Research Findings

1. The overwhelming response indicated that the research was crucial - and controversial.

2. There was a wide spectrum of views & emotions.

3. Church Life Survey respondents expressed feelings of belonging

4. Feelings of pain & alienation expressed by participants in written submissions, public hearings & targeted groups.

5. Concern over the loss of the young seen as a matter of urgency.

6. Need for action to flow from the research.

Going a bit deeper ...

Women greatly outnumber men in most forms of participation in the Church

... but there are limits to the ways in which women participate.

Some Ways in Women Participate:

• in the home, parish, liturgy
• theology students, members of religious institutes 
• witness of caring women
• ecumenical dimension of women's contribution
• great variety of roles and tasks

Church Life Survey respondents were satisfied with support & assistance to participate ...

... but little assistance or support was identified by respondents to the written submissions, public hearings & targeted groups.

The greatest source of assistance was other women.

There was a lack of assistance & support for leadership & decision making roles.

Most respondents to the Church Life Survey did not experience barriers to participation ...

... but barriers to participation were a major focus for respondents to the written submissions, public hearings & targeted groups.

The patriarchal & hierarchal nature of the Church was seen as the fundamental barrier to women's participation

Other barriers:

• gender discrimination in the church
• exclusion from decision making & leadership
• exclusion from priestly ordination
• (more than 40 other less frequently mentioned)

Greater participation of women in the Church was sought

... especially increased involvement in decision making at all levels

Other ways of increasing participation:

• prayer
• re-examination of the nature of ministry
• reforming beliefs & practices that do not promote equality
• promoting gender equality & opportunities
• (more than 20 other less frequently mentioned)

Sandie Cornish was a member of the Research Management Group.


www.social-spirituality.net