Catholics Speak Out:

We invited signers to share their thoughts with us. The following quotes are from among the many submitted.

“We treat women as second class citizens within the Catholic Church. It is time for women to be allowed to be priests, bishops, cardinals, and even POPE. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a lady as Pope?”

Gerald Korb, Locust Grove, VA

“As a spiritual director, I hear Roman Catholic women speak of how institutional sexism short-circuits their life in the church and causes them to question remaining in it. I’ve seen many leave to worship and minister elsewhere.”

Illinois Spiritual Director

“I am a 90-year-old cradle Catholic. It is difficult to listen and adhere to a medieval hierarchy, which is unjust and discriminates against me, tho I know Jesus finds me; I am sure, as equal as any man in this world. Thanks for doing this work.”

Marie LaVoie Kennedy, Ann Arbor, MI

“Full equality for women in the Catholic Church is critical to any hope of its revitalization.”

MJ Cronin, Vienna, VA

“So many of the spiritual needs among God’s people, especially among the poor, the sick, and the elderly, are going unmet because of the inequality that exists in our beloved church. Let’s work together to bring Christ’s love to those most in need of it!”

Maria West, Bethesda, MD

“We cannot preach justice unless we practice it, live it first.”

A Midwest Deanery Coordinator

“A group of educated, like-minded, thoughtful, prayerful women in Indiana who work for equity in the Catholic Church.”

Wise Women of Indiana

“I’d like to remind the Catholic Church of the leadership roles women played in the early Christian church. Women held ministerial roles, the same as men!”

Rosemary Santoli, Parkman, ME

“Forcing Rome to accept truth may require millions more of us to be willing to walk away.”

Timothy J Rowan, MRE, Colorado Springs, CO

“God does not discriminate, so why does the Catholic Church of the Roman Empire?”

J. Thomas Uranker, Pittsburgh, PA

“I’m the mother of four daughters who could be of great service to the church if they were treated with equality.”

Anonymous

“I believe in this so much I’m sending 1/3 of my monthly allowance.”

Sr. Maureen O’Sullivan, RSM, Omaha, NB

“Graduate of convent boarding school and Catholic college. Still an active student of the Bible, coordinator of a choir at local church.”

Kathleen McCarthy Jewett, Wayzatta, MN

“I am over ninety years old and counting, and in the 40 years since Vatican Council II, the sexist language in our liturgy has become more and more offensive. It is time for us to object.”

Beatrice Devine Kennedy, Buffalo, NY

“The time has come—to act with Justice & Courage!”

Anonymous

“I hope this leads to official equality for women in the Roman Catholic Church.”

Sara L Morrison, Washington, IA

“It is with hope and enthusiasm that I join others to truly rectify this long-established discrimination in our church.”

Carole Hannigan, North Attleboro, MA

“The church is biased and I am tired of it!”

Alice LaPlante, Arlington Heights, IL

“We are part of the National Catholic Church. Your concerns we have implemented.”

Fr. Joseph C. Spina, OSF, Oakland Park, FL

“Your theology is sound and cannot be questioned. Only one thing more is needed—what God intended from the beginning—the deeper relationship of Rev. 19:7.”

Daisy Swadesh, Farmington, NM

“Husband and wife, we support the cause together!”

Jack & Alice-Mary Lawler, Philadelphia, PA

“I hope I’m here when equality will be for all people—especially in the Catholic Church.”

Lorraine Bahl, San Diego, CA

“The first and highest priority is to ordain women. Then the remainder of the discriminations will naturally begin to crumble.”

Ronald & Joyce Mason, Farmington Heights, MI

“I was formed in the vision of Vatican II since my early learning in high school I have continued my search for that vision and my willingness to commit to it in the light of the Gospel. I was taught that through baptism, I became priest and prophet. Let that vision live. It’s time!”

Mary Ann Dignazio Louison, Amsterdam, NY

“God bless your work. Yes, I share the dream! Just a donation. I am 96 years old on a small SS check. I wish I could give more.”

PB

“Thank you for always being on the side of justice!”

Irene J Lawrence, San Diego, CA

“You give me hope in the struggle for justice. Gracias!”

Roy Bourgeois, MM, Columbus, GA

“I’m happy to know women and men are organizing for change in the Church. Pray it’s in my lifetime.”

Barb Simms, Yakima, WA

“Your ads—like American Revolutionary literature—will create historic reforms,”

Anonymous, Milwaukee, WI

“For our granddaughters, Elizabeth & Kathleen.”

Joan B. Kenneke, Bethesda, MD

“Been active church member for all my 64 years.”

Anonymous

“I am tired of being told that my gifts from God are of no consequence because I was born a woman!”

Anonymous

“The right to the Eucharist is at stake. Many talented, intelligent, educated women are ready to solve the problem of the shortage of priests.”

Susan J. Forsling, Ames, IA

“Dare to dream! Dreams are the reflection of hope and the seeds of change…The time has come for the church to acknowledge the equality of women!”

Margaret Sawyer, Glens Falls, NY

“Equality for all women—Catholic and non-Catholic—is a goal for all of us!”

Anonymous

“I have worked as a pastoral associate (doing he work of an associate pastor) and DRE (director of religious education) for 16 years. One of the main reasons I stay in the church is to provide a female role model for the girls and women in my parish, but it gets discouraging. My 22-year-old son said to me yesterday, ‘Why don’t you just sue the church. Isn’t discrimination illegal?’ I wish it were that simple!”

Anonymous

“I want to be part of the coalition for future organizing and action.”

Ruth Whitney, PhD, St Petersburg, FL

“I am a certified Catholic chaplain (NACC) and my continued certification (which my job requires) is contingent upon endorsement by the bishop of my diocese. I cannot speak out as much as I would like, but I would like to add my signature to this ad.”

SM, Virginia

“Actualizing Vatican II is long overdue. The church is all the people of God working, informed by the Spirit.”

Nan Hardigan, S. Hamilton, MA

“It’s about time. Many of us are leaving the Church.”

Mary Sengstock, Grosse Point Woods, MI

“I am tired of being told that my gifts from God are of no consequence because I was born a woman!”

Anonymous

“I hate going to Mass in a reactionary diocese. Thank you for giving me hope.”

Sally Hodge, Rockville Centre, Long Island, NY

“It is time for change for the good of our church! Let’s share the dream.”

Anonymous

“I hope this has some effect soon. I am 80 years old and want to see the reformation before I die.”

Paula McNight, DuBois, PA

“It can’t be true that God wants one of Her sacraments withheld from 52% of her human beings.”

Kathleen McCarthy-Smith, Phoenix, AZ

“Jesus called all his children. Nowhere did he specify that only men could be called to be apostles or priests. It is a misinterpretation by males, designed to grasp male power.” Dina Creighton, Pittsburgh, PA. “I am an ex-Catholic who was too impatient to wait decades (if not centuries) for female clergy, hence walked down the street to a sister church. What was once only a principle—equality for females—has been in practice a wonderful gift: the feminine pastoral approach. I am glad I didn’t wait, though I shall always love my older sister.”

Elizabeth H Desan, Washington, DC