The theological reasons the Vatican gives for excluding women from holy orders contradict Scripture, Tradition and Theology
The arguments adduced to bolster the ban of women priests do not
stand up to scrutiny. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome is simply wrong.
For a detailed discussion of these claims and their refutation, please visit our lively debates found here:
- Debate on the scriptural arguments
- Debate on the arguments from Tradition
- Debate on the theological arguments
- Debate on arguments concerning the Magisterium
Here we will point out some plain facts.
1. Jesus gave women an equal status in his community, and empowered them in principle, like the men, to preside at his Eucharist.
3. Through baptism women, as much as men, share in Jesus’ priesthood.
This predisposes women, no less than men, to receive all the sacraments including holy orders.
Discussion: Is the exclusion of women from holy orders Infallible Teaching?
![]() The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has declared this to be infallible doctrine!!! Cardinal Ratzinger, when Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, stated: ‘This teaching has been set forth infallibly by the ordinary and universal Magisterium’. ” Response to a Doubt, 28 October 1995 |
![]() Infallible, heh? The ‘ordinary and universal magisterium’ refers to the combined teaching of all the Catholic bishops in the world. But the combined episcopate has never taught this doctrine.” |
![]() The vast majority of bishops in the world believe that women cannot be ordained. We know this for certain because they were chosen because they agree with the Pope on this point!” |
![]() It may be that all bishops of the world hold this as their opinion of faith. This is known as an opinio communis (common view). Opinio communis means nothing in terms of Church teaching. A hundred years ago most bishops still rejected evolution. In those days all firmly believed that the world was created in six days! This does not mean it was their combined teaching. |
![]() communion with the Roman Pontiff, are to be respected by all as witnesses to divine and Catholic truth’? Lumen Gentium § 25b. |
![]() Vatican II says: ‘The Bishops proclaim Christ’s doctrine infallibly whenever, even though dispersed through the world, they maintain the bond of communion among themselves and with the successor of Peter, authentically teach matters of faith and morals, and are in agreement on one position as definitively to be
None of these five conditions have been met!” |
![]() Cardinal Ratzinger?!On what authority do you base your assessment?!” |
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Prejudice has often distorted ‘doctrine’. | The Vatican arguments are wrong. | The Magisterium has proclaimed errors in the past. | We have a duty to speak out. | The faithful reject the exclusion of women. |