Church Does Not Suppress Women

I enjoyed your article “Apologetics or Apologies?” posted two weeks ago. I was baptized a Roman Catholic as a child and I am a woman. I am disturbed about what you describe as ongoing at your parish. I understand that your priest has many tasks and burdens to bear. It is my understanding though that one of his main tasks is to ensure his parish receives the teachings of the Church as set out by the Magisterium. I have been blessed in my journey with parishes that have good priests. Mind you the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Ottawa did explain in writing to the past Prime Minister Chretien and the current Prime Minister Martin that as Catholics they could not preach about abortion and other issues and that before they took communion again they must attend Reconciliation.

I believe that I am free to be who ever I want to be as long as it is moral, legal, and keeps true to who I am — a woman. I sometimes wonder if women who go to such extremes as described are angry that they were born a woman and not a man. I have power as a woman. I just need to know how to use the power so that my family and all those around me and I myself live up to our calling.

I remember the reading in Ephesians 5 and our priest's homily regarding the reading. In fact, the homilies from a few priests have come to mind along with the presentations by non-Catholics about the reading. I know the reading does not call me to be a “door mat” for my husband. In fact, I would be failing in my duty as a wife to do so. I cannot help him in becoming who he needs to be by being a person who suppresses herself. Our understanding of the word “submit” needs tweaking. Someone I know describes her requirement for submission is to bend down low while God cuffs her husband across the back of the head. She is a very loving wife and has a great relationship with her husband. My understanding of the passage has taken a few years. It has taken reading and listening to a number of different people, all from different faiths and backgrounds.

I agree that it is likely that the women in this particular case are reacting to past or perceived injustices. However, they are called to forgive and not let a past hurt deter them from understanding the faith in it fullest. Maybe they need a healing? It is unfortunate that the Roman rite of the Church, which wielded a lot of influence, did not think of marriage as a covenant until recent years. Marriage was a contract and the idea that your wife and children were chattel was a cultural idea that kept on past the legal changes.

Thank you and have a great day!