11 Dec 2025
Association of Catholic Priests
The Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) expresses deep disappointment at the Vatican’s December 4th decision once again rejecting the ordination of women as deacons.
Despite global Synodal consultations consistently identifying the role of women as one of the Church’s most urgent issues, the latest ruling - reached by a study group, with only one member voting in favour - stands in stark contrast to the convictions of most of the faithful.
The document’s claim that the decision is not definitive, coupled with yet another call for “further study,” repeats a long-standing pattern of postponement.
This continued deferral, now by a third study group, suggests a serious lack of leadership and reduces the message from a firm “No” to a dispiriting “Not yet.”
Lay Catholics overwhelmingly support the restoration of women to the diaconate, and many also favour broader opportunities for women in ordained ministry.
Yet the Church’s stated commitment to equality for women continues to be sidelined.
If Synodality is truly to guide Church governance, it must recognise the Holy Spirit at work in all the baptised—not only in Vatican-appointed committees.
As Irish priests, we are especially disappointed that no Irish bishop has publicly addressed this development, even as many believe it will cause significant harm to Synodality and to the credibility of the Church.
We urge Church leadership to listen attentively to the People of God and to show the courage and openness this moment requires.
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