Jesuits and the Situation of Women in Church and Civil Society

A Summary of Decree 14

Introduction

The Society of Jesus is more aware today that the "unjust treatment and exploitation of women" is a "central concern of any contemporary mission which seeks to integrate faith and justice." Thus, GC 34 considers the question "more specifically and more substantially."

The Situation

"The dominance of men in their relationship with women" expresses itself in a number of ways. The "critical awakening and courageous protest of women themselves" has changed this dominance. Many men have joined women in rejecting offensive attitudes against the dignity of both men and women. But a "legacy of systematic discrimination against women" remains. Prejudice against women is a universal reality.

The Church Addresses the Situation

Pope John Paul II, through Church social teaching has called on "all men and women of goodwill ... to make the essential equality of women a lived reality." Church teaching "promotes the role of women within the family, but it also stresses the need for their contribution in the Church and in public life."

The Role and Responsibility of Jesuits

We cannot speak for women but we can "speak out of what we have learned from women about ourselves and our relationship with them." Through this response, we are faithful to our mission.

Conversion

Because "we have been part of a civil and ecclesial tradition that has offended against women," we "ask God for the grace of conversion."

Appreciation

Women have nurtured the faith of Jesuits and "much of our own ministry" through schools, parishes and other fields "in which we labor together."

Ways Forward

There is no one model of male-female relationship to be recommended. We first invite "all Jesuits to listen carefully and courageously to the experience of women." Jesuits are further invited "to align themselves in solidarity with women." This can be done through

1. explicit teaching of the essential equality of women and men in Jesuit ministries
2. support for liberation movements which oppose the exploitation of women and encourage their entry into political and social life
3. specific attention to the phenomenon of violence against women
4. appropriate presence of women in Jesuit ministries and institutions, not excluding the ministry of formation
5. genuine involvement of women in consultation and decision making in our Jesuit ministries
6. respectful cooperation with our female colleagues in shared projects
7. use of appropriately inclusive language in speech and official documents
8. promotion of the education of women and, in particular, the elimination of all forms of illegitimate discrimination between boys and girls in the educational process.

Conclusion

We express our gratitude to women for the lead they give in the struggle for a more just relationship between women and men. We commit the Society in a more formal and explicit way to regard solidarity with women as integral to our mission.