YEP! WOC is in Rome for the final session of the Synod on Synodality
… to ensure *our* voices are heard and hold the Vatican accountable to the inclusive, courageous vision of the synod laid forth from the beginning.
Donate to our witness in Rome
This is a crucial moment in the synodal path and in the life of the church. Will church leaders turn their backs on the People of God, or will they make way for the movements of the Spirit and follow her lead to a more just church?
We pray our presence will help illuminate the path toward a new day.
Our Campaigns
While many have attempted to silence the conversation on women’s ordination, dismiss our work as “lobbying,” or relegate the global discernment into the shadows of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, we are determined to be visible, creative, and bold. There is just too much at stake.
October 1st
On the eve of the synod, which is also the feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, we gathered in vigil at the Basilica of St. Praxedes in Rome. Through prayer, testimony, and song, we honored the baptismal equality of all people with the theme: “Same Baptism, Same Spirit, Same Calling.” The vigil was live-streamed worldwide and is now available for viewing.
Watch the recording
October 2nd: “Don’t Kick the Can, Ordain Women”
As the synod opened, WOC, along with Women’s Ordination Worldwide and international partners, held a coloful and noisy witness with a direct message for the Vatican: “Don’t kick the can down the road; women can be priests.”
SEE MORE PHOTOS
October 4th: “Why Not Me?”
We took to the streets of Rome with our international partners with ‘very demure, very mindful’ fans with the simple and profound question: “Why not me?”
Inspired by our French sisters’ campaign Pour Quoi Pas Moi? we marched and chanted: “I’m a fan of women deacons! I’m a fan of women priests! I’m a fan of justice!”
Escorted by Roman police, our colorful and loud witness stopped road and foot traffic, making room where the Vatican has said there is “no room.”
The Flame of Equality
Each evening of the synod we will gather near St. Peter’s square in prayerful vigil for the recognition of women’s baptismal equality. All are welcome.
Download the vigil outlineWOC in the News
Read some of the international coverage of our presence in Rome.
The Tablet: Synod failing to respond to Catholic calls for renewal and reform
Expectations for the Synod on Synodality “are low”, according to the lay reform group We Are Church International. Speakers at a briefing organised by the group called for “strong proposals” for[…]
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RNS: Advocates for women deacons ‘in it for the long run,’ despite Vatican pushback
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Almost 40 women from all over the world marched through the streets of Rome on Friday (Oct. 4) and, under the watchful gaze of police officers[…]
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Church Times: ‘Still no to female deacons’ says Vatican official as synod begins
A SENIOR Vatican official has ruled out the ordination of female deacons, as participants gathered in Rome for a new round of the Synod on Synodality. “We know the public position[…]
Read moreFor additional information or media requests, please contact Executive Director Kate McElwee at kmcelwee@womensordination.org.
Contact WOCWOC’s Synodal Journey
We believe in the inclusive promise of the synodal process, and have actively encouraged our members to engage in authentic ways, both in their parishes and in our listening sessions. The integrity and impact of the synod will depend on the radical inclusion and welcome of often marginalized voices into courageous conversations, just like ours.
Let Her Voice Carry
From the very beginning of the synod we have engaged earnestly in the process, creating toolkits, prayer resources, and hosting (and participating in) many listening sessions. Our first report was sent to all delegates of the synod.
WOC in Rome 2023
WOC and our international partners were in Rome throughout October 2023 for the Synod on Synodality. Our creative witness and prayers drew attention to the global calls for women’s equal participation at all levels of the church.
Hope, “Holy Grumbling,” and Hierarchy
We hosted two virtual listening sessions for the WOC community during March 2024. The sensus fidelium that arose from our listening sessions come under three categories: Hope, “Holy Grumbling,” and Hierarchy. All experience a deep prayer for belonging, healing, and uncomplicated equality.
Enlarge the space of your tent
We pray that the synodal tent is large enough to include all voices and vocations. On October 4, 2023, WOC and WOW unfurled a 12 meter long banner during the opening of the Synod’s sessions.
Watch the video of our witness