Opinion Articles

SOUL MATTERS: Church slow to recognise the gift of women
By Michael Malone

Yesterday we celebrated International Women's Day. This day, which has been observed for almost one hundred years, is an opportunity to connect women around the world: those in the First World, those in the Third World , those whose needs are great and those whose gifts and generosity have the potential to answer those needs.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the report on the participation of women in the Catholic Church in Australia . Woman and Man: One in Christ Jesus was, and is, a landmark document in the history of the Australian Church . At the initiative of the Australian bishops, it invited, recorded and most importantly, responded to, the concerns of women all over Australia . There was a special focus on the experiences and issues of Indigenous women, including members of the Stolen Generation and their descendants.

While many steps have been taken to ensure that the Church does not discriminate between women and men, there is more to be done. It is almost a cliché to say that without the contribution of women – single, married, religious sisters, young and not so young, those who have given birth to children and those who have given birth to ideas – the Church as we know it would not exist.

The Book of Genesis proclaims that humanity was created “in the image of God, male and female…” St Paul 's Letter to the Galatians reminds the audience that “There is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free person, neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (3:28)

The late Pope John Paul II wrote: “Necessary emphasis should be placed on the genius of women, not only by considering great and famous women of the past or present, but also those ordinary women who reveal the gift of their womanhood by placing themselves at the service of others in their everyday lives. For in giving themselves to others each day women fulfil their deepest vocation. Perhaps more than men, women acknowledge the person, because they see persons with their hearts.” ( Letter to Women, 1995).

The Catholic Church is yet to recognise sufficiently their place, their gifts, their many contributions. In the third millennium there are far more opportunities for women than ever before, in the Church and in the wider community. I value highly the advice, support and wisdom of the women on my staff and the women of the diocese.

However, structures remain that limit the influence and scope of the contribution of women. I know that there are women (and men) who have been wounded by the Church and who are unable to participate as they would wish. This is a source of grief and regret to me and to many.

International Women's Day encouraged us to reflect honestly on the magnificent part that women play in the contemporary Church and in our nation, as well as on less palatable realities. The first step in remedying any injustice or imbalance begins with me.

Michael Malone is Bishop of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle and Chair of the Bishops Commission for Church Ministry incorporating the Office for the Participation of Women and the Council for Australian Catholic Women.

*This article was published in The Newcastle Herald, 9th March 2009