Protesters Advocating For Women Priests Removed Ahead Of Papal Visit

By Rachel Sadon
DCist
September 23, 2015

http://dcist.com/2015/09/protesters_advocating_for_women_pri.php

With signs draped across their body advocating for the ordination of women priests, a group of protesters lay down in a crosswalk outside St. Matthew's Cathedral shortly before Pope Francis arrived this afternoon. The seven men and women were removed by police officers from the intersection of Connecticut and Rhode Island Avenues and issued criminal citations for blocking the passageway, according to a spokeswoman for MPD.

The protesters argued that the church should open the priesthood to women, wearing signs in both English and Spanish saying "This is what a Roman Catholic woman priest looks like" and "We're all equal in God's eyes; ordain women."

Although unrecognized by the Vatican, the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests ordains both women and men with a mission of using "equal rites to promote equal rights and justice for women in the church." They have ordained 124 women priests and 10 bishops across the world. They write:

"The Vatican states that we are excommunicated, however, we do not accept this and affirm that we are loyal members of the church. We continue to serve our beloved church in a renewed priestly ministry by welcoming all to celebrate the sacraments in inclusive, Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered communities wherever we are called."