Crowds protest in Dublin calling for Catholic church to allow women to be ordained as priests

Soline Humbert, a spiritual director, emphasized that the Catholic Church's stance on women is a major reason for the decline in church attendance in Ireland. At a recent protest by We Are Church Ireland, Humbert and others called for reforms in the church’s patriarchal structures, citing the need for the ordination of women. Despite historical precedents like St. Brigid's ordination in the 5th century, Pope Francis has ignored female ordination in recent discussions. Protesters expressed disappointment over the church’s lack of responsiveness, highlighting widespread support for their demands for gender equality within the church.

The story of St Brigid tells us that the Holy Spirit wants women to be ordained, and it is up to the male bishops to listen to what the Spirit wants and not squash it or ignore it as it has been doing for centuries.

Passers-by were supportive of our protest. Many had walked away from the church because of abuse and misogyny. They see that equality for women is just lip service.

Read at Irish Independent