Abstract

This thesis examines debates among Catholic feminists, from both the political left and right, about women's ordination. It argues that these debates emerged in North American Catholic circles in response to the explicit prohibition by the Vatican against women's ordination in 1976, which led to a growing divide among Catholic women. This thesis asks: can this "stalemate" be breached, and what resources might there be within the Catholic tradition to do so? Further, what potential might such attempts to seek a common ground offer for revitalizing the Catholic Church in North America? The bulk of the thesis examines the writings of Rosemary Radford Ruether and Sara Butler as representatives of "liberal" and "conservative" voices within the Church. Their theological reflections are framed as starting points to move beyond the divisions that have informed arguments about women's ordination and contributed to tensions among North American Catholics. The final chapter turns to theologian Tina Beattie, who occupies a theological middle ground between Ruether and Butler. It argues that Beattie's emphasis on Catholic tradition and sacramentality offers the greatest potential for initiating dialogue and renewal in liturgical and communal life for Catholic women. Ultimately this thesis suggests an initial starting place from which to draw together women across the political spectrum, beyond right and left, by tapping into the rich theological and liturgical resources of their shared Catholic tradition.