Questioning Women's Ordination in Catholicism

Butler, Sara. M.S.B.T. “Women’s Ordination: Is It Still an Issue?” accessed February

20th, 2017 http://www.laici.va/content/dam/laici/documenti/donna/teologia/ english/womensordination-still-an-issue.pdf. Sister Sara Butler’s article deals with the question of whether the ordination of women is still an issue within the Catholic Church (pp. 1). She argues that the reformation of gender bias, during the 1950’s, triggered the debate of the candidacy of women for the priesthood (pp. 3-5). Butler states that the Catholic Church used the gender complementarity argument as evidence for the male priesthood, not female subordination (pp. 6-8). Using theological arguments, Butler contends that the Magisterium adheres to Church Tradition since Jesus

766). Identifying the work of Paul Quay as the foundation of his argument, Koterski stipulates that the human reproductive cycle is symbolic (pp. 769). Since sexual intercourse is a means through which humans communicate their love for one another, Koterski argues that abstinence from sexual intimacy can be an alternative manner by which two persons communicate their love for each other (pp. 776). Koterski states that the importance given to bioethical issues such as contraception and IVF in today’s societal agenda is originates from the modern belief that the human reproductive system can be manipulated. (pp.774) He emphasizes that children are conceived by God’s will, not man’s own, and concludes by theorizing that although abstinence is not wrong per se, it is the reasons for it that determines whether or not NFP, as a means of contraception, is morally acceptable (pp. 777). Koterski’s essay clarifies the Church’s teaching on sexuality. By intertwining scientific and theological points of view he provides guidance on the moral acceptability of abstinence within the context of a marital relationship. The sacredness of sexual intercourse in marriage should motivate priests to master a clear understanding on the concept of abstinence as an acceptable form of love. Doing so would empower a priest assisting a couple in preparation for marriage to communicate the importance of developing a deeper appreciation of each other’s needs outside the context of sex. Koterski’s definition of intentionality is consistent with Schillebeeckx’s, who states that conscious acceptance of the reception of a sacrament is a necessary prerequisite for the manifestation of God’s saving grace (Schillebeeckx,