Media Advisory: Ordain Women, Yes We Can!

/

For Immediate Release: September 28, 2024

Women’s Ordination Worldwide returns to Rome to appeal to Pope Francis & Synod delegates

Women’s Ordination Worldwide (WOW), in collaboration with the Women’s Ordination Conference (WOC), is excited to announce a series of events to take place in Rome during the October 2024 Synod of Bishops. 

These events aim to raise global awareness and advocate for the full inclusion of women in the Roman Catholic Church, particularly through priestly ordination. As the Vatican convenes the second session of the Synodal Congress, WOW remains steadfast in its call for the renewal of oppressive systems, and the opening of all doors for the vocations of women to be fully recognized, celebrated, and honored within the sacramental life of the Church.

Through these creative actions, WOW’s global members will stand as a visible, prayerful, and determined witness to the Church’s urgent need for reform.

Key Events in Rome:

  • Tuesday, 1st October - 3 pm 

The synthesis report from the first session of the synod writes: In Christ, women and men are clothed with the same baptismal dignity (Gal 3:28) and receive equally the variety of gifts of the Spirit. We are called together into a communion of loving, non-competitive relationships in Christ, and to a co-responsibility to be expressed at every level of the Church’s life.  

Inspired by these themes, we will host a prayer vigil on the eve of the Synod, reflecting on women’s baptismal equality. Featuring the testimonies of women worldwide, we will share stories of vocation, hope, and deep prayer for a church that fully expresses women’s co-responsibility at every level. 

  • Wednesday, October 2nd 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.

    • “Women Can Be Priests” witness and prayer

    • Activists will gather along Lungotevere Castello, angolo Largo dei Mutilati Ed Invalidi di Guerra

On the opening day of the Synod, advocates for women’s ordination will witness in a colorful and creative way to remind the Vatican that women’s contributions can no longer be dismissed or delayed. Through art, action, and community, we will embody the spirit of hope and equality.

  • Friday, 4th October - afternoon

    • “Why not me?” Action and Greeting of Synod Delegates

Women’s Ordination Worldwide, Women’s Ordination Conference, Catholic Women’s Council and other supporters will gather prayerfully  to witness with a simple yet powerful question for participants in the Synod: "Why not me?" Our witness carries the hopes of so many women who long to fulfill their call to ordained ministry. We ask the church to confront the inadequacy and injustice of its prohibition of women’s ordination, and take seriously the gifts, vocations, and baptismal equality of women in the church. We have invited delegates of the synod to stand in solidarity with us. 

  • October 2-26, at 7 PM (Rome time), WOW members will gather in solidarity and prayer outside St. Peter’s with baptismal candles, symbolizing our collective commitment to the renewal of the Church. This nightly vigil invites Catholics everywhere to light candles in their own homes and parishes, standing with us in prayer for a more inclusive and collaborative Church.

For more information, please contact:

Kate McElwee
Women’s Ordination Conference
Phone: +39 393 692 2100 or +1 607-725-1364
Email: kmcelwee@womensordination.org 

Miriam Duignan
Wijngaards Institute for Catholic Research
Phone: +44 7970 926910
Email: miriam.duignan@wijngaardsinstitute.com

Background: 

Founded in 1996 at the First European Women's Synod in Austria, Women's Ordination Worldwide (WOW) is an ecumenical network of national and international groups whose primary mission at this time is the admission of Roman Catholic women to all ordained ministries. Member groups of WOW that will be present in Rome include: 

Catholic Network for Women’s Equality (Canada)

Catholic Women’s Ordination (UK)

Women’s Ordination Conference (USA)

Wijngaards Institute for Catholic Research (Global)

Roman Catholic Women Priests (Global)

As well as individual members from India and Poland.

###