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The Priesthood’s Ritual Logic

Culture
United States
Started February 12, 2026

The Priesthood’s Ritual Logic There was a lot of disappointment, even irritation, over last year’s decision by a Vatican commission to shelve further discussion by the Synod on Synodality of the possibility of ordaining women to the diaconate. I do not doubt the sincerity of those who advocate for what they argue is a restoration of an office that existed in the early Church and that, tellingly, continues to exist in some Eastern Churches. Nor am I a scholar who can parse the exact meaning of...

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The Priesthood’s Ritual Logic

Commonweal (United States) | Feb 10, 2026

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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 12, 2026
Ordaining women to the diaconate is essential for the Church to reflect modern values of equality and inclusivity.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 12, 2026
Restoring the diaconate for women honors the early Church's practices and can revitalize the faith community today.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 12, 2026
Exploring women's roles in the diaconate could bridge the gap between tradition and contemporary expectations of Church leadership.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 12, 2026
The decision to shelve the discussion on women's ordination maintains the traditional structure of the Church and respects its historical context.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 12, 2026
The Church should prioritize addressing broader issues, like declining membership, over debates on women's ordination.
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