Ladies and liturgy: An analysis of the Roman Catholic Womenpriest Movement

Abstract

In 2002 a group of Roman Catholic women were ordained by a Catholic bishop in the Sacrament of Holy Orders. This action was a direct violation of Catholic law and the women were excommunicated. Rather than repent or convert to another denomination the women formed a revolutionary movement called Roman Catholic Womenpriests (RCWP) dedicated to convincing the Vatican to allow for women's ordination and ending clerical privilege. This study examines the Rhetoric of this organization and the Papal response to their efforts. Three key themes are identified in the RCWP's rhetoric, appeals to tradition, a myth of return, and appeals to justice. In addition, it is argued that the use of sacramental rituals constitutes an argument that is distinct from the discursive rhetoric of the movement. Due to the fact that both the Roman Catholic Church and the RCWP are arguing from competing mythic standpoints it is concluded that it is unlikely that they will be able to resolve their conflict through discursive means.