Press Releases of Women-Church Convergence

Women-Church Convergence, a coalition of thirty-three Catholic women's organizations, celebrates twenty-five years of expanding feminist ministries while the institutional Roman Catholic Church narrows its focus and loses its influence. The Convergence will hold a conference focused on "Catholic Feminist Ministries" in Chicago, August 17-19, 2007.

Women-church is informed by the pressing needs of the world and encouraged by the multitude of women engaged in justice-seeking ministries. The women-church movement embodies the catholic spirit of concern for the whole universe, with equality taken for granted, differences respected, and ministries developed in concert with the Spirit. Member groups include both national organizations and local base communities.

Women-church groups are engaged in political and social ministries, including peace work and immigration reform, anti-racism initiatives, and direct service to people who are poor. They work side by side with people of many religious perspectives. They offer strong feminist theological and spiritual resources for new forms of church modeled on a "discipleship of equals." These groups are in the vanguard of efforts to provide health care including reproductive health services, to utilize technology for the common good, and to care for the earth.

All of this dynamic, creative work stands in sharp contrast to the internal wrangling of a divided Roman Catholic institution that has lost its ability and credibility to address global concerns. The recent Vatican statement about the Latin Mass and the alienating remarks about what constitutes a church demonstrate that the institution does not speak for most of the Catholic community. Priest pedophilia and episcopal cover-ups continue to scandalize as even huge monetary settlements are inadequate to compensate for the crimes committed against children and young adults.

New vision and commitment are required so that the faith community can be about the work of love and justice. Women-church provides both. All are welcome at the August gathering, a working conference where participants will discuss current issues and formulate next steps. A highlight will be a Eucharistic banquet celebrating the growing movement of Catholic feminist ministries.