“Christianity was founded by women and then men took the ball off them and have yet to give it back. There have been many meetings with women over the past decades; all have ended up the same way – the women have walked away. I fear this is going to be the story of the upcoming Synod.”

So declared Fr Roy Donovan of the Association of Catholic Priests – in an interview with Sarah MacDonald in the Irish Independent of October 17th, 2021.

He was speaking on the Sunday appointed for the launch of a Vatican synodal process in every Catholic diocese.

According to Fr Donovan, parish priest of Caherconlish, Limerick diocese, “The Church is not used to listening to lay people speaking their minds and undoubtedly this provides a massive challenge to those at the top of the pyramid Church.”

“Everything – including ‘red button’ issues such as the ordination of women, the celibacy requirement for priesthood and LGBT+ teaching – must be on the table.”

“Let’s hope everyone will follow Pope Francis’ example that gives full permission to speak our minds without fear, judgement and ridicule,” Fr Donovan said.

“Patriarchy [shorthand for conventional male domination] is a stumbling block to mission.”

To read the complete Indo report, click here.

Sean O’Conaill
19th Oct, 2021