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	Catholic Woman Ousted from Chapel By Patsy McGarry Star December 9, 2009 http://www.starcanterbury.co.nz/local/news/catholic-woman-ousted-from-chapel/3907412/ NEW ZEALAND -- The Catholic Bishop of Christchurch Barry Jones has stopped the use of a city college chapel for prayer meetings by an independent mostly women Catholic group. The group, called Catholics: Knowing Our Place had planned to use the chapel at Marian College, of which the bishop is proprietor, for an advent liturgy meeting late last month. However, they were forced to find another venue after they were informed by the college of the Bishop's decision. It appears the decision was made because the group challenges the church over issues regarding women's equality and inclusion. Group spokeswoman Sheryn Gillard-Glass said the Bishop's decision came "like a bolt out of the blue". "We have had a long and happy association with them (Marian College) for some years. "Most years we go there . . . it's got a nice garden. We have reflections as we walk around the garden," she said. Bishop Jones has since written a letter apologising to the group for not approaching them about his decision directly, and outlining his reasons. The letter read: "My understanding is that Catholics: Knowing Our Place does not accept the clearly proposed teaching of the Church, that the Church does not have the power to ordain women to the ministerial priesthood." When approached by The Star, Bishop Jones he said he would stand by his decision until any "fresh information" came to light that could alter it. He said one of his responsibilities was to uphold the teachings of the church. "I can't be for and against the teachings of the church," he said. But Mrs Gillard-Glass said the Bishop was "incorrect" to assume the group did not accept his teachings. While the group formed in 1994 over the ordination issue, it was not something the group currently discussed or had "a combined opinion" on, she said. She said copies of their advent liturgies and flyers had been given to Bishop Jones prior to all of their events, but he had never attended them. Mrs Gillard-Glass said their primary concerns were inclusiveness for women in the church, their involvement in decision-making, and that their wishes and needs were not ignored. "There is a big difference made between men and women in the church," she said. "Liturgies which exclude women do not adhere to the Christian message of 'Do unto others as you would they do unto you' or 'Love one another as I have loved you.' "Catholics: Knowing Our Place provides appropriate liturgies and gatherings for Catholics who are disillusioned with the hierarchy and who may otherwise cease to attend the Catholic Church." However, she said the issue of women's ordination may be something the group would look at in the future. Bishop Jones said he was open to having dialogue with the group outside of the realm of newspapers on the chapel issue. "I'm a friend with everybody in the church," he said. In June 2007, Bishop Jones opposed a visit by a controversial feminist nun from the United States. He wrote to priests saying the visit by Benedictine nun Sister Joan Chittister was unauthorised after an independent Catholic group called Adult Education Trust invited her to the city. Regardless, a large number of people went to hear her speak. Marian College declined to comment on the basis they had no part in the issue.
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