Letter from a Young Seminarian in Rome

Dear Aisha Taylor,

I am a seminarian studying for the priesthood in Rome. You do not know who I am, but I met you in Rome. I was dressed casually and not wearing my clerical clothes. You handed me one of the WOC cards while I was crossing the street. I simply said thank you and kept on walking, not realizing what it was for at first. I must tell you that I was so very impressed by how you, Erin Hanna, and the other women from WOC made your presence known in Rome in such a positive way. It is important for you to understand that your efforts were a great success, more than you realize. WOC has been out of Rome for almost two weeks now and you are still being talked about at my seminary and I am still seeing your cards and pamphlets around the city. You inspired many women and men about their faith and women's equality within our Church. I will tell you in complete confidence that many of the young seminarians between the ages of 21-35 years old support (privately, of course) the ordination of Catholic women in the Church. It is mostly the older seminarians and priests that have a lot of difficulty with such an idea. What impressed me and other seminarians about your group's presence in Rome is the fact that you led the protests in a very respectful and peaceful manner, yet you were very effective and became "the talk of the town" so to speak. I can provide you with information about the topics of conversation in the seminary, including the ordination of women. I will say that many of the older priests and seminarians are truly afraid of WOC and their continued success in our Church and culture, mainly because they do not like change. However, many unfortunately, also still hold some very sexist views of women. One thing I've learned from growing up with sisters is to respect women -- ALWAYS -- and I certainly do. I believe that many women would make excellent, holy priests in our Catholic Church. The gift, talents and charisma that many women could bring to the office of priesthood are innumerable. On the negative side, as much as you have my support, along with other young seminarians, in regards to the WOC and its cause, I do not think the all male priesthood will change in the near future. However, I do believe it could happen in our lifetimes. There are still just too many old, set-in-their-ways clergy men still dominating the Church. Times have changed dramatically for women over the years. Women have the ability and the power to reach equality with men in all areas of life and they are being successful. Dear Aisha, I truly support you and WOC. Unfortunately, I have to contain my support to a private manner, because the sad news is I would be kicked out of the seminary for publicly supporting women's ordination. Please forgive me that I cannot support WOC publicly. I look forward to the day when Catholic women from all over the world reign as Roman Catholic priests in a Church so desperately in need of such women. Please do put my e-mail on your mailing list, if that is possible. And more importantly, thank you for your group's presence in Rome, and how you presented yourself and WOC in a very mature, respectful manner. You truly inspired me and many other young seminarians. GOD BLESS YOU,

"A Young Seminarian in Rome"

P.S. You may use my letter in any way possible on your website. As long as it is anonymous, I would not get in trouble by the sexist brass in the seminary. Please note: WOC has altered this letter to keep the identity of the young seminarian a secret in respect for his wishes and position in the seminary.