Female panelists share their struggles in male-dominated religions

by Traci Badalucco | Oct. 11, 2016

Women in the Catholic church have long been their own advocates, pushing the hierarchy and those within their faith communities to grant them the same ecclesial leadership roles as their male counterparts. The door, however, has remained closed -- but the fight has continued.

Pope Francis' announcement in May to create a commission to study the history of female deacons left many longtime advocates with a newfound hope. While the outcome of the commission is uncertain, feminists and advocates are crossing their fingers it creates a shift from a male-dominated church to one that is more inclusive of women.

Catholic women have company in their struggles. At a recent Religion News Association conference in Silver Spring, Md., four women from four different faiths identified similar challenges.

During the hour and fifteen minute panel, "Women and Religion: When Faith and Feminism Collide," participants spoke candidly about the obstacles they overcame and the oppression they still face in male-dominated religions.

https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/female-panelists-share-their-struggles-male-dominated-religions