January 21, 2022: Did you see the Catholic Church in the news this week?
Two conversations we think women should be at the center of
When do you see Catholicism in the news? This week it was abortion and the sex abuse scandals… Here’s our take on both.
Saturday is the anniversary of Roe v. Wade...
...so "pro-life" is the word of the week. At FemCatholic, that's means a lot more to us than marching in protest of abortion laws. It means having honest conversations about maternal health, considering what women seeking an abortion really need, and accompanying friends or sisters who have had abortions.
Two steps forward...
...one step back. The Catholic Church was in the mainstream news for a sex abuse cover-up again. This time it was a report that accused Pope Benedict XVI of failing to discipline four priests during his time as an archbishop in Munich (before he became pope). While it can be so hard to hear this news *again*, it's good to take a step back and remember that these things need to be brought into the light so there can be justice and healing.
And the Church has responded by toughening punishments, focusing especially on the protection of minors, new standards for thorough investigations that involve the laity, and more.
But we can't leave it up to the institutional church to make change — here's how you can use your voice to speak up against clerical sex abuse.
Can we all agree...
...that the Church needs more women in leadership? Then there's some good news! Not only was 2021 a year of historic appointments for women in the Vatican, but women are also being granted access to ministries that were previously reserved for men.
Doors are opening for women in the Church in an unprecedented way. Now is the time to speak up! Add your voice to the conversation.
Here are a few other top picks for the week...
READ: 10 Must-Read Quotes from Catholic Women about the Scandals
Something that gives us hope: Catholic women speaking out for justice and healing —whether it be providing consolation or encouraging action.
WATCH: The Rights of Women (Webinar)
How does abortion change the fight for women’s equality? Erika Bachiochi discusses where we should be focusing our efforts to achieve true equality for women.
LISTEN: Texas' abortion ban and systemic sexism against women
Systemic failures in economic and social systems have led to broad acceptance of abortion, says Helen Alvaré.