures. WOC can arrange interviews with women called to priesthood, ordained Catholic women, feminist theologians, and church historians to speak about the issue of women priests. For more resources on women’s ordination, the legacy of Pope John Paul II, and selecting a new pope, visit www.womensordination.org.