RNS: Vatican blocks women’s homilies, testing Leo’s view of women in church
The executive director of the U.S.-based advocacy group for women’s ordination and gender equality in the church, Kate McElwee, called the Vatican’s decision “shameful” and “insulting” in a text message to Religion News Service.
“There are countless qualified, trained, and prepared lay people, especially women, ready to preach during Mass — and even more Catholics ready to receive the gift of their wisdom,” she wrote, adding that women’s experiences and perspectives can enrich the understanding of Scripture in ever more inclusive ways.
“What this clarification really reveals is the extent to which the Vatican will go to try to stop the Holy Spirit,” McElwee said, adding that it “doubles down on exclusion instead of listening to the needs of Catholics today.”