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While people sometimes use the term “the church” as shorthand for the Vatican or the magisterium, the church is, strictly speaking, all its members, regardless of gender or vocation. So, while Catholic women are barred from holy orders and from most ministerial and leadership roles in the church, that doesn’t mean they have no voice in the church.
Catholic women teach theology, catechetics, and preaching. They manage schools and universities. They serve on dicasteries and advisory boards. Women religious take the lead in social justice initiatives. Catholic women work as editors and journalists in religious media. Some Catholic women even help train priests. And many do tireless—often thankless—work to keep parishes running smoothly.
But does all this mean that women have an equal voice in the church?
On this episode of the podcast, the hosts talk to award-winning journalist Heidi Shlumpf. For three decades, Schlumpf has covered religion, politics, and women’s issues. Currently senior correspondent at Commonweal magazine, she has also worked as columnist, correspondent, executive editor, and vice president at the National Catholic Reporter, and as managing editor at U.S. Catholic. She has written for multiple other outlets and is the author of Elizabeth A. Johnson: Questing for God (Liturgical Press, 2016) and While We Wait: Spiritual & Practical Advice for Those Trying to Adopt (ACTA Publications, 2009). She’s also one of the hosts of the Francis Effect podcast.
Read some of Schlumpf’s writing and learn more about this topic in these links:
- “Are church leaders really listening to women?” by Jenn Morson
- “Pope Francis’ legacy on women a mixed bag,” by Heidi Schlumpf
- “The synod could change whether women can be ordained as deacons or priests. These women are hopeful,” by Heidi Schlumpf
- “The Catholic women teaching priests how to preach,” by Kelly Sankowski
- “Can the church give more than lip service to women’s leadership?” by Meghan J. Clark
- “To empower women in the church, allow lay preaching,” by Rhonda Miska
- “Jesus calls women to lead. Someday the church will, too,” by Yunuen Trujillo
- “In Catholic media, a woman’s place is everywhere,” by Rebecca Bratten Weiss
- “Has the synod on synodality changed anything?” by Heidi Schlumpf
- Women Erased: Women in Catholic Media with Heidi Schlumpf
This episode is sponsored in part by Tyndale House Publishers. Share God’s Word with the NLT Catholic Holy Bible, Gift Edition. The New Living Translation is accurate, easy to understand, and approved by the Catholic Church. With a special presentation page, it’s a perfect gift for baptism, First Communion, confirmation, or any milestone. Visit Tyndale.com and give a gift that lasts forever.
