The Journal

Issue date: 4/28/05 Section: Opinion/Editorial

Maggie Carlson

When the conclave met to select a new pope, I watched with anticipation to see if liberal Catholics would get their way with a more progressive pope. Many were hoping for a pontiff who would be more open to women's ordination, the priests' right to marry and laity rights. Because Pope John Paul II was pope for my entire lifetime, I didn't know what to expect.

When Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was announced, I knew progressive Catholics didn't get their wish. Because of his opposition to liberation theology, not to mention his stances against any kind of religious pluralism or any progressive movement, I could see why some were wary about their faith.

Some look at the name he chose - Benedict - to be an indication that he might be becoming more liberal. Benedict XV was known as a progressive peacemaker, whereas Ratzinger has always been know as an extremely conservative authoritarian.

I have had my qualms with the Roman Catholic Church ever since I graduated from a Catholic all-girls high school. Of course it was an empowering environment, but it wasn't long before the reality of the church set in. I learned that it's near impossible to be at a school like mine and practice the Roman Catholic religion, which is anything but forward-thinking when it comes to women's rights. Since high school, I've only been to Mass a couple times.

I couldn't help but ask myself, why should I be part of a church that sees me as a mere observer in the crowd? I didn't feel like I belonged to the church anymore, which I think is the way many Catholics, especially in St. Louis, currently feel.

A couple weeks ago I attended a service of Sts. Clare and Francis Ecumenical Catholic Community, which meets Saturday evenings at the Evangelical United Church of Christ in Webster Groves. The parish is a member of the Ecumenical Catholic Communion, which is a group of Catholic communities that share the basic theology and liturgies as the Roman Catholic Church, but are not under jurisdiction of Rome and are not subject to Canon Law.

Sharing the same words, format and songs as a Roman Catholic Mass, there was only one very visible difference: a female priest said the mass. Not only had I never seen a female priest say Mass before, but I never really thought about it. When I did though, it felt like something the church had been missing for a long time.

Denise Donato is a family minister from the parish Spiritus Christi in Rochester, New York. She was ordained a Catholic priest in 2002. The church's slogan is "A Catholic community where all are welcome," and the parish blesses gay unions and obviously believes in women's ordination.

Catholics who are upset about the course of the church should consider looking into alternative churches. What is faith, if you are not happy with it?

I understand many parishioners want to reform the church they have known, but by breaking off, I believe, it sends Rome the message that people are not going to sit back and take what is dished out to them.

It's a fair assumption that Pope Benedict XVI will not condone the actions of these ecumenical churches any time soon, but I don't think these churches should care. If the people of the congregation feel they are acting the way God intends, then the approval of a man in Rome should be arbitrary. It may be hard for some to leave the church they've always known, but being comfortable with their religion should be reason enough.







Maggie Carlson, a senior journalism major, is a staff writer for The Journal.

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