September 2005

We at WOC express our deep sadness and extend heartfelt prayers to the millions of people affected by Hurricane Katrina. As we near the end of the first chapter of this tragedy, we pray for those who need fresh water, food and health care, for evacuees to find safe and humane shelter, and for families to be reunited. Our spirits are lifted by the people in cities around the country who are welcoming the residents of the Gulf Coast with open arms.

At the same time, this tragedy magnified the daily realities of racism, sexism and classism in the U.S. for the world to see. WOC sees the need to deepen our commitment to struggle against oppression within our country, our communities and ourselves and work for structural change within our institutions.

We realize the Catholic Church affects U.S. citizens on a variety of levels, and the need for women’s ordination and structural change to the church is deeply connected to the need to eradicate oppression in the U.S., which has been all too evident in the catastrophe of Hurricane Katrina. As we begin to understand these connections, we are developing a plan to implement anti-racism, and anti-oppression work throughout all levels of our WOC community.

As Catholics committed to social justice, we urge civic leaders of New Orleans and the affected regions to generate the political will to work for the common good. We look forward with resolve and a deeper understanding of our country and ourselves, and we commit to personal and institutional growth in our work for justice and liberation.

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Founded in 1975, Women’s Ordination Conference works for the ordination of Catholic women into a renewed priestly ministry that is compassionate, inclusive and empowering of all people. www.womensordination.org