Sisters of Charity, BVM Celebrates UISG-USG Contribution

We rejoice at the release of UISG-USG’s contribution to the interim phase of the global Synod on behalf of their member congregations, including the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We celebrate the 13 proposals for growing women’s contributions to the life and mission of the Church. Of particular significance for growing co-responsibility for the Church’s mission is a courageous proposal that reflects a growing consensus around the world regarding women in the permanent diaconate:

“Allow women to discern and respond to the call of serving as permanent deacons. This proposal was supported by many. A more limited number of respondents proposed also ordination to priesthood.”

The Sisters of Charity, BVM affirm that this proposal reflects what we know to be true in our own experience of serving the People of God, especially those on the margins: we have been and have known women with a call to be deacons.

Each baptized person is called to witness to the truth in word and deed and lead others to God’s Word. Women, lay and religious, have ministered to the People of God and sustained the Church since its beginning. As BVM Sisters, “[b]y our work in union with Christ, we participate in his creating and redeeming action, transforming the earth and promoting the kingdom of God. (BVM Constitution 11)

In light of the depth and breadth of theological scholarship on the topic, we affirm that now is the appropriate time to allow women to discern the call to the diaconate, to have access to formation for the diaconate, and to be ordained as permanent deacons.

We commit to partnering with the global and local Church in implementing synodal processes, procedures and structures that would allow women the opportunity to discern and respond to the call of serving as permanent deacons.

We pray that this discernment continues in a synodal manner, for the continued renewal of our Church through the synodal process, and for trust among Synod delegates and Church leaders in the protagonism of the Holy Spirit.

Related: 

BVM Synodal response bears witness to our founding spirit.
https://www.bvmsisters.org/social-justice/response-to-synodal-processes/

UISG–USG Document: Contributions for the Synod on the Synodality
https://www.uisg.org/en/news/UISG-USG-Document-Contributions-for-the-Synod-on-the-Synodality/