If a parallel “college” was setup why only allow lay women? Women are not disallowed from the college of cardinals because they are women, but because they are not clergy (and a specific type at that). We have clergy, religious, and lay parts of the church so shouldn’t the college of elders include representation of all laity not just women? Why not a college of religious superiors also?
The college of cardinals is not drawn from all catholic men, but from a subset of the clergy. Only bishops are currently eligible to become cardinals so that means that only 1% of the clergy have a chance, so are priest and permanent deacons being unfairly discriminated against also?
The pope already can appoint women advisors, so all it seems this would do is add women to the voting of the pope. Does it truly make sense to add a new function to the church for something that happens once every 6 to 20 years? What specific value would it add? Equality? A different point of view? Feminine wisdom? Also how would the college of female elders be elected or appointed? How would women better reflect and teach the truth of God? Has the current system produced less perfect Popes because women haven’t participated?
To be honest it sounds like nothing more than political correctness without any defined purpose beyond appearances.
First of all Usige, thank you for such a well thought out response. A few things came to mind as I read your response; (1) if we accept men only formats in our church, then we have limited the world view to those men; and you state the percentages as they go down 1% of the clergy being potential cardinals (and that does not address that your point is a reality only based on canon law and that can law can be amended; it is only law to govern the chruch), (2) I do believe in a “womens only” body it is the most appropriate complement to a “male only” body; unless we are willing to rethink the apostolic tradition, then we are committed to male only priesthood, etc., so therefore we need to counter that with women only strategies. and (3) in terms of opening things up to other colleges, the problem would be the basis; women are of every field, nation, etc. other colleges would be focused on special interests for a lack of a better word, and the proposed college of women elders could in fact address those special interests along with their brothers in the College of Cardinals. and (4) in terms of the political correctedness, call it whatever you want, don’t think it is bad to be polticially correct, but if you know me you would know that is not the case
and your correct, there is nothing beyond the table other than the concept… but half the battle would be to get the idea on the table and open it up to a global discussion, subject to the pope’s decision based on what the Holy Spirit tells him what to do… but we shouldnt be aware of change.
Women, my friend, have more of an oppressed, controlled relationship with the church, you can even see it in how women have been canonized to underscore certain roles, canonization itself can be seen as a political process. and it is in my opinion. So, outside the safe bounds of a conservative biased “Catholic Answers” and a Traditional Catholic Movement, there is a huge level of dissatisfaction on the part of women in the church and they are tired of the same old messaging (and this has nothing to do with church teaching) of a male only institution…
I want to end by expressing my appreciation on your well thought out response to my “free spirit” persaonlity
Trickster
Bruce
