The Guardian: Pope changes law so women are allowed to perform tasks in mass

Pope Francis has changed Catholic church law to officially allow lay women to perform tasks during mass, but stressed the move was not a precursor to them becoming priests.

The law makes explicit that lay women can be altar servers and readers during liturgies. Although this has been common practice for years in many developing countries, the change in canon law means that bishops will no longer have the power to prevent women within their diocese from taking on the roles.

….

“It’s not extremely radical but what is pretty significant is that the church is recognising accepted practices of Catholics around the world and making doctrinal steps to be more inclusive,” said Kate McElwee, the executive director of the Women’s Ordination Conference.

“In most places, women are not only lectors and eucharistic ministers, they’re also serving as pastoral ministers. Hopefully we’ll see more women involved in the liturgy of the mass.”

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