The role of women in the Church is an issue that has been questioned, both by believers and nonbelievers for many decades.
To further express the importance of this issue, during the month of May, the prayer intention of Pope Francis is respect for women, so they will be honored in every country around the world.
POPE FRANCIS
'Join my petition that in all countries of the world women may be honored and respected and valued for their essential contribution to society.â?
Being a priest is not the only way to have a voice in the Church. There are so many lay women who hold specific roles within the Church and are responsible for decision-making, apart from advising various church leaders. One example is Margaret Doherty, who is the director of communications for the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales.
MARGARET DOHERTY
Communications, Catholic Bishops Conference England and Wales
'There is a female genius, and as Pope Francis has spoken very often about the need for more women to be in the middle of the Church.â?
'It's a great honor and a great privilege to have the vocation to serve the Church in communications.â?
She is one of two females working with the bishops and says the combination of male and female ideas leads to much good, as women offer an individual skill-set and vision. Doherty explains that both genders working together allow 'the two to be exceptionally powerful.â?
The Pope also stresses the uniqueness of women and men. In his post-synodal apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia, he states that the combination of both genders leads 'to a synthesis that enriches both.â?
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