Pope Francis on Monday officially allowed women to serve as alter servers, be readers at liturgies in a decree that clarified that these roles are separate from the all-male priesthood.
This was an official acknowledgement in cannon law of what has already been happening in many churches around the globe where women serve in these lay roles.
He effectively amended the code in Canon Law,. This makes it impossible for conservative clergy from blocking women from serving in those roles.
“The choice to give women these offices too, which involve stability, public recognition and the mandate of the bishop, makes the participation of all in the work of evangelization more effective in the Church,” the decree indicated.
In the decree which was called “Spiritus Domini” (The Spirit of the Lord), Pope Francis said that he had taken his decision after a lot of theological reflection.
Source: nbc news
GOT a story? Contact Kerosi Dotcom on EMAIL info@kerosi.com
