‘Trimming their lamps’: an analysis and investigation of the participation of women in the Catholic Church in the Anglosphere since the Second Vatican Council

Cooke, Marie Teresa (2015) ‘Trimming their lamps’: an analysis and investigation of the participation of women in the Catholic Church in the Anglosphere since the Second Vatican Council. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This thesis examines the nature and extent of the participation of women in the Catholic Church and attitudes towards this, from the Second Vatican Council to the present day in the Anglosphere nations.

The originality of this contribution to knowledge derives from the analysis of earlier survey data on the subject authorised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, England & Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. A comparative study is made of these findings with those of a parallel qualitative and quantitative study undertaken in 2013 in Scotland.

The findings evidence analogous themes running through both the earlier research data and that from 2013. The duty to appreciate the diversity of Catholic women is a key factor. The dangers of a culture of clericalism are evidenced as a serious barrier to any lay participation. The need for education and formation of the laity is identified as crucial, as is the importance of Catholic social teaching in providing a conduit for increased dialogue and respect between women and men. The Church’s emphasis on unity and continuity is acknowledged as both a barrier to, and yet potentially a positive means for, future collaboration between men and women.

Proposals are made about how this research could underpin future development in the Catholic Church, particularly in Scotland. These include utilising an oblique methodology and the implementation of a receptive feminism. The facilitation of dialogue would ensure there is true gender equality, allowing the gifts of both women and men to be engaged in meeting the needs of the Church and the world.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BR Christianity; B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BV Practical Theology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies > Theology and Religious Studies
• Supervisor's Name: Clague, Dr Julie
• Date of Award: 2015
• Depositing User: Dr Marie Cooke
• Unique ID: glathesis:2015-6878
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 17 Dec 2015 11:32
• Last Modified: 22 Dec 2015 09:43
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/6878