I have personally experienced the ministry of women, and I believe that the whole Church needs them to be recognized officially. Women offer perspectives which are different from the male dominated perspective of the Church. Their perspectives help to fill in our understanding of God and God’s Word.

The Church deeply needs women to fulfill its mission. God has given them gifts and we need to allow them to use these gifts for the benefit of all. 

I was finishing my formal theological training as Pope John Paul II began his papacy. It was a time of hope and expectation that the spirit of Vatican II would become a reality. But as my theology class prepared for ordination, over half of us would not be able to respond to their call from God. A celebratory time had an air of disappointment and frustration for many.

I have been blessed with women who have shared their many gifts with me. They have broken open Scripture for the people of God with their own perspective and insight. They have shown ways of leading which empower and confirm the value of each individual person. They have offered perspectives and visions of the Spirit’s call to live God’s love for all.

We deeply need women’s gifts in the Church which would be uplifted and more fully realized if women were able to be ordained to the diaconate. It is my hope and prayer that the Church will heed this call. 

God be with us in our need to know You through the eyes of all people. Give us the courage to listen to You in the voices of many. Amen.