After reeling from the surprise election result I was feeling rather demoralised but my spirits were raised after reading "God is a feminist issue" (The Tablet, 9 May) by the estimable Tina Beattie. If she, a well-respected doyenne of womens' roles in the Church is feeling optimistic, then this is a cause for celebration and positivity.
Like anything in our Church, it is a case of baby footsteps and agonising pauses in between when this so important issue lurches and falls into the uncompromising arms of some members of the hierarchy. She is right in her thinking that the Pope is an enabler and has become florescent in his signalling of green lights. She is spot on too about leaving aside the ordination question. There are so many valid decision-making roles that could be enhanced by our thinking and clarity of vision. The acid test will be if this does translate into a significant representation at the forthcoming Synod, then we will know if the Pope and the Church mean business. This is a quest for inclusivity and women taking their rightful place in today's Church of the twenty-first century.
Judith A Daniels, Cobholm, Norfolk
Loading ...
