We lay Catholics are the Body of Christ on earth. We have formed right concious and need to follow them even if the hierarchy sees things differently. In fact, it is our duty and responibility to do so.
As Matthew Kelly says in his book "Rediscover Catholicism"
"Jesus' whole method of leadership focused on turning the hierarcy upside down. The model of leadership that Christ himself left us was one of sacrifice and service." We must look for those leaders who will lead with a servant leadership. The Roman Catholic Womenpriests are ready and willing to lead with a courageous, inclusive servant leadership. Read about them on their web site http://www.romancatholicwomenpriests.com/
The Catholic Church preaches justice but does not do justice. Fully half of the Catholics in the world are not represented in any policy making position in the church; they are the women. It is time to practice what they preach.
Jesus did not exclude women in any way. In fact, he included them in his inner circle as Mary Magdalene, Mary and Martha, and the Samaritan woman at the well. There were consequences in Jewish religion about contact with women, but they did not stop Jesus from including them and breaking all the rules regarding that contact. Can we do any less?
