| Summary: | The problem of the role of woman in the Church cannot be reduced to that of the access of women to the ministerial priesthood. It must first of all be viewed in the light of the Gospel: the intention of Christ shown in his dealings with women is of decisive significance, unveiling as it does the divine plan with regard to woman's cooperation in the work of salvation. St Paul has stated the fundamental principle of equality between man and woman, and of their unity in Christ. He was echoing the attitude of Jesus who always opposed discrimination against women. Jesus never accepted the prejudices of Jewish society nor the inferior status it imposed on women. He openly manifested his esteem for woman and bestowed on her a true emancipation; such emancipation does not consist in appropriating all that is characteristic of man, but in fully developing the womanly personality. Jesus enrolled women in collaborating to the work of salvation, even though differently from the way in which men-disciples were called to contribute to it. Womanly collaboration, the first model of which is found in Mary, is not marked by any inferiority. Jesus even conferred priority upon woman in handing on the faith. He did not determine which activities would characterize the mission of woman; these belong more to the charismatic order than to the institutional, while involving cooperation with the priestly ministry. It is part of women's own responsibility to devise the proper orientation for their various activities, in such wise as will contribute particularly to the quality of ecclesial life.
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