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I think it is important to recognize culture from which Paul is speaking. In fact, Paul was a Roman citizen. He was raised in type of backward culture we have already acknowledged as crude and uncivilized by today’s standards and his remarks on this subject are no doubt a result of his cultural upbringing.
The Church has always accommodated change as humanity has grown and matured. Even Pope John Paul II, who passed this week, met with leaders of countries who were far from Christian. He met with Islamic leaders, Jewish leaders, and even rock stars like Bono from U2. These are all people Church would have condemned or even burned at stake for their heretical beliefs or ungodly actions during The Middle Ages.
Likewise, it is time for Catholic Church to mature to level of accepting that women are equally viable as a candidate for priesthood as men. The times of believing women are on a lesser plane - whether intellectually, socially, or spiritually – are long over and Vatican would do well to acknowledge this fact.
The Church’s churlish remarks on women serving in role of a priest are dated and a clear demonstration of need for a more progressive Pope that will be more responsive to changing times and to disenfranchised women of Catholic Church, whose ministerial participation has dropped significantly over last few decades.
I pray soul of Pope John Paul II finds peace and comfort in Kingdom of Heaven. He deserves so much for his sacrifice and service to Church and to God,
I also pray next Pope will override John Paul II’s remarks on women in priesthood and allow Church step into 21st century. If this happens, perhaps one day we will have a female Pope. Now that would be something to praise God about.
Stella loves to write. She joined her college newspaper where she took first place in News Writing and Editorials, as well as placing in several other areas, on a regional level. Stella’s bragging rights grew to include a national award for layout and design and the prestigious appointment as a Leader of the Student Press of North America by the Associated Collegiate Press.