Have Your Say 

Recent Comments

1. Sometimes it is better to remain silent, so that one can continue to work for the good of others.

   Posted By: D.A. Davies. Milton.

2. I support Fr Reynolds' position and thank him sincerely for his good example and courage.

   Posted By: Sister Susan Connelly, St Marys (Western Line)

3. The Age article includes this quote from Fr Greg: I wouldn't be a Catholic if I didn't feel guilty.
   Yikes! The issue of female ordination pales by comparison!

   Posted By: Raphael Hythloday, West Melbourne

4. Living in a remote area, where the Church is run by a woman, in the absence of a resident priest, I agree with Fr Reynolds.
   It is obvious that he is a loyal priest and I feel for him in this predicament.
   For those of us who live in isolated areas, it is obvious that some of the directions we took for granted in the old days, and appreciated, too, are just not possible any more - e.g. Mass on Sundays. We have Mass twice a month and Liturgy of the Word with Communion on the other Sundays.
   I don't believe that God will send me to hell for the Sundays without Mass! I hope we are not laying 'burdens on men's backs, too heavy to bear' and not lifting a finger to help them.

   Posted By: A. McGregor - Dysart - Qld

5. How is it possible that one can become a parish priest without knowing B from bull's foot about priesthood?

   Posted By: Alex Reichel, Oyster Bay

6. A priest with spine! Thanks to be God.

   Posted By: Jane Anderson, Perth, WA

7. I'd be happier if Fr Reynolds was taking his stand on firmer ground than simply 'knowing in his heart' what the Holy Spirit wants.
   Still, I can't believe that he'd be sacked for holding such views, or for saying he holds them.
   What one might expect of an archbishop would be some clear, reasonable defence of the church's discipline (teaching?), if such a defence is possible. 'Because the pope says..' is not an adequate exercise of the teaching office. Neither is a simple, 'You're fired!'

   Posted By: WJW, Liverpool NSW

8. Fr Reynolds says he is a 'loyal Catholic' who believes in 'loyal dissent'.
   If one holds to the traditional meaning of the word loyal then loyal dissent is an oxymoron.
   Similarly, employing the traditional meaning of loyal, anyone who defies a ruling by the Pope, as occurred in the case of female ordination, cannot claim to be a loyal Catholic. It would therefore appear that Fr Reynolds has redefined the meaning of loyal for his own purposes, but not explicitly stated that he has done so.

   Posted By: John Melbourne

9. But no one has the authority to ordain women as priests, not even the pope.

   Posted By: Lance Eccles, Goulburn NSW

10. Of course the crux of the matter is what exactly is meant by the archbishop's reference to John Paul 11's statement of 'authority'. Certainly what this implies, as it did then, is a creeping 'infallibility', which actually presents more serious problems than it tries to quash.
    The attempt to extend the notion of 'infallibility' so to simply derail discussion of womens ordination has simply left us with two matters to seriously and maturely reflect upon, rather than the one.
    If Archbishop Hart is seriously trying to draw upon the uncertainty left by John Paul 11's declaration so to chastise Fr Greg Reynold's, and too from Pope Benedict's clumsy analogical categorisation, the problem is actually growing in confusion.

    Posted By: MJ, Blue Mountains. NSW.

11. Would WJW accept a “clear, reasonable defence of the church's discipline (teaching?)” from the Pope, rather than troubling the Archbishop to gild the lily?
    Such a defence was made in an authoritative document, to wit, an Apostolic Letter titled “Ordinatio Sacerdotalis.” You can view the document at the following site:
    http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_22051994_ordinatio-sacerdotalis_en.html
    

    Posted By: John Melbourne

12. Thank you, Fr Greg. You are holding the cross for us women. I pray for your strength.

    Posted By: Sr. Elizabeth Young RSM

13. Well said, John of Melbourne.

    Posted By: Damian, Bendigo

14. Christ offered Himself to the Father as the sacfificial victim for sin.Is it wise to try to divide Christ?
    Are we saying that the Holy Mass is no longer considered a sacrifice? 'behold the Lamb of God' Jn 1.29; The Lamb that was killed Rev 5.12
    The Passover meal was either a sheep or goat,1year old, male and without blemish. Ex 12.5. Only God's chosen people had male priests. This is indeed a hard teaching.

    Posted By: Pamela Royal Bundaberg QLD

15. There is no denying that the early Church featured women in the Diaconate which was a specific ministry (and not a 'stepping stone'.
    There is no argument against this in Holy Tradition so we need to go back to source and there find the life of the Holy Spirit in the Church.

    Posted By: AJM, Melbourne

16. Well done, Fr Greg. It's not a case of every Catholic woman wanting to be a priest. It's a case of the authoritative decision-making in the Church. The doorway is via the clerical hierarchy.
    
    

    Posted By: Marie H, Brisbane Q'ld

17. I applaud the courage of Fr Reynolds. His willingness to speak out in favor of women priests reflects the views of many.
    How some can suggest that God permits women priests in the Anglican and Uniting Churches, but not in the Catholic tradition is puzzling. Hopefully his courage will encourage others to support what is an important issue in the Catholic Church. Go into any Catholic church and you will find the majority of the congregation are women.

    Posted By: Phillip Vincent Hobart

18. God bless you, Fr Greg Reynolds.

    Posted By: Cheryl Screen Fennell Bay

19. Thank you for your courage and sincerity, Fr Greg. I do wish you well. I feel that 'being prompted by the Holy Spirit' is pretty powerful.

    Posted By: Mary Maraz. Coogee. NSW

20. Fr Greg Reynold's faith and courage in publicly supporting the ordination of women is an inspiration to many in the Church today.
    So, thank you, Fr Greg!
    I think you can be assured of strong support and not just from women, in the uncertain times ahead for you.

    Posted By: Rita O'Malley rsm Cairns Qld

21. Women should stop selling themselves short.
    Over the history of the Catholis church in Austalia there have been thousands of Archbishops, Bishops and Priests who have served the church extremely well.
    Fr Julian Tenison Woods inspired and assisted Mary Mackillop to establish the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart and subsequently established the Congregation of Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Brisbane.
    Despite these efforts by men, Australia's first saint is a woman.
    A woman who listened for what God wanted her to do and went on to do His will to the best of her ability and she was not a priest.
    Through the church history, hundreds of women from a wide range of backgronnds have filled the ranks of the saints.
    If women believe they are ready to accept the vocation of the priesthood, why are our convents so empty? Why are they not preparing themselves for that time?
    We are not likely to see any increae in vocations to the Priestly or Religious vocatons, despite all of our prayers, until we see a greater acceptance of the lay vocation and a substantial increase in the numbers of people attending Mass and so witnessing to God.

    Posted By: Bill Crowley, Aspley, Qld

22. True, the Pope does not have the authority to ordain women but the Holy Spirit does.
    If 80% of the laity believe women can be priests, then is not that a sign of the times that ought to be read and heeded?

    Posted By: Jo de Groot, Jannali

23. Don't all priests' vocation came from the heart? The calling for women priests which Fr Greg feels in his heart is probably what God is calling for - what's wrong with voicing this opinion, especially when there is a shortage of priests?
    Fr Greg is one of the rare few who has devoted himself 100% to the work of God, as Archbishop Denis Hart is very well aware of.
    I would be very disappointed in the Catholic church to see Fr Greg being excommunicated.
    Archbishops - wake up! The world is changing! Keep up the good job, Fr Greg!

    Posted By: TY, Templestowe, Victoria

24. Didn't the Bible teach us to be honest? Don't tell me Fr Greg will be punished by being honest with what he feels is right!

    Posted By: VC, Donvale, Victoria

25. The Vatican's reasons for forbidding entry of women to the priesthood is humbug. I support the ordination of women to the priesthood.

    Posted By: Alex Ipswich Qld

26. Congratulations, Fr Reynolds, on your courage and on the considerate manner in which you made your statement.
    You are not alone. In a interview on 6 November, the recently-retired Bishop of Killaloe in Ireland, Willie Walsh, said that he was not remotely convinced by the arguments against women's ordination and that he was irked by the welcome accorded by Rome to married Protestant clergymen fleeing their own women priests.
    Readers who want to see well-researched and authoritative arguments for women priests should take a look at www. womenpriests.org — the website founded by Fr John Wijngaards.

    Posted By: conor bradley, canberra

27. I'm not religious at all, but if Jesus was here on Earth right now, what would his opinion of female priests be? I'll bet he'd be all for it!

    Posted By: Jane Logan

28. Thank you, Fr Greg, for having the courage of your convictions. So many priests and perhaps even bishops agree that the matter should at least be discussed - but they can't or won't speak out.

    Posted By: Joan Seymour Albion, Vic.

29. John Melbourne: There have been many authoritative documents issued by pope's throughout history that we no longer accept. Who can tell where the Holy Spirit is leading us: 'the wind blows where she wills' says Jesus.
    Pamela Royal: And all Jewish priests were married.

    Posted By: Charles (Brisbane)

30. Perhaps now is the propitious time for Archbishop Rowan Williams to publish Romanum coetibus so all the disaffected catholics can flock to Westminster ... ;-)
    As to the justification of 'I am convinced in my heart that it is God's will', thank goodness this isn't the measure of all things. Just another version of 'if it feels good it must be right'.
    Orwell would have been proud of the phrase 'loyal dissent' I'm sure.

    Posted By: Peter, Canberra, Australia

31. Yes, VC, it's good that people state their positions honestly.
    However Fr Reynolds has stated that he dissents from essential Catholic doctrine, and in the same breath stated that he is a 'loyal Catholic'. Fr Reynolds needs to decide what he actually believes.

    Posted By: Peter G Thornleigh

32. What is even worse, this priest, besides knowing nothing about priesthood, wants to pull rank on us by claiming enlightenment by the Holy Spirit.
    If anyone has a leading of the Holy Spirit, he or she would not dare tell anyone. Don't they teach the spiritual life anymore?
    This is not an exorcise in sociology. The counting of votes is irrelevant. Obedience to Jesus the Christ is the sine qua non of religious life.

    Posted By: Alex Reichel, Oyster Bay

33. I would think that the church would be grateful for having more priests available for all parishes - be they men or women as long as they are suitable for the role.
    The Catholic church will continue to struggle in getting through to the current populations if it continues to rate women as second class and not worthy to minister as the men do.
    I know many nuns and lay women that give their lives for God and others - why cannot they be recognised as priests and allowed the honour to serve their communities in this way? Many places in Aust have nuns and lay people filling the place of absent priests fulfilling many sacrements, visiting the sick, spreading Gods word - but for some reason they are not permitted to say Mass even to a community that would love to have Mass available to them on more occasions than once month when the (male) parish priest can find time to cover all the small outlying churches in his parish.
    Would it not be better to open some of the churches that have closed with a women priest than leave them closed with no priest for the community?? Well done Fr Greg - if you are excommunicated maybe you can take from heart from the fact that you could be following the footsteps of our new Saint Mary!

    Posted By: Joan Victoria

34. What has happened to obedience to the Catholic Church, to the Magisterium and the Pope?
    There is worldwide rebellion in our Church, and it seems as if we, in Australia, are part of it. Let's put aside our personal opinions and be loyal to our God who has given us His One True Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, for our salvation.

    Posted By: DA Perth WA

35. Thank you Fr Reynolds for the courage of your convictions. Rules and conventions made by men can be overturned and please God one day will be in the interest of a continuuing Church

    Posted By: Helen Shepherd Almere Holland

36. The strongest argument I can think of for Fr Reynolds' position is that Jesus probably would not care a toss for the gender of the celebrant of the ceremony commemorating his sacrificial death.
    A second argument is that the current arrangement arbitrarily reserves authority to 50% of the Church. I appreciate that this has New Testament warrant, i.e Paul.
    But then Paul was happy to approve of slavery.
    Nor does the NT anywhere uphold the imperatives of human rights and democracy, each a modern day moral bedrock.
    Times change - generally for the better. We are called to weigh up changes and assess them. An extension of the possible gender of priests seems to be a positive one.
    Even if there is an ontological difference between men and women, I don't see the relevance in each and every case.
    In other words the talk about ontological differences may be nonsense. Also it is important what the other Christian denominations are doing in this as in every other area of Church discipline.
    They obviously see no importance in the gender divide when it comes to ordaining pastors.
    Being able to transform bread and wine into Christ's body and blood is not a magical or supernatural power, I suggest. It is simply a matter of being able worthily to preside at a communal commemorative meal and thanksgiving.
    Can we demystify the Mass, and appreciate that there are no grounds for the discrimination between men and women in this area? To pretend that the Church has no authority in this area is also questionable. Just ask what is reasonable.

    Posted By: Brian Dethridge, Malvern, Vic

37. I wish to add my backing to Fr Greg Reynold's plea for equal rights for women in the Catholic church-in particular the right to become ordained priests.
    The church cannot and will not survive unless it begins to open its eyes as to what century we are in and that women matter. It is their God-given birth right to have equal status with men, and this means ministering alongside them on an equally recognised footing. Theological scholars, such as Dr. John N Collins, after years of study have concluded that it was always meant to be, from the beginning, that women should minister the word of God, alongside men.
    Fr Reynolds came to this realisation via a mystical path-he knew its truth instinctively. I admire his stance and offer him my wholehearted support.
    Su-Rose McIntyre, Mornington Peninsula

    Posted By: SU-ROSE MCINTYRE MORNINGTON

38. I do not know Fr Reynolds but respect his courage.
    He states he is not a higher order Theologian, but there is however a very long list of eminent Theologians listed by name on the Internet who state there is no theological reason why women cannot be ordained!
    Given the drastic shortage of priests and the majority of those being of advanced age, is it not time the church seriously re-examined this whole issue.
    There have been other Australian priests calling quite publically for the church to seriously look at the role of women in relation to our church.
    The scandelous numbers of clerical sexual abuse cases worldwide should also prompt the church, that is the College of Bishops and the Holy Father, to re-examine the issue of the option of marriage for priests, ( I am not linking paedophilia to celibacy), but as a practising Catholic who tries to live my Faith,and to also to make sense of the current lack of clear communication by the Vatican and the College of Bishops,as to why faithfilled suitably disposed and Theologically educated women cannot make a ministerial contribution to the church in these dire times does not clarify this important issue for anyone.
    It would be a scandal to excommunicate this priest, but St Mary McKillop was excommunicated for a lesser 'crime'.

    Posted By: Margaret M.Coffey, 66/137 Victoria St. Ashfield NS

39. It is with great sadness that again the Church is attacking those who stand up as prophets. The Hierarchy does not have the courage to tackle the key issues in the Church today ie: Abuse of children, the celibate priesthood, no women priests and the lack of relevance of some of its teachings.
    As a comitted Christian of the Catholic faith, it really saddens me to see our Bishops focusing on Canon Law, rules, structure etc and not allowing the Holy Spirit to guide them. Any comparisons with the Pharisees?
    Greg Reynolds (whom I regard as a friend) has spoken out on what one day will be looked at as a scandal, that is, continuing to disregard women as having a full place in God's Ministry.
    Greg, you are a man of faith and courage and I would ask that people pray both for you and that the Holy Spirit guides the Church's formal leaders towards a community based on Jesus' Love and the Bible, not on man- made prejudice and rules.

    Posted By: Andrew Buchan, Melbourne

40. Yes, John Melbourne, there is such a thing as 'loyal dissent'. Ever heard of Jesus Christ, Joan of Arc or Mary MacKillop?

    Posted By: Jim W, Concord NSW

41. Excuse my ignorance, would someone who said Fr Greg is disobedient to God please tell me which section and which verse in the Bible that God prohibits women to preach his words?
    Or is it just a matter of power exercising high in the hierarchy to grab the last bit of male ego, exploiting the name of God? God's fundamental mission for a priest is to spread his word and resurrect the lost sheep, and I have never heard in any of the preaching that God is sexist?

    Posted By: TY, Templestowe, Victoria

42. A very big thank you to all those who have taken the time to express support and solidarity. Much appreciated, especially those who had the courage to use their full names and identify themselves.
    What saddens me is not that some people disagree with me but that they express themselves in sarcastic and cynical tone.
    Closed minds cannot develop spiritually or receive the joy and freedom that Jesus wants to share with us.
    May we all strive to grow in empathy for our enemies/opponents. Attempting to see things from another's point of view is the only way towards peace and unity, even unity in diversity.

    Posted By: Fr. Greg Reynolds, Western Port

43. Are dissenters like Fr Reynolds really that courageous as so many of admirers on this page suggest?
    The sad fact of the matter is that these dissenter often become darlings of the media (particularly Fairfax and ABC outlets) and the general populace. Just look at the treatment the 'world' has given to prominent dissenters like Fr Hans Kung and Paul Collins when compared with more faithful Catholics like Cardinal Pell and Pope Benedict XVI.
    Christians should be wary when those outside the Church heap adulation and praise on them for either dissenting or shying away from divisive topics like abortion, the ethicality of homosexual sexual activity and female 'priests', for as Christ our Lord and Saviour said: Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
    Christ said on many occasions that being a faithful Christian is unlikely to garner you much popularity in this life and it seems to me that those who demonstrate real bravery these days are those who are willing to stand up for unpopular yet correct doctrine and morality at the expense of their repuation and possibly even life.
    

    Posted By: NS, Sydney

44. Congratulations to Fr Reynolds for being true to his convictions.
    
    

    Posted By: PW,Erskineville

45. When Charles (Brisbane) claims that there have been many authoritative documents issued by popes throughout history that we no longer accept, I think he should be less inclusive than his 'we' asserts.
    There are many who still believe Christ knew what he was doing when he said to Saint Peter, 'Thou art Peter' et cetera, and accept the Pope's authority.
    For those truly included in Charles' 'we', Peter of Canberra had the perfect solution: if you no longer truly believe in Catholicism, you should have the honesty to stop claiming your erroneous ideas to be Catholic, and join one of the other Churches.
    

    Posted By: John Melbourne

46. Thank you, Fr Greg. Your action is inspiring as are the many supportive comments on this Web site.
    Hope abounds.
    You could also add married males. The work of God's Spirit is hampered also by the fact that many married men, who have a calling to the priesthood, are not able, becasue of Church law, to be ordinated.

    Posted By: Patrick Kempton Numurkah, Victoria

47. I think MJ, Blue Mountains, should point out to us just what parts of Pope John Paul II’s declaration “Ordinatio Sacerdotalis” are uncertain, as he claims.
    Perhaps he is unaware that the Apostolic Letter was subject to a dubium, which was resolved in favour of the Pope’s declaration.
    Could MJ also clarify his assertion of “creeping infallibility?” Drawing on the declarations of the Popes is not culpable; it is something bishops are required to do.
    

    Posted By: John Melbourne

48. In regards to the apostles and their successors, the magesterium and the bishops, Christ said: He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.(Luke 10:16)

    Posted By: Brett Brisbane

49. In reply to Fr Reynolds, I'd like to say that I haven't noted any sarcasm or cynical tone in those who disagree with him.
    What I have noted is sincere concern for any opposition to Church teaching. If he thinks that by supporting Church teaching we have 'closed minds', then he is free to do so.
    However, I cannot see how any priest, or anyone at all for that matter, can comment on a person's spirituality - especially when he does not know that person.
    Well done, John, and others for your courage.

    Posted By: Doris Anastasiades Perth WA

50. Those who are not convinced about the rights for women to be Priests should consult the excellent website www.womenpriests.org.
    It is not controversial. The objective is to convince doubters. There is no illicit ordinations - the arguments are strictly Catholic!

    Posted By: Peter M Budgewoi NSW

51. Congratulations to Father Greg on having the courage to speak out on this justice issue which has already lost the church much support and will continue to do so especially with young women. - Doncaster East, Vic

    Posted By: Pauline Smit

52. Enough, John Melbourne. Your point is made; now it's time to listen to all the other points of view on this important issue - and stop being so binkered.
    The philosophy of Christ was accepting and inclusive - walls and barriers to others did not exist in his mind.
    Are we Christians, or not?
    Fr Reynolds' views are truly Christian. We thank him for reminding us-as it appears the church leaders and their obedient followers had lost their way with this.
    - Mornington, Vic

    Posted By: Su-Rose McIntyre Mornington

53. I attended one of the masses where Fr Greg so bravely, honestly and compassionately shared his thoughts. The decision to share his beliefs was clearly not taken lightly. The feeling of mutual trust, love and respect that existed (and continues to exist) between Father and the congregation was highly evident and quite inspiring.
    Father's devotion to his faith and to the parishioners in Somerville that evening was testament to all of the work that he has done in the Westernport Parish and the positive relationships that have been cultivated over time.
    Parishioners showed obvious signs of support for Father as an individual, as well as for his comments. Fr Greg is held in high esteem and leads a vibrant faith community.
    His commitment to the Catholic faith and Westernport community is highly evident. The parish is now hurting because one of their own is in pain.

    Posted By: D Dolinski, Queensland

54. TY Templestowe, Victoria: The official teaching of the Church is that women cannot be ordained priests. The Pope has declared not just that it may not be done, but that it cannot be done. See
    http://www.vatican.va/holyfather/john paul ii/apost letters/documents/hf jp-ii apl 22051994 ordinatio-sacerdotalis en.html

    Posted By: Doris Anastasiades Perth WA

55. Yikes! Raphael Hythloday seems overly concerned about Catholic guilt.
    While I believe in guilt because we are all sinners, all imperfect, we Catholics are a joyful mob because we worship a merciful God.
    We have the wonderful gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation which celebrates the forgiveness of God. This helps to keep us happy and humble.
    What concerns me is society becoming more amoral. One cannot feel the freedom of forgiveness if one does not face the reality of guilt.
    Irrational, illogical guilt is a separate matter, this needs to be distinguished from real guilt and with the help of friends let go of.

    Posted By: Fr Greg Reynolds, Western Port

56. John Melbourne fails to see the fun in oxymorons!
    While they contain an apparent contradiction within themselves, oxymorons contain a truth.
    The secret of celebrating the mystery of life, of remaining playful and child-like is to embrace contradiction.
    We are mere humans, let us not think we can possibly or fully understand the mind of God.
    To understand and appreciate the validity of loyal dissent pre-supposes belief in the Primary of Conscience. On this subject, may I refer people to the wise writings of the recently Beatified John Henry Cardinal Newman.
    Even in politics, on serious matters, parties allow for conscience votes!
    A ridiculously extreme hypothetical case: If Pope Benedict suddenly changed his mind and started teaching that abortion was okay, would you remain loyal?

    Posted By: Fr Greg Reynolds, Western Port

57. Thank you, Fr Greg, for having the courage in publically supporting the issue of Women's Ordination.
    The Institutional Church is obstructing the work of the Holy Spirit. We are the Church, as Church we need to support Fr Greg and indeed all religious (ordained or Lay, male or female) who are moved by the Holy Spirit.
    I support you and I thank you. May I suggest that we make contact with our local Parish Leadership Teams, our Priests, and Bishops in support of Fr Greg Reynolds and indeed all those in religious life who are moved to Act by the Holy Spirit.

    Posted By: Bernadette McPhee, Glen Waverley

58. John: I think you know very well what the confusion is about - it is about the level of 'authority' drawn upon by John Paul 11 in his 'declaration'.
    Of course, that rather clumsy document you refer to, the one that simply rehashes the most routinely used excuses against women's ordination, and then, when knowing that this really isnt enough draws upon a new notion of 'authority' so to silence the debate and in fact demean the very 'authority' he attempted to conjure, is -yes- very clear on the issue.
    We can guess too about the type of authority John Paul 11 thought he had and was exercising. However, only he and his most zealous supporters are clear, leaving the People of God to deal with the reultant confusion.
    As for creeping infallibility: it's one thing to draw upon past 'authority', another entirely to manipulate it.

    Posted By: MJ, Blue Mountains. NSW.

59. Was Peter M Budgewoi NSW being facetious when he directed us to the women priests website to be convinced about the rights for women to be priests? The second statement on the site claims that its supporters are “faithful Catholics who show why the exclusion of women from priesthood is wrong.”
    A Pope has stated definitively that it is wrong, so how can faithful Catholics possibly show otherwise? Like Fr Reynolds’ redefinition of the word “loyal” to suit his purposes, this site redefines “faithful” to mean the very opposite of its true meaning.
    The site then claims to facilitate discussion even though, following a definitive ruling from Rome, there can be no legitimate discussion.
    The site then claims not to promote the illegal ordination of women. The ordination of women is already illegal, so if the site promotes women’s ordination, it is engaged in illegal activity, and its claim to innocence is hypocritical. This hypocrisy is merely compounded in a later statement that claims: “We fully accept the authority of the Pope.
    I have to say that Peter M’s final statement is quite wrong; there is nothing remotely Catholic about the site to which he has directed us.
    

    Posted By: John Melbourne

60. True humility, purity of heart and great compassion for all parishioners are the only words that come to mind when thinking of Fr Greg Reynolds.
    May God in His Goodness grant this Holy Priest the continued guidance of the The Holy Spirit in all that matters to God.

    Posted By: marie edwards hastings victoria

61. Fr Greg was our parish priest for a few years and he is one of the best examples of living a life based on Christ's teachings. Our parish flourished while he was around and many people around the school and parish miss him. Fr Greg has the courage to speak about and discuss difficult issues, and the hierarchy of the Catholic church should follow his example and have a truly open discussion about women priests, married priests, homosexuality etc etc As the Catholic Church is now, the rules all seem to be set by a select group of males, with not much concern for what the rest of us Catholics think. We are asked to follow without questioning which is rather insulting and does not result in a healthy Church. Jesus questioned the authorities of his time and changed the world. Thank you, Fr Greg, for your courage and commitment!

    Posted By: Carmen Agius Doncaster East

62. Let me get this straight. The example of Jesus, the teaching of the Apostles, the practice of the Church for the last 2,000 years - all of these are wrong, because Fr Reynolds 'feels in his heart?'
    Catholic doctrine is based on fact, not feelings. Right feelings, of adoration, courage, commitment to service, etc, grow out of right teaching.
    The Church is not well-served by teachers who teach their own opinions, based on their own feelings, instead of the Faith once handed to the Apostles.
    

    Posted By: Peter, Kangaroo Island, SA

63. At the Hasings Catholic Church this morning , Nov 21, Father Reynolds was not there.
    The stand-in priest made an announcememt to those gathered for the mass sevice that Father Reynolds was away on holidays!
    We all know this is not true. He has been forced to stay away and denied permission to celebrate the Eucharist by the archbishop.
    I cannot condone or associate with a church that deals in cover-ups, secrecy and silencing.
    The truth that the church is becoming an irrelevant, inflexible social contruct that denounces 50% of its congregation as subordinate (based on their sex alone) is abhorrently clear.
    I did not stay for the Mass at Hastings this morning but left hurt and ashamed of the 'cover-up' I was being told. God loves you and me still, Fr Greg. - Mornington, Vic

    Posted By: SUSAN MCINTYRE

64. JP II's Apostolic Letter, Ordinatio Sacerdotalis, is not an infallible ex cathedra papal dogma. Canon 749 # 3 clearly states, 'No doctrine is understood to be infallibly defined unless it is clearly established as such.' The document does not invoke that law.
    The CDF, however, under Card Ratzinger added an 'opinion' that it did enjoy infallibility. But the non-infallible ruling of a lower authority cannot impose that status on a document from a higher authority which does not claim it.
    The CDF in cover correspondence to Episcopal conferences promoted the Apostolic Letter as infallible and to be 'received' by the faithful as such.
    This is deception at the highest level and it was meant to shut people up and to gag further discussion. It was an attempt by the Curial authorities to suppress 'dissent.'
    There was never any 'Dubium (doubt)' in the first place but there was and is discussion across the Church. The 'Dubium' was created to occasion a 'definitive' statement which would snuff out an internal challenge to Church doctrine before it could gain momentum. The status of Ordinatio Sacerdotalis is that it enjoys the authority of the Ordinary Magisterium requiring assent of the will.
    It is clear that many, maybe even most, Catholics are not receiving it, assenting to it or shutting up about it.
    I think the Sensus Fidelium might be indicating something important here.
    Furthermore, there is nothing in the Christian Scriptures about ordination of any kind, of anyone, male or female, to anything.
    Jesus did not establish the Sacramental system. It developed in the Community over centuries under the Spirit's guidance.
    The leadership of the Church is crying wolf too often on too many issues. We know the ending to that story.

    Posted By: David Timbs Albion. Vic.

65. One has only to hear one homily of Greg Reynolds, and one is certain he is a prayerful man, whose loss to the ministry would be considerable.
    He is courageous in speaking out and yet speaking one's belief ought not be courageous - if 80% of Catholics agree with the ordination of women, why are they disempowered by speaking their truth.
    And what has happened to the sensus fidelium in the Catholic Church? It seems that the Catholic Church believe along with George Orwell, that 'all animals are equal but some are more equal than others'.
    And as for John Melbourne, is there any poetry in you? - Doncaster, Vic

    Posted By: Marlene Marburg

66. Fr Greg is a true Man of God; you only have to attend one of his masses to understand that fact.
    Jesus gave us one commandment so where did all of the other laws come from? We need to differentiate between God's law and the laws made by man.
    We are all part of the Body of Christ and we all have the right to free speech and to question man made laws. The sharing of ideas and thoughts should be encouraged and not suppressed so that we can all grow in our faith.

    Posted By: Steve Kay East Doncaster Vic

67. Is CathNews, funded at least in part by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference as far as I can ascertain, now serving as a platform for Fr Reynolds to defend his views, which he has already publicly stated are at odds with those of the Church?

    Posted By: Peter Thygesen, Canberra, Australia

68. If 'the strongest argument' for women priests is that John believes he knows Jesus' opinion on the matter, I think the concept of women priests is on shakey ground.
    If another point is that we should change with the times and look to our Protestant brothers and sisters who allow contraception and divorce, then we are indeed moving further away from our Lord.
    Thank God for the one true Church and Magesterium as guided by the Holy Spirit.
    God bless you Fr Greg in your error of judgement, and all who have commented here - I hope the Holy Spirit is able to work in our hearts and bring us all to a better understanding.

    Posted By: Joseph, Toowoomba

69. Fr Reynolds has posed a question about how to approach the spiritual life.
    St Ignatius Loyola's Rules for Thinking with the Church springs to mind in this debate.
    And now sadly, Bl John Henry Newman becomes the poster child for dissent.
    Conscience must be properly informed and not just by the zeitgeist.
    The way conscience is being invoked here it becomes a vehicle for subjective opinion to trample on objective truth. And that is one reason why Fr Reynolds' straw man of 'if the pope taught abortion was allowed' is so utterly spurious.

    Posted By: Peter Thygesen, Canberra, Australia

70. It would do well to look at dissent in the light of the 2nd Vatican Council documents. There is no mention of anything like loyal dissent.
    The teaching of the Church on the male priesthood would fall within the ambit of the following Vat II teachings regarding matters of faith.
    The documents say this: in matters of faith and morals, the bishops speak in the name of Christ and the faithful are to accept their teaching and adhere to it with a religious assent. This religious submission of mind and will must be shown in a special way to the authentic magisterium of the Roman Pontiff, even when he is not speaking ex cathedra – see Lumen Gentium section 25.
    Lumen Gentium, also in section 25, speaks of the activity of the Holy Spirit being present when the bishops of the world speak in communion with the Pope on matters of faith and morals and the required assent of the people of God.
    How then can this same Holy Spirit be speaking a different truth to Father Reynolds?
    Surely there is one Truth and one Spirit. Either Vat II, or Fr Reynolds, is wrong.
    Feelings alone are not a strong base upon which to judge the working of the Spirit.
    Furthermore, at ordination every priest makes a promise of obedience to his bishop and the bishop’s successors. Dissent was not an option.

    Posted By: DN, Horsham, Victoria

71. Heck, where would the Holy Spirit be without the likes of this individual to discern and publish His will for Him?

    Posted By: Gerry, Canberra

72. He must go, as must his professed religious supporters. Going by his subsequent comments, the sooner the better.

    Posted By: GC Sydney

73. Doris Anastasiades Perth WA: Sensible Catholics live by the Word of God, not blindly following the man-made law of the Church.
    Perhaps those high in the hierarchy who are opposed to Fr Greg's proposition should pray hard to God for wisdom to handle this disagreement, rather than using the out-of-date parental tantrum: obey me, you can stay; disobey me, you will be disowned!
    If a child disobeys the house rules set by the butler, I don't believe the butler has the authority to disown his boss's child?

    Posted By: TY, Templestowe, Victoria

74. For Jim W, Concord NSW, I don’t know the details of the Life of Joan of Arc, so I cannot comment there, but as for our Saviour, Jesus Christ, you seem to have forget Matt 5:17: Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. Similarly, Saint Mary of the Cross never once dissented from the teaching of the Church. She had a disagreement with a bishop, but to characterize that as dissent seems rather mischievous.

    Posted By: John Melbourne

75. The ignorance that TY, Templestowe, Vic, wishes excused would be considerably enlightened if he/she were to take a more positive approach, and check what Christ actually did at the Last Supper.
    He ordained his Apostles, not just to preach His words, but to offer the Sacrifice of the Mass in commemoration of Him.

    Posted By: John Melbourne

76. I ask that the staff at CathNews to contribute to this debate; especially the women - any takers?
    My mother taught me about life, she was a fantastic person and very priestly - thanks mum, you would have made a great priest. Let's rejuvenate our church with women holding power. My God, Archbishop Denise Hart sounds fantastic!

    Posted By: MJB Melbourne

77. I’m afraid I found Fr Reynolds’ comments distressingly unconvincing. In the first place, I fail to see the working of the Holy Spirit in contradictions; they are more the work of that other Spirit.
    In like manner, playfulness in the interpretation of the truths of the Faith seems more childish than child-like to me.
    While Blessed John Henry Newman wrote extensively on conscience, an accurate reading of his works reveals that he had in mind always a well-formed conscience, one that, for instance, would not discard a definitive ruling from a Pope.
    Finally. we are not discussing the Pope’s hypothetical dissent from the clear teaching of the Church, but yours, Fr Reynolds.

    Posted By: John Melbourne

78. Much as I hate to admit it, MJ, Blue Mountains attributes to me a much greater level of perspicacity than I actually possess.
    I really do not know what the confusion is about.
    I do know that various lay and clerical figures create confusion by refusing to accept a clear and definitive ruling by Pope John Paul II, thus leading those unable to work through the issue for themselves wondering who to believe.
    However, there is no confusion whatever about the Pope’s ruling, and to refer to the Church’s Tradition as simple rehashing “the most routinely used excuses against women's ordination” is dismissive to a point that should trouble a well-formed conscience.
    Similarly, the suggested dichotomy of the Pope and his supporters on the one side and the 'People of God' on the other should cause true Catholics to stop and think the matter through very carefully.

    Posted By: John Melbourne

79. AJM (Melbourne) writes about women 'deacons' in the Early Church in a misleading fashion, as any scholar would point out.
    'Deaconesses' existed in the early Church whose ministry (alongside that of Widow) had nothing whatsoever to do with the Order of Deacon, nor had any ministry at the altar.
    It is very disturbing to read the personal opinion published in this comment box which wishes to pass itself off as established fact. Claiming to know that Christ's Will is different from Tradition and Scripture is not a Catholic position (and would also be condemned by our Eastern brethren).
    The appearance of Father Reynolds' himself in this Comment Box does no credit to him or his credibility in making such a well-publicised stand.

    Posted By: Michael Newcastle NSW

80. Father Greg and like-minded supporters, the correct term is 'priestess'. Its use gives the true meaning to your odd position.

    Posted By: John of Canberra

81. Sometime in the future, priests will be using all sorts of verbal 'tricks' to explain how a pope and his selected bishops got it so wrong re women and ordination.
    Why is it so difficult for them to 'hear' what the Spirit is yelling about so many issues?

    Posted By: Fr Des Welladsen Echuca

82. I am writing to record publicly what I have told Fr Greg privately, and that is that I admire him for the public stand he has taken on this vital issue for our Church, and fully spupport him in doing so.
    Also, I am the current Chair of our Parish Council at OLOP in Donvale, where we were fortunate and indeed privileged to have Fr Greg serve as our PP until last year, and I can say that Fr Greg was a much loved and respected leader of our community, demonstrating (and living) his Christian values to the full.
    We all hope that these attributes will be taken into account by the Chrurch hierarchy in their considerations.

    Posted By: Patrick Monahan, Donvale, Melbourne

83. When Patrick Monahan states that he fully supports Fr Reynolds’ public rejection of a Pope’s clear and definitive ruling on female ordination, I presume he is aware that he is virtually placing himself in schism from the Church?
    That is what schism is – rejection of the authority of the Pope.
    While in Patrick’s parish, Fr Reynolds might very well have been loved and respected, but that is quite immaterial in this present matter.
    It is an unfortunate fact of priestly life that popularity needs to be viewed with suspicion lest its earning should be the result of a lack of fidelity to church teaching.
    The important thing here is that in his present parish, he has openly defied the Pope’s ruling. That does not represent merely a percentage negative result on his diocesan score card; it represents a tearing up of the score card. Rejection of a single essential element of the Faith constitutes a rejection of the Faith itself, and that is what the hierarchy needs to consider.

    Posted By: John Melbourne

84. It is obvious that Marie Edwards echoes the opinion of many of Fr Reynolds’ present and former parishioners when she says: True humility, purity of heart and great compassion for all parishioners are the only words that come to mind when thinking of Fr Greg Reynolds.
    However, priestly ministry also requires fidelity to the teachings of the Church, and one has to reflect on the fact that true humility might be better demonstrated by submission to the Pope’s authority than by a unilateral assumption that the Holy Spirit speaks more urgently to oneself than to Christ’s Vicar on earth.

    Posted By: John Melbourne

85. John, Melbourne and like minded:
    You are not God. You demonstrate clearly that you cannot cope with a open debate among fellow Catholics. This lack of rationality and humility has driven you to suggest that people n this page should leave the Church. That is arrogance and presumption. Folks who disagree with you are exercising their right under Church Law to express openly their views and opinions.
    You are claiming that the ordination of women issue is a matter of an essential or core belief of Catholicism being at stake.
    This is not so. You're pushing the kind of 'creeping infallibility' MJ was pointing to above.
    That Ordinatio Sacerdotalis is not an infallible, essential, de fide dogma of JP II, see the evidence in my post above.
    

    Posted By: David Timbs Albion. Vic.

86. Fr Des Welladsen’s comments, rather than contributing to a solution, actually raise more questions.
    One such question is why is it only since the rise of militant feminism in the last few decades that any questions at all had to be answered in regard to female ordination?
    How did the Church get through almost two full millennia without female ordination being an issue?
    Does Fr Welladsen think that the Church really got started some time in the 1960s? Does he think Catholics before that time were not as bright as he and his like-minded associates?
    Another question is why is he so convinced that a Pope, (I hope he won’t mind my capitalizing the word – it is a sign of respect I haven’t got out of the habit of doing), and his selected (?) bishops got it wrong? Does Fr Welladsen feel he has more authority to judge these matters than the Pope?
    That, like the assumption that previous generations of Catholics were a little on the slow side, would seem rather arrogant on the part of a Catholic priest? Or have I read too much into the title of Fr?
    And again we have claims of private access to the Spirit that supersedes that of Christ’s Vicar on earth, the Pope. Or am I again assuming too much? In other words, precisely which Spirit are we invoking here?

    Posted By: John Melbourne

87. Thank you John of Melbourne, ns Sydney, Brett Brisbane, and others for your eloquent defense of the Church which was instituted by Christ.
    The Catholic Church not only looks to Our Lord's teaching in the bible, but also to tradition, and to the Magisterium.
    The Church has always and will always be guided by the Holy Spirit. Church teaching is not 'man-made' but inspired by this Holy Spirit because Jesus Christ told us so.
    Although some people may be ignorant, God's priests and nuns are not and any of them who are causing or contributing to dissent will be answerable to God and they know it.

    Posted By: Doris Anastasiades Perth WA

88. The Holy Spirit is sure lucky to have this guy to discern and publish His will for Him.

    Posted By: Gerry, Canberra

89. Jane Logan wanted to know what Jesus would say about women being priests. Well, Jesus knew that there were no women priests in his time but did not say anything about it.
    However, he did condemn those who sought prestige and power. Fr Reynolds feels guilty but seems to be relishing the situation.

    Posted By: M. Lyons Perth WA

90. Gerry and M Lyons: What mean-spirited remarks. Just the usual baseless charge that anyone in the Church you don't agree with is after prestige and power. What about playing the ball and not the man for a change?
    And lets' hear something more from Fr Reynolds fellow-priests.
    Even if you don't agree with him, you could at least admire his sincerity and courage. Some priestly fraternity would not go amiss — being a prophetic voice can be a lonely occupation!

    Posted By: conor bradley, canberra

91. What an education for converts this article is giving; the Anglicans have a lot of studying to do before moving over.
    I have never heard of DN of Horsham's Lumen Genium what ever section; or that bishops speak the words of Christ on faith and morals.
    

    Posted By: L Newington Bendigo Victoria

92. Why would Fr Reynolds waste a homily on such an unimportant issue? And I wonder how women's ordination was relevant to the Mass readings of the day?

    Posted By: Kevin, Brisbane

93. I find it difficult to see where Steve Kay is coming from. Is it a Catholic background? If so, I find the references to man-made laws as distinct from God’s laws difficult to follow. The way I interpret the post is that we should take notice of Christ’s statement that we must love and our neighbor, and every other ruling is made by men and therefore up for discussion and rejection.
    Yet Catholic teaching has always been that Christ said (Matt 5:17), that he had not come to abolish the Law. Therefore, the Ten Commandments still stand, as correct thinking shows that every one of them is included in Christ’s enjoinder to Love God and our neighbor.
    Christ also appointed Saint Peter and his successors to be His Vicars on earth, but He never told us not to take any notice of them, as Steve’s references to man-made laws seem to indicate.
    Of course, Steve is right in saying that we are all part of the Body of Christ, but his conclusion that we therefore have the right to a freedom of speech that justifies questioning his man-made laws, that is, the precepts of the Church, is a monstrous leap of logic that cannot be justified.
    Again, I agree with him that we need to all grow in the faith, but what faith does he mean? A faith that can accommodate whatever beliefs take your fancy? That, Steve, is not Catholicism; that is why I asked about your background.
    

    Posted By: John Melbourne

94. Conor Bradley: Although it has come across in that manner, the prestige and power remark was not directed at Fr Greg; it was meant for all men and women who are seeking prestige, power, status etc.
    It was Fr Greg's public statements about possible dismissal and what the Bishop told him in private that make me feel that he is relishing the situation.

    Posted By: M. Lyons Perth WA

95. I've long lamented the ban on division by zero that our mathematics teachers drummed into us years ago.
    After a period of painful reflection, I feel it is now my duty to question this ban as a matter of justice to all ciphers arbitrarily deprived of the right to be divisors.
    The fact that the ban has been taught for a millennium or longer, seems to have enjoyed widespread assent, and is apparently logically consistent with the evolution of this field of study is irrelevant.
    Gifted as I've been with this awesome power of discernment into the spirit of mathematics, I now speak up on behalf of all students of mathematics who want their voices to be heard on the rights of ciphers and where their subject is heading, and who won't be talked down to by the male hierarchy that dominates the field. I know I'll have the enthusiastic support of Conor Bradley and all other champions of self-inspired dissent. I'm also confident that my reputation for humility and for basically being a great guy will clear any objections that anyone is likely to raise. Thanks in advance for your support.

    Posted By: Gerry, Canberra

96. I am fascinated by the great focus on Law and Dogma a la the Pharisees. Jesus treated women as real people, with respect, not as second class citizens as was the way in his time. He treated people with love, not condemnation.
    There is nothing wrong in speaking out against what is done without God's love - ie something that is wrong. Issues like abortion where wrong is done (to the child) are obvious, but there is also much wrong done under the 'Rules' of the Church eg demanding an unmarried priesthood and perpetuating sexism in the priesthood.
    Yes the Bishops can be wrong - look at the mumbo jumbo taught on limbo and purgatory for so long before the church quietly removed such man-made teaching.
    Tradition cannot be used to justify what is Biblically incorrect.
    However, let this debate be a stimulus for thinking, questioning and praying - not for division and anger and fear.
    Pray and then listen to the Holy Spirit.

    Posted By: Andrew Buchan, Doncaster East

97. L. Newington of Bendigo: You say you 'have never heard of Lumen Genium ... or that bishops speak the words of Christ on faith and morals'.
    Lumen Gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, is one of the principal documents of the Second Vatican Council. We are forever being told that this Council changed the Church but few seem to have read the actual documents.
    In the first paragraph of section 25 we read that:
    'Religious submission of mind and will must be shown in a special way to the authentic magisterium of the Roman Pontiff, even when he is not speaking ex cathedra.'
    The document can be found at this link -
    http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html

    Posted By: DN, Horsham, Vic.

98. Thanks Fr Greg, and to the rest of the open-minded responses. I appreciate the maturity of having the forum.

    Posted By: Tina Khan, Perth WA

99. Ordination of women in the Cathoilc Church will with doubt fragment the Church as has been the case within other Christian denominations.
    Of course, we have the feminization slippery slope scenario - women priests - women bishops - women cardinals - woman Pope (now that is an oxymoron).
    Next step - openly gay and lesbian priests? Where does this nonsense stop?
    In the mean time, celibacy of the clergy is under attack.
    Is all this dissent the work of the Holy Spirit?
    People will leave in droves. Not exactly what the Holy spirit has in mind I would think.
    The issue of ordination of women is largely due to current a shortage of priests in Australia and other secularized societies.
    We now import our priests from the Phillipines, Africa, Sri Lanka and elsewhere. Places where there is no discussion of women priests because men inspired by the Holy Spirit see religious life as priests as something worthwhile.
    What Fr Greg should be doing is trying to encourage more young Australian men to consider the possibility of the priesthood as a vocation rather than directing his attention to women as a means of covering the shortage of priests.

    Posted By: deric davidson bunbury

100. Well done, Fr Reynolds. I believe you are right. I believe that it is time for the church not to discrimate against women.
     My daughter has already stated she would love to be a Catholic priest. It is obvious we have a shortage of priest in Australia.
     Female or married priest would be a great answer.
     I offered up my communion for you on Sunday and will keep you in my prayers. May God bless and guide you always.

     Posted By: Carol Kenworthy (Geelong)

101. David Timbs has pointed out to me that I am not God. I have not tried to play God, only quote what Christ and His representative on earth have said.
     I have been pointing out all along that none of us – not me, not Fr Reynolds, no one - has the power to overthrow what God Himself has ordained for His Church.
     In the first place, Christ – not one to be easily swayed by the conventions of His time – ordained only men at the Last Supper, and then, the Pope, Christ’s Vicar on earth, definitively reminded us of that fact when he declared that the Church has no mandate to ordain women.
     How can a faithful Catholic reject those simple facts?
     I am at a loss to understand David’s assertion that I am unable to cope with open debate among fellow Catholics. What else is this forum, in which I have made quite a few submissions?
     Finally, David himself pointed out that Ordinatio Sacerdotalis enjoys the authority of the Ordinary Magisterium requiring assent of the will. How does assent of the will translate into continued support for Fr Reynolds’ dissent?

     Posted By: John Melbourne

102. Marlene Marburg continues the line that Fr Reynolds is a nice man and therefore any aberrant ideas he possesses should be excused. Unfortunately, nice just isn’t good enough in a priest.
     Fidelity, not bonhomie, is what is expected of priests, as that was the promise they made at ordination.
     I don’t know where the figure of 80% of Catholics supporting female ordination comes from, but if it is correct, in what does the courage attributed to Fr Reynolds lie?
     Where is the courage in speaking among friends?
     In any case, discussions around his personal characteristics are simply smokescreens.
     The essential element of this matter is that he has publicly dissented from a ruling by the Pope.
     As for Sensus fidelium, there is much more to that than the short-duration consensus of isolated groups of friends.

     Posted By: John Melbourne

103. It's interesting to note that most of those who dissent from Fr Greg's proposal are male. Maybe this is saying something in itself.
     

     Posted By: WPB Hindmarsh SA

104. WPB, you are right. It seems to be left mostly to the men to defend Christ and His Church.
     Where are the women who will defend Him? I wonder what our Blessed Mother would think?

     Posted By: Doris Anastasiades Perth WA

105. I really can't believe that Fr Reynolds is serious when he proposes an unimaginable hypothesis to add weight his argument.
     Dear Father, a hypothesis is simply that, a hypothesis; it is not a fact. So, when you wrote, “A ridiculously extreme hypothetical case: If Pope Benedict suddenly changed his mind and started teaching that abortion was okay, would you remain loyal? what did you expect to achieve?
     Remember, we had a Reformation that created Protestantism and Protestantism is pretty much what you are proposing and it is certainly what your supporters are proposing.
     Why do all of you want to reinvent the wheel?
     Possibly, every day, there are Catholics embracing Protestantism and choose to worship in Protestant churches. Likewise there are lots of people of other faiths who choose to embrace Catholicism and worship in Catholic churches and do so because of Papal authority.
     It’s a big decision to change faiths but if that is what someone believes it seems to me to be a reasonable solution.
     Don’t try to make Catholicism and Protestantism the same thing.
     

     Posted By: Dan of Melbourne

106. I only wish it were true that such outrageous and calculated attacks on the divinely founded constitution of the Church risked suspension or excommunication.
     Those who agree with Fr Reynolds seem to be stuck in the 70's or 80's, thinking that the Church is just another human institution that can be changed.
     Though Christ was close friends with a number of women, he didn't chose any of them to be priests (unless Dan Brown is to be taken seriously!).
     If he intended them to take on the sacerdotal ministry, he would have appointed them to it. He was radical enough in plenty of other areas, and priestesses were of course common in the ancient world.
     There are plenty of deeper and more theological reasons for a male-only priesthood, that are bound up with the sacramental signification of the priestly character. I'm sorry, Sisters: you can't have it.

     Posted By: David Fanning, Norwood, Tas

107. Scanning through the many posts, those who criticise Fr Greg Reynolds write of Jesus 'ordaining' men, and of selecting men for the 'sacerdotal ministry'.
     Really? An Aramaic-speaking Jew 'ordaining'? Selecting for a 'sacerdotal ministry'?
     The Twelve have nothing to do with such a construct, but everything to do with the prophetic call to Israel.
     The wilful ignorance is stunning.
     One of the great sadnesses of such an institutionally conditioned headspace is that Jesus is coopted by it, refashioned into a Romanised and clericalised figure. The Incarnation obliterated and some hybrid figure wheeled out instead.
     Jesus of Nazareth 'ordained' nobody and certainly did not call to a 'sacerdotal ministry'. When exactly did these events occur?
     It is a mere pretence so to manufacture an all male clerical class and has to be challenged and shown for the falsity that it is.
     Priesthood is and can be so much more than a shrunken clerical and privileged view allows for.

     Posted By: MJ, Blue Mountains.NSW.

108. Another constant theme of those attacking Fr Greg is the repeated call for exclusion and excommunication. What has this to do with Jesus of Nazareth? This need to shun and exclude? And for what? Raising questions?
     The viral authoritariaism that is currently strangling the People of God has nothing to do with the Gospel.
     The Church is more than a tool of exclusion. The Church is more than the comfort zone for an angry elite.

     Posted By: MJ, Blue Mountains.NSW.

109. MJ of Blue Mountains: I'm confused... are you talking about the Catholic Church or the protestant churches?

     Posted By: David Fanning, Norwood, Tas

110. David: It's good to admit confusion; perhaps it is your path to humility.

     Posted By: MJ,Blue Mountains.NSW.

111. Is it true that nowhere in the New Testament is the Greek word for priest ever used of any official in the Church. If this is true then Jesus could not have ordained anyone. If he did ordain someone, where is the 'ordination?

     Posted By: Charles (Brisbane)

112. Thanks, MJ. I know I have a long way to go, and the task before me is overwhelming. However, that I have an eminent director in yourself bolsters my confidence.

     Posted By: David Fanning, Norwood, Tas

113. MJ, what's your definition of humility? Claiming that the Holy Spirit has confided the truth in you in 2010 when He's failed to confide it in the Holy Father or the Magisterium for the last two thousand years? Give me a break, please.

     Posted By: Gerry, Canberra

114. Judging by the array of positions in this blog that range from the emotive, the sublime and even the infantile what crosses my mind is a picture of the Holy Spirit with a smile on Her face and saying. 'I think that I should leave it to them to argue it out between themselves for another few generations before I really show them what I really think on the matter of the ordination of women in the Catholic Church; they don;t seem to be quite rady yet'.
     Remember the Exodus? The people of God roamed the desert for forty years untill the generations who still had the mentality of slaves died out before the ones that were born in freedom could move on.
     Only God knows when God's peop;e are ready for the new possibilities he will bestow upon them.
     In the mean time we must not abandon the practical work the we all need to do for the Kingdom and make sure we do not loose our fellowship. Our urgency to expedite our particular cause is not a measure of how soon God will bring things about. Finally I believe that no one can really claim to speak for God; God has a radical freedom that is even way above the Catholic Church; the Catholic Church is far from Simon pure and her short comings is a sign of her many weaknesses despite her high calling. The hirarchy especially must remain vigilant to receive The Holy Spirit wherever She may appear. Maranatha.

     Posted By: FA Somerville Vic

115. We have an assurance from Jesus that the Holy Spirit of God is always present in the Church.
     He had much to say about it but just a couple of quotes should suffice: And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Helper, that he may abide with you forever.
     Jesus also said: But the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you; and, he will bear witness to me.
     This Holy Siprit is always with the Church bearing witness, guiding and strengthening it.
     We should pray that the 'hirarchy' - a term that has been used on this site - be open to this Spirit because they are the leaders entrusted by Jesus to 'feed my sheep'.

     Posted By: M. Lyons Perth

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