The Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference has issued a pastoral letter to mark International Women's Day on Sunday, the 8th of March.
In Australia today, “women continue to witness to God’s care and compassion whilst carrying immense responsibility”.
“Women lead organisations and classrooms and serve in health care and public life. Women raise children, care for the elderly, contribute to our economy, and sustain the life of the Church,” he said.
“In rural communities, in cities, in remote regions, women’s participation and leadership is grounded, steady and often sacrificial.
“Yet we also know that many women experience injustice, violence, economic disadvantage, and exclusion from decision-making."
The “dignity of women calls for more than listening ”.
“It calls for action and the courage to examine how power is exercised in our homes, workplaces and Church communities,” he said.
“In our synodal journey, we speak of walking together. Walking together means shared responsibility for the mission. It means that women participate not as an afterthought but as coworkers in God’s vineyard in shaping our Church’s life now and into the future.
“The Gospel calls us to conversion, open to fresh ways of honouring all women. May the Holy Spirit give us courage for this work.”
“And may we continue to grow into our Church in Australia, where the dignity and capacity of every woman is not only affirmed but fully lived out in the mission of Christ.”
Read the letter here.