Clergy shortage extends far beyond the Amazon

Pope Francis may find it hard to walk away from bishops' call for ordination of married men and for women to be considered as permanent deacons

In 2016, Pope Francis promised a commission to evaluate the proposal to create women deacons, but no action resulted from its report

The Catholic church has never been noted for its interest in equality between men and women, so the decision this week by its Pan-Amazonian bishops’ synod to recommend the ordination of married men and for women to be considered for the role of permanent deacons is surprising.

This move was borne out of fear; the church’s fear of losing its grip and its authority around the world, despite its growing numbers. This specific ...