The new document from the Congregation for Clergy continues the pernicious idea that men, who can be ordained, are "preferable" to women for "the full care of souls." This is not only offensive, but flies in the face of the real soul care that Catholic women provide globally. 1/4

The hierarchy can watch a precipitous drop in ordained priests in the US (nearly 50 percent in 50 years!), watch parishes close, and watch the people of God long for the sacraments and still refuse to accept the gifts of more than half the Church. 2/4

The scandal is not that the people of God might be confused if a layperson is given the title "Parish Coordinator." The scandal is that the ministry of the laity is still considered second-class, instead of a vital part of the church. 3/4

And the scandal is that women are ready, waiting, fully equipped, and called by God to be priests. Not just because there is a priest shortage, but because they have irreplaceable gifts to offer the Church. A huge part of the "pastoral solution" is to #OrdainWomen. 4/4