Author: Kate McElwee

Modern-day ‘suffragettes’ push for voting rights in Amazon synod

ROME – As the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon approaches, women from several religious orders and organizations have banded together to demand they be given voting rights during the meeting, a privilege typically awarded only to ordained men. “These are the modern-day suffragettes,” Deborah Rose Milavec, Co-Director of the Future Church advocacy organization, said…
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Advocates Demand Voting Rights for Women be First Item of Synod Agenda

For immediate release: 25 September 2019 With the release of the list of participants for the Vatican’s upcoming Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon Region (Oct. 6-27), the Women’s Ordination Conference notes with disappointment and bewilderment the continued lack of voting rights for Catholic sisters and nuns at the assembly. Since…
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Calling for Submissions for “Liberating Liturgies 2.0”

Do we dare speak our own prayers?  Several months ago, we launched a research project, “Mainstreaming Women’s Ministries,” to survey young Catholic women who pursue advanced theological degrees, with the core question: how can the Church better serve and support these women?  While we continue to analyze the results, we know that there is a…
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We make the path to equality by WOC-ing together

In this last week of our fiscal year, we are asking you to renew your commitment to WOC’s mission by making a financial contribution or creating your own fundraising page to help us reach our $5,000 goal.  Watch your inbox for emails showcasing the voices and stories of our incredible board of directors, who work (often…
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Women’s Ordination 101

Everything you need to know to advocate for women’s ordination! Our new, 16-page resource includes the sections: Why Ordain Women?  Women’s Ordination by the Numbers A Brief History of Modern Vatican Documents on Women’s Ordination (and our responses!) What About Women Deacons? Myths and Misperceptions  Fill out my LGL form!

Take our Survey!

As part of a year-long research project, we’re seeking survey responses from people who identify as Catholic women in the U.S. between the ages of 21-40, who have completed or are pursuing an advanced degree in theology.If this describes you, or someone you know, please use or share the following survey link to help us…
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WOC Responds to Pope’s Exhortation, “Christus Vivit”

2 April 2019For Immediate Release Pope Francis’ new post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation, “Christus Vivit” (Christ is Alive), offers only lip service to the movement for women’s equality in the Roman Catholic Church, suggesting no concrete actions to further his own bishops’ call for the inclusion of women in decision-making and leadership roles in the Church. The…
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Catholics For Human Rights

On March 14, as the U.N.’s 63rd Commission on the Status of Women gathered to focus on the human rights of and empowerment of women, the Women’s Ordination Conference and a coalition called “Catholics for Human Rights: Challenging the Holy See at the United Nations,” did just that. We offered a powerful Catholic voice as…
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Catholic Orgs and Allies challenge the Holy See at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW63)

Contact: Cathy Renna, cathy@targetcue.com, 917-757-6123 for more information or to RSVP for either event Advocates and Experts Call for Removal of the Holy See from the Commission on the Status of Women On March 14th 2019, during the 63rd session of the Commission on the Status of Women, the United Nations’ intergovernmental official commission that focuses…
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Activist Toolkit for Today

Welcome to the Women’s Ordination Conference Activist Toolkit for Today! Women’s Ordination Conference is a global movement that advocates for women’s ordination into a renewed priestly ministry in the Roman Catholic Church. We are activists, advocates, theologians, parish workers, educators, and ministers who work tirelessly to bring our message of gender equality to the Vatican…
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