By their fruits: The St. Lawrence ordinations
by Christine Schenk csj

I hesitated when I received an invitation from my long time friend to attend her diaconate ordination on the St. Lawrence River by the group “RC WomenPriests.”   Was it a good idea to support what could be viewed as an  “alternative church?”  My mission is to work for change in the mainstream Church.  On the other hand, if my friend had decided to be ordained in the Protestant communion, wouldn’t I attend out of love and a desire to support her?

So, on a blistering hot Monday in July, I found myself boarding a ferry with 300 other stalwart souls. Spirits were high. The WOW conference on the weekend had seen passionate arguments about whether or not ordination automatically conferred a patriarchal mindset.  Most felt not, but it was good to be reminded that we want empowering leaders as our priests,  not princes of the Church. Now, women who had fought vehemently only the day before tearfully embraced as nine colorfully robed ordinands processed onto our 21st century ark. Surrounded by family, friends and TV cameras, they would pledge a new covenant to God and to us.  We were there to witness and celebrate their commitment.

The haunting chant of an Algonquin song leader reminded us that the Great Spirit hovered over these waters.  The blue sky and sparkling seaway gently ushered us into a sacred space that no humidity could destroy, no pushy press photographer diminish.   

“As a woman’s waters must break to bring forth new life, we pray that our action on these waters will bring forth new life in our Mother, the Church,” intoned Pat Fresen, one of three ordaining bishops who shared equally in ritual responsibilities.  The liturgy was reverent, powerful and not really all that different from ordinations I’ve attended elsewhere. The language was more inclusive, but hymns were conventional and much beloved: Here I Am Lord, Deep Within, Song of the Body of Christ, You Are Mine.  Only the recessional, Carolyn McDade’s Sister, Carry On, touched into the feminist inclinations of many present.

But this isn’t about feminism.  It is about a God who calls whom S/he will to serve a diverse and hungry people:  “Behold I can make children of Abraham from these very stones,” said Jesus when the religious leaders of his own time were intent on defining who was in and who was out of the family of God.

It was clear to me that these women, who have theological training and demonstrated pastoral experience, love God and long to serve the  Church.  Scripture says, “By their fruits you will know them.” Should we judge this new movement before seeing what fruit it will bear and what meaning it might have for us?   The Spirit sends diverse gifts to the Church. While this might not be a way I would choose for change to happen, who am I to limit the Spirit?

Disembarking, I felt new assurance that God will, in the fullness of time, part the seas of institutional rejection. Faith can make new paths appear even through the dreariest of deserts.  Paths of bread and blessing, peace and penitence for a wandering people.  O Great Spirit, listen to our plea!

At CTA Conference in November, Chris Schenk will address priesthood and Eucharist.

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