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| ‘Just Church’ is the definitive book on women and synodality |
In the ever-evolving landscape of the Roman Catholic Church, one voice has consistently advocated for change, resilience, and inclusivity: Phyllis Zagano. A Catholic theological ethicist with a fervent feminist perspective, Zagano's relentless efforts have centered on substantiating the biblical, historical, and canonical basis for an important theme that has emerged from the global synodal process on Communion, Participation, and Mission: the imperative of women's complete engagement in the church's life. As the pages of her latest work, "Just Church: Catholic Social Teaching, Synodality, and Women," unfold, a remarkable journey begins to take shape, raising questions about the dynamic transformations that have occurred within the ecclesial realm since the book's release earlier this year.
In the backdrop of these developments lies the XVI General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, an unprecedented event in the history of the church. For the first time, over 50 women will possess equal voting status alongside their male counterparts, deliberating on matters that hold pivotal importance to the church's self-identity in the modern era. While Pope Francis' decisions have generated astonishment, skepticism, and even reproach, "Just Church" sheds light on the fact that these shifts aren't abrupt deviations from the norm. Zagano's insightful exploration of three substantial domains—the church's social tradition rooted in justice, the ancient yet resurging practice of synodality, and the contemporary narrative of women's involvement in ecclesial ministry—through the lens of women's lived experiences provides a compelling context to grasp the ordinariness of these changes and the extraordinary opportunity they present for reshaping women's participation within the church. Moreover, Zagano equips readers to actively engage in the synodal discussions, including those involving women, that are poised to unfold in Rome this coming October.
The structure of the book resembles three comprehensive "state of the question" summaries, akin to Paulist Press' insightful "What are They Saying About" series. These summaries encapsulate discussions regarding women within Catholic social teaching, the modern synods (with emphasis on the current one), and the intricate themes of women's leadership and ordination, which are bound to provoke deep deliberations in the ongoing synod. Consequently, the book can serve as an essential guide for delegates attending the general assembly and individuals seeking to engage with its implications from diverse local contexts.
Embracing a feminist hermeneutic, Zagano offers an unapologetic analysis that addresses the pivotal question at the heart of the book: "how can the church be just?" Through an ad intra application of Catholic social teaching, Zagano underscores the significance of elevating women's lived experiences, both within and beyond the church's confines. She highlights the transformative role of women in the synods convened during Pope Francis' papacy, showcasing their newfound agency and influence. Furthermore, Zagano delves into historical paradigms and contemporary developments surrounding "lay-clerical tensions" within ecclesiastical governance and jurisprudence.
A distinctive hallmark of Zagano's writing is her direct and candid style, a trait she maintains in her exploration of the Catholic tradition. Her assessment of the current reality delves deep into the paradox of women's peripheral status despite their substantial presence in the pews and dedicated contributions to the church's mission. Particularly noteworthy is Zagano's incisive examination of clericalism through "power mapping," wherein she dissects its canonical foundations, key practitioners, Pope Francis' evolving perspective on it, and women's motivations for challenging its influence. The text not only imparts information but also serves as a formative tool, urging readers to engage critically with the church's dynamics.
While the book is informative and thought-provoking, some readers may seek greater connection through embodied narratives or personal anecdotes woven into the three thematic sections. The inclusion of such stories could enhance the book's portrayal of the church's global trajectory and underscore the collective potency of shared experiences in catalyzing moral agency to overcome the obstacles posed by clericalism. By highlighting instances where women have propelled Catholic social teaching forward or recounting the stories of women who joined the curia following Pope Francis' reform in March 2022, Zagano could amplify her central assertions and fortify her arguments.
As a valuable educational resource, "Just Church" holds potential for integration into ethics and feminist theology courses. Zagano's lucid exposition of Catholic social teaching and its relevance to addressing various forms of injustice, including those within the church, is invaluable. Her chapter on synodality offers a foundational understanding of this ancient ecclesial self-reflection methodology, debunking misconceptions and illustrating how it can drive transformative change by emanating from collective conversations and fostering structural reforms guided by the Spirit.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming synodal events in Rome, Phyllis Zagano's cautionary words reverberate: "The hopes of women in the Church, however, cannot depend on one man. Popes come and go ... circular arguments continue." Armed with Zagano's historical insights and power mapping framework, along with the imminent involvement of more than 50 women delegates in the general assembly, there's a hopeful momentum that a more inclusive, participatory, and mission-driven church awaits. Ultimately, the impact of the synod on synodality lies in how its outcomes are embraced and translated into action.
