Press Releases

The Women’s Ordination Conference is pleased to announce the results of a new survey of Catholic women ages 21-40 who have earned or are pursuing a higher degree in ministry or related studies.   Funded by the Louisville Institute, this study was conducted by WOC Executive Director, Kate McElwee, and Program Associate, Katie Lacz, to explore the…
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The Women’s Ordination Conference denounces white supremacy and the systemic violence of racism. We stand unequivocally with those who are marginalized, silenced, or discriminated against, and work to transform oppressive structures of domination, inequality, imperialism, and racism. We denounce police violence. We grieve and mourn alongside the families and communities – especially the black community…
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April 8, 2020 The Women’s Ordination Conference welcomes the news of the appointment of a new Vatican commission studying the ordination of women deacons. This announcement comes 165 days after Pope Francis’ remarks at the close of the Synod of Bishops on the Amazon region, when he committed to further study on the topic: “I…
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In celebration of International Women’s Day, Catholic women are initiating a global strike from Church participation, attendance, and financial contributions throughout the month of May.  Organized by a network of 12 progressive Catholic organizations, the Catholic Women Strike campaign will begin on May 3rd, the “World Day of Prayer for Vocations,” and will nonviolently disrupt…
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New York: As women unite worldwide for International Women’s Day (March 8), Catholic women’s ordination advocates will march from the United Nations to the steps of New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral to demonstrate that women’s rights should not end at the steps of our churches. Singing a revised version of the classic labor rights song…
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Rome, 13 February 2020  Yesterday the post-synodal exhortation “Querida Amazonia” was published. With great sensitivity, it discussed the problems of poverty, exploitation, cultural colonization, migration and environmental degradation the Amazonia region is currently facing. It encouraged dialogue and appreciation of the unique contribution of the indigenous peoples to the shape of the universal Church. What…
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For Immediate Release: 12 February 2020 Querida Amazonia, Pope Francis’ post-synodal exhortation released today, outlines four “dreams” for the Church and the environment, leaving women and their dreams to the footnotes of the document and his papacy. With Querida Amazonia, the Pope is willfully turning his back on the calls of women for recognition of…
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Five Catholic reform organizations representing thousands of Catholic women and men sent a letter to Synod officials at the Vatican requesting the integration of women religious as full voting members at future synods. Women’s Ordination Conference, along with Donna per la Chiesa, Voices of Faith, Catholic Women Speak, and FutureChurch responded to an invitation from…
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For Immediate Release26 October 2019 The Women’s Ordination Conference (WOC) welcomes Pope Francis’ announcement that the study commission on women deacons will be convoked again in response to the discussion about women deacons at the Pan-Amazonian synod. “We were listening,” the Pope said.   We hope further deep listening to the valid vocations of women continues…
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***Segue in italiano di seguito*** To the Synodal Fathers, to the experts and to the auditors: As women believers we look with attention and great hope to the Synod for the Pan-Amazonian Region which is gathering in Rome from 6th to 27th October. We recognise the historic and revolutionary significance of this Synod which addresses…
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