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• Cardinal Martini on Married Priests and Ordination of Women
• Letters Exchanged
• Petition Spreads
• What has happened since November 2007?
• CfM's Report to Signatories
• Signatures

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What has happened since November 2007?
By Paul Collins
March 31, 2008

WHAT HAS HAPPENED SINCE NOVEMBER 2007?

CfM has kept up the pressure. Firstly, we have been in touch with a number of individual bishops who are sympathetic to the issues raised by the Petition. We have asked them to make sure that the discussion initiated by the bishops is back on the agenda of the conference Plenary Session in Sydney in early-May 2008.

Secondly, we have written again to Archbishop Wilson seeking an assurance that the Petition will be discussed again by the bishops at the May 2008 conference. We have asked the conference to report back publicly to Australian Catholics on each of the points raised in the Petition. We know that a number of the bishops are anxious to keep this dialogue going and are supportive of our position.

Thirdly, we have also asked for a clarification of the status of the papal teaching on the ordination of women. We have asked the bishops to clarify the meaning of the word 'definitive' as used in Vatican documents. Does this mean this is an 'infallible' doctrine? If so, how can it be since there was no consultation of bishops or the church as required for the ultimate level of teaching? And why is discussion of the issue forbidden?

Clearly, this whole story is on-going and we will keep this web page updated so that you know exactly what is happening ...