About CNWE

Aims

• To identify, understand, communicate and celebrate the history, talents, skills and contributions of women.
• To raise consciousness about the nature and consequences of patriarchy in the church.
• To foster solidarity among women,especially those who are experiencing alienation within the church.
• To communicate with women in other religious traditions and with secular women's groups in order to promote greater awareness of issues concerning women.
• To encourage the people of God to retrieve and name the feminine aspects of God.
• To work towards the full inclusion of women in all aspects of the life and structure of the church; prayer, language, images, public worship, and all ministries, including ordained ministries.

Concerns of CNWE

• that the Catholic church recognize the equality and personhood of all women and men;
• that women be included in all ministries of the church including sacramental ministries;
• that women be included in leadership and decision-making roles in the church;
• that women and men support one another in their growth and development as people of God.

Strategies

CNWE addresses the above concerns by:

• sponsoring workshops, lectures and small group discussions for study and reflection on our Christian history and traditions from a feminist perspective;
• initiating dialogue with our bishops to bring about structural renewal which includes equality of women in all ministries;
• providing a forum for women and men to exchange views and support each other in the on-going renewal of the church;
• promoting ministerial roles for women and new venues for dialogue.

Philosophy

To operate from the principles of consensus and inclusiveness.

Last Updated: September 22, 2006