As you read this, WOC is already on the ground in Rome, preparing to be present for this crucial, kairos moment for the church. Our presence is an extension of the synodal tent, where we can model synodality authentically, amplify the voices most silenced by the institutional church, and creatively and boldly ensure that there is no synod about us without us.
As we get ready, we find our inspiration in our matron saint of women’s ordination, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, whose feast day is today. She once wrote in her diary, “I feel in me the vocation of PRIEST.” We are here because of her, and because of every other woman who has had a sincere vocation to ordained ministry denied or silenced. You have courageously entered the synodal process with many reasons to distrust it, and your Spirit-led honesty has contributed to the reality that women’s leadership and ordination is now a topic of the hour at the synod.
We will carry our bold message of equality through the events we have planned, which you can participate in even if you are far from Rome!
On Tuesday, October 3, we will host “Let Her Voice Carry,” a prayer vigil featuring the voices and testimonies of women worldwide and praying for the courageous inclusion of women’s voices during the synodal gathering that begins the next day.
The vigil will take place at 4:30 p.m. Rome time/10:30 am US Eastern Time, and will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.
On Wednesday, October 4, the opening day of the synod, we will deliver swatches of fabric to the Office of the Synod along with a message that “enlarging the tent” means including the voices of people who support opening all ordained ministries to people of all genders.
On Friday, October 6, we will march with our global partners in our “Walk with Women,” a procession through Rome to the synod hall to encourage the church to walk alongside women as equals throughout the synod and beyond. You can join one of our solidarity walks—9 and counting!—or participate as an individual by learning more on our website.
We have other colorful surprises in store, and will be providing regular updates from the synod on our social media channels and via email. We believe in the premise of synodality and the promise of this moment, and commit to you that we will let your voices carry.
On Tuesday, October 3, we will host “Let Her Voice Carry,” a prayer vigil featuring the voices and testimonies of women worldwide and praying for the courageous inclusion of women’s voices during the synodal gathering that begins the next day.
The vigil will take place at 4:30 p.m. Rome time/10:30 am US Eastern Time, and will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.
On Wednesday, October 4, the opening day of the synod, we will deliver swatches of fabric to the Office of the Synod along with a message that “enlarging the tent” means including the voices of people who support opening all ordained ministries to people of all genders.
On Friday, October 6, we will march with our global partners in our “Walk with Women,” a procession through Rome to the synod hall to encourage the church to walk alongside women as equals throughout the synod and beyond. You can join one of our solidarity walks—9 and counting!—or participate as an individual by learning more on our website.
We have other colorful surprises in store, and will be providing regular updates from the synod on our social media channels and via email. We believe in the premise of synodality and the promise of this moment, and commit to you that we will let your voices carry.
For equality,
Kate McElwee, Executive Director
Katie Lacz, Program Director
P.S. No matter what, we are especially grateful for your support in these ways:
- By making a donation to WOC. Your gift will go directly to ensuring our creative and bold actions in Rome will truly make an impact.
International Church Reform network 