On 06 June 2025, the abbot of Montserrat, Manel Gasch, went on record with his opinion that the ordination of women is a 'complicated' matter, as it 'would pose a threat to the unity of the Church... No one has ever dared to break this tradition. There is a value in unity, and such a decision would break the Church and cause a schism, a complete break with the Eastern Church.'
In an op ed published today in Religion Digital, Merche saiz replies [translation via google translate]:
With profound astonishment and an indignation that cannot be silenced, I have read the recent statements in which the Abbot of Montserrat* asserts that the ordination of women in the Catholic Church would generate a schism.
Allow me to express to you, with the vehemence that truth demands, how profoundly erroneous, anachronistic, and, frankly, offensive his words are.
To assert that the inclusion of women in the sacrament of Holy Orders is a threat to the unity of the Church is not only a theological fallacy, but an affront to the intelligence and faith of millions of Catholics, and especially to the women who have dedicated their lives to the service of God and the community.
The true schism will not be caused by the just demand for equality, but by the obstinacy of those, like you, who cling to patriarchal and exclusionary power structures that no longer have a place in the 21st century.
What "schism" are you talking about, Father Abbot? From the schism between a stagnant hierarchy and a People of God crying out for a more inclusive and merciful Church?
From the schism between the Gospel message of equality and the discriminatory practices that persist within the institution?
The true schism is already germinating in the hearts of those who feel silenced, belittled, and excluded by a restrictive and biased interpretation of tradition.
The history of the Church, and of humanity, is a constant evolution. Trying to freeze divine will in misogynistic interpretations of the past is disloyal to the Holy Spirit, who blows where he wills and calls whomever he wills, without distinction of gender.
Vocation has no sex. The ability to serve, to preach, to heal, and to lead emanates from the gift of God, not from genitalia.
It is time for the ecclesiastical hierarchy to stop using fear and the threat of schism as a tool to maintain privileges.
Unity is not built on exclusion, but on the recognition of the full dignity of all people, created in the image and likeness of God.
The ordination of women is not a threat, but an opportunity to revitalize a Church that, by denying half of its strength and talent, weakens itself.
I urge you, Sir, to reflect deeply on your words and consider the pain and frustration they generate.
True spiritual leadership today demands courage to discern the signs of the times, to listen to the voices of women, and to open the doors of the Church to justice and full equality.
Any other position is an obstacle to the evangelizing mission and a step backward on the journey toward the Kingdom of God.