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 outlineSee our “Catholic Women CAN” posters around Rome!
WOC commissioned this iconic artwork and navigated the bureaucracy of Rome to have nearly 200 posters hung in neighborhood surrounding St. Peter’s throughout the rest of the synod. In addition to our “cans,” black and white photos of women priests taken by Italian artist Giulia Bianchi accompany the images. Use our interactive map to see where you can find them in Rome!
VISIT THE MAP
WOC in the News
Read some of the international coverage of our presence in Rome.
WOC at 49: An Audacious Sign—Anniversary videos and recap
Grace, gratitude, grief, and holy grit — all were present as we marked our 49th anniversary on November 14 and 17, 2024, lifting up the theme of audacity in faith. Thanks[…]
Read more
CNN: The Pope has shown openness to greater roles for women – but there’s pressure for him to go further
CNN — A sense of urgency has been growing after the role of women emerged as a dominant theme when Catholics from across the globe were canvassed for their views ahead of[…]
Read moreWomen’s Ordination Advocates respond to final Synod on Synodality Document
For Immediate Release: October 26, 2024 The Women’s Ordination Conference (WOC) finds the Final Document of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, released 26 October 2024[…]
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