Women-Church Offers Prayers for Pope, Announces “Open Conclave”

The Women’s Ordination Conference is a proud member of Women-Church Convergence

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 April 2, 2005 

CONTACT: Bridget Mary Meehan: 941-953-5948, 703-967-6736, sofiabmm@aol.com
Mary E. Hunt: 301-589-2509, 240 472-4587, mhunt@hers.com 

Women-Church Offers Prayers for Pope, Announces “Open Conclave” 

Women Church-Convergence joins billions of people around the globe in prayer at the death of Pope John Paul II.  During his decades in office, the Pope traveled to many countries of the world bringing a message of peace and justice. While we favor the ordination of women and full rights for all in the church, and while we disagreed with the pope on a range of sexuality-related issues, we applaud the accomplishments of a courageous leader who expressed solidarity with oppressed people, including those who lived under Communism. May he rest in peace.
 
As the cardinals meet behind locked doors to select a new pope, the people of the church must be involved in the process of selection of church leaders and models of leadership. Women-Church Convergence announces an open conclave in cyberspace so that the entire community of faith may make their views known about important issues in the church’s life. Visit us at www.women-churchconvergence.org/conclave.

Women-Church Convergence envisions a church that treats women as partners and equals in all areas of church life. This model, rooted in the Jesus tradition, honors the gifts of God in the people of God. It is a path the community can follow to ensure integrity in ministry and accountability in governance and in all areas of church life. We promote participatory, egalitarian structures rather than hierarchical domination. We see the papacy as a sign of unity, not a person with authority. We call on all Catholics to take this unique opportunity to rethink basic aspects of our common life.

As a first small step in this direction, we call on Roman Catholic Church leaders to invite women from every continent to participate in the selection of the new pope. Historically, the office of cardinal was open to laity. Women cardinals at this conclave would bring a fresh perspective and represent more fully the community of faith.

We are women leading the way — in grassroots women’s egalitarian communities throughout the world. We proclaim a new day is dawning in which the Roman Catholic Church will no longer treat women as second-class citizens. May the Church practice what it preaches!