Reuters: Pope changes Church law to enshrine roles for women

Pope Francis, in another step towards greater equality for women in the Roman Catholic Church, on Monday changed its law to formally codify their roles as altar servers, distributors of communion and readers at liturgies.

The pope’s decree formalised practices already common in many countries. But the change in the Code of Canon Law means conservative bishops will not be able to block women in their dioceses from taking those roles.

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In an accompanying letter, he said he wanted to bring “stability, public recognition” to women already serving in the roles.

“This shift brings the institutional Church in alignment with the pastoral realities around the world,” said Kate McElwee, executive director of the Women’s Ordination Conference, which campaigns for female priesthood.

Read the full Reuters article here. You can also read our press release on the Vatican’s announcement here.