The report examining the role of women in the church recommends the creation of new opportunities for women’s voices to be heard in liturgies, leadership and in Church life. The report by the Women in Leadership Working Group found that there are difficulties and struggles for women, both lay and religious, particularly in a parish environment that revolves around the priest. One respondent with a leadership role said she felt “blatantly ignored”, as the authority of the priest superseded the lay woman’s role. A “radical change of mindset” is required to balance leadership within the Church and the entire Christian community, the group recommends. The working group also recommends the diocese explores how it could create new roles for lay women and men.

Source: The Irish Times May 09, 2021 18:43 UTC