Deep in the Amazonian forest, young couples looking to wed or baptise children often turn to Sister Alba, who fills in where Catholic priests cannot be found. Many Amazonian bishops present at a three-week assembly at the Vatican want the Roman Catholic Church to create official roles for them. It is not a question of ordaining female priests. Official statusThere is interest, however, in giving laywomen official “ministries”, whether that be performing marriages or preaching. “Two thirds of the indigenous communities without priests are guided by women,” says Bishop Erwin Krautler, an Austrian missionary.

Source: The Hindu October 11, 2019 16:41 UTC