FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2, 2005

CONTACT: AISHA TAYLOR

cell 703-307-5631; office 703-352-1006

Women's Ordination Conference mourns Pope's death and looks to future

Washington, D.C. -- The Women's Ordination Conference (WOC) mourns the passing of Pope John Paul II. He was an example of compassionate discipleship to Catholics and people of faith around the world. WOC also grieves for the actions the Pope left undone for women's equality in the church.

"We honor Pope John Paul II for his prophetic preaching about women's dignity, yet we acknowledge that during his papacy, the church took significant steps backward in the struggle for women's equality," stated Joy Barnes, WOC's Executive Director. "He kept women from the highest leadership positions in the church -- he barred them from ordination."

"In the last year of his life, he called for the 'active collaboration between the sexes' but did not see the irony of refusing the same rights in his own church," continued Barnes. "WOC prayerfully advocates for a new pope who supports women's ordination. He should usher in a renewed priesthood that fully embraces the gifts and talents of women and includes the laity's participation in the governance of the church."

"Today we express sorrow at his death and we honor the fullness of his life. His suffering has ended and he is now at peace with God in his eternal resting place," said Barnes.

"We grieve the loss of Pope John Paul II," stated Evelyn Hunt, the President of WOC’s Board of Directors, "We must now trust that the Holy Spirit will continue to breathe new life into the Roman Catholic Church, one that will herald in a renewed priesthood led by women and men who will teach, preach and live out gospel values."

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Founded in 1975, the Women's Ordination Conference works for equality in all dimensions of life and ministry in the Catholic Church, including women's ordination to a renewed priestly ministry. For more resources on women's ordination, the legacy of Pope John Paul II, and selecting a new pope, visit www.womensordination.org.