Author/editor(s): Ann Gillen
Creation: Apr. 1973 (The date of original creation or publication, if known)
Protocol: ARCCOW 5B

Persistent link: https://iarccum.org/doc/?d=1579 (Please use this permanent URL in your publications and bookmarks to link to this document. The files linked below may be modified, but this record will remain at this location.)

Last December [1972] the U.S. Catholic bishops’ Committee on Pastoral Research and Practices released its report entitled, “Theological Reflections on the Ordination of Women” (see “Origins.” Vol. II, p. 437). In April, the National Coalition of American Nuns scored the report as self-defeating, retrogressive and “devoid of pastoral concern, either for the women who seek ordination or the persons whom they might help as priests.” A study paper prepared by Sister Ann Gillen. Executive Director of the 1800-member sisters group, says the report contains only arguments against the ordination of women. A tradition developed in the church, says Sister Ann, which “has been consistently bad news for women.” For American bishops who really want honest dialogue, Sister Ann had a number of recommendations, among them: that the bishops invite women theologians to speak at the bishops annual meetings; that they initiate “consciousness-raising” sessions for clerics; and that they authorize a woman to teach the theology of woman in local seminaries.