Cardinal Hollerich Wants Female Subdeacons for the Liturgy
In an interview with VaticanNews.va on 10 April, Cardinal Hollerich referred to the divisions within the Anglican group following the appointment of Sarah Mullally.
According to the cardinal, any [impossible] change in access to ordained ministry must come through “the consensus of the whole Church,” not through isolated regional decisions.
However, Hollerich claimed a growing frustration among “many” women.
For him it is difficult to imagine a Church enduring long-term if “half of the People of God suffer because they have no access to ordained ministry.”
Asked about a possible timeline, Cardinal Hollerich said: “I leave that to the Holy Spirit.” In the meantime, he wants to expanding women’s roles in decision-making within the Church.
He has three women serving as episcopal delegates in his Archdiocese for consecrated life, the social sector, and education, including the formation of the clergy.
"I could also imagine a subdiaconate for women. While this would not involve ordination, it would still represent participation in the liturgy and assist with the Church’s diaconal ministry."
Hollerich also highlighted practical steps already being taken, including appointing women to senior positions in dioceses and within the Vatican.
Picture: © Mazur, CC BY-NC-ND, #newsOzyuvuefib