“I ask no favor for my sex. All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks.” – Sarah Grimké, abolitionist and feminist in the 1800s.

This quote came to my mind yesterday, as I reviewed my latest feature in National Catholic Reporter: New group discerning the future of a female diaconate

Over the past few years I have been grateful to speak with many interesting women and hear their stories, and help share them with the world. And, over and over, I find the denial and exclusion of women’s talents, intellect, and wisdom in the Catholic Church unbelievably infuriating and disgusting. I am incredibly glad women are speaking out in any way they feel they should. And I also remain utterly amazed at the level of fear that exists within Catholic circles today about speaking out on the stark reality of sexism. It’s 2021 folks. It should not be this taboo.