Abstract

This project examines six individual interviews of women for have been ordained as Roman Catholic Women Priests and have been, according to the Roman Catholic Church, excommunicated because of their invalid ordinations under Canon Law. By examining the identities, views, and ministries of each of these women priests it becomes apparent that despite their shared ordinations, there is much variety amongst priests ordained through RCWP and ARCWP. Through listening to the stories of women priests rather than looking strictly at their religious identities, I argue that despite the diverse beliefs and modes of ministry amongst the women priests interviewed, they all view their excommunication as functioning opposite of what the Vatican intends. By being cast off from the institutional church, these women find validation in the Church’s rejection of their ministries, and they are thrusted into joining or creating their own communities to live out their inclusive Catholicism. Once in this Alternative Catholic spaces and communities, each priest transforms Roman Catholic elements and embodies their priesthood as they wish without the influence and threat of the institutional church. In doing so, they reimagine priesthood, Catholic spaces, and liturgies to expand Catholicism and include not only women, but all who the Church deems incompatible with the institution – some even hope to reform the Roman Catholic Church, itself.

Advisor

Rapport, Jeremy

Department

Religious Studies

Disciplines

Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | Religion

Keywords

Alternative Catholicism, Catholic, Priest, Woman Priest, Women Priest, Excommunication, Ordination

Publication Date

2023

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2023 Alysha V. Matson