A "feminist" mass, organized last Sunday in Paris by a parish group in favor of better inclusion of women in the Catholic Church, sparked controversy, the diocese of the capital disapproving of this initiative.

The group "Feminism in the Church", welcomed since its birth in 2020 in the parish of Saint-Pierre de Montrouge (14th) explained Thursday, in a press release, that it wanted to "give more visibility to women in the liturgy".

"Inclusive Mass, where women can finally celebrate God around the altar and in the service of the Word", could we read on the poster calling on the members of its network to participate.

During this mass – which took place “in a private chapel” in the 6th arrondissement, in front of around forty people, according to two members of the collective interviewed by AFP – “all the readings were done by women” , “a commentary on the Gospel was said by a theologian” and “the Eucharist was celebrated by a priest”, outside the parish, which is “in conformity with canon law”.

Outcry among traditionalists

This event sparked "a wave of hatred on social networks, organized by groups close to the traditionalist movement", reports "Feminism in the Church".

According to the group, these reactions show that “unfortunately, reflection on the place of women in the Church still encounters deep resistance”.

The parish priest of Saint-Pierre de Montrouge, Denis Branchu, has since terminated his relations with the group, arguing that he had not been informed and regretting that the parish logo was used on poster.

"I'm all for helping everyone find their place.

But I don't think it's provocation or transgression that gets things done,” he told AFP.

"Different Voices"

According to him, “the Gospel must be read by a priest or a deacon, not for macho reasons but for theological reasons”: “only someone who has been consecrated proclaims the Gospel”.

In a press release, the diocese of Paris regretted a mass organized "without prior information and without the assistance of the diocese" or the parish.

An “initiative that serves unity and communion”.

The collective retorts that it has been transparent in its approach.

According to one of its members, “this reveals that the institution is more ready to give in to pressure from traditionalists than to listen to different voices”.

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