Originally published at National Catholic Register
ANALYSIS: Tuesday’s ‘women’s ordination’ event, which synod delegates were invited to via mass email, is a good illustration of how side events attempt to influence the process.
In the next day or two, don’t be surprised to see a fresh round of news stories about support for ordaining women at the Synod on Synodality.
It’s a reasonable prediction, given that, earlier today, an advocacy group blasted out an email, obtained by the Register, inviting synod delegates to join them tomorrow at an event promoting the cause.
Hosted by AmerIndia, a network of progressive Latin American Catholics, and entitled “Called to Be a Woman Deacon,” the Oct. 15 pizza luncheon will feature a handful of women sharing why they’re convinced they’re being called to sacramentally ordained ministry (which the Church teaches is not possible).
Sympathetic journalists are likely to amplify the event, making sure to note that the presenters come from multiple continents, possibly even implying that this undercuts the criticism that women’s ordination is a “niche issue” pushed by rich Westerners. They’re also likely to point out the number of synod delegates who are in attendance — that is, if the total is favorable.
In so doing, they’ll be
