FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 23, 2006

CONTACT: Aisha Taylor, work: 703 352-1006, ataylor@womensordination.org

Women’s Ordination Conference Applauds Decision to Allow Female Altar Servers and Continues Call for Women's Ordination

Washington, D.C. – Women’s Ordination Conference (WOC) is pleased with Bishop Paul S. Loverde’s announcement on Tuesday, March 21st, to allow female altar servers in the Diocese of Arlington. At the same time, WOC continues to call for a renewal of the Catholic priesthood to include women and become more democratic, transparent and accountable.

“Bishop Loverde’s announcement is a small but significant step toward creating a church that reflects Jesus’ values of inclusion, justice and love,” stated Aisha Taylor, WOC’s Executive Director. “It is incredibly important for girls to see images of themselves during Mass, and when they do, by seeing or serving as female altar servers, it allows them to feel fully included, nourished and empowered in their spiritual home. At the same time, how much more powerful would it be for girls, and all Catholics, to also see women celebrating Mass as priests and even bishops?”

Before this announcement, the Diocese of Arlington was one of two locations in the U.S. that prohibited female altar servers. This was in contrast to the Vatican statement in 1994 that allowed women and girls to serve in this capacity. Previously, the Arlington Diocese only allowed female altar servers in hospitals, nursing homes and colleges.

Bishop Loverde announced the change in policy Tuesday afternoon at a diocesan day of prayer for priests. He stated that women and girls would be allowed to serve on the altar on a parish-by-parish basis. In order to have female altar servers, a pastor in the diocese must consult with his parochial vicars, deacons and the parish pastoral councils. If the consultation determines that the parish should move forward, the pastor must state that conclusion in a letter to the bishop.

“Because the policy is not diocesan-wide, we know it does not eliminate discrimination for women and girls in the diocese. However, now is the time to celebrate a step forward in our church, and celebrate we will!” Taylor stated.

Also in his announcement, Bishop Loverde suggested that girls serving on the altar may be encouraged to seek religious life.

“In addition to girls being encouraged to seek religious life as they serve on the altar, they may also be called to seek ordination. Girls and women should be able to fulfill this call in the Roman Catholic Church.” Taylor concluded.

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Founded in 1975, the Women’s Ordination Conference (WOC) is the world's oldest and largest organization working solely for women to be ordained as deacons, priests and bishops into a renewing priestly ministry in the Catholic Church. For more information, visit www.womensordination.org.