KILLALOE Bishop Willie Walsh has challenged a papal ban on discussing the ordination of women by calling for a debate on the issue. Speaking in an interview with RTé following an address to the Association of European Journalists in Dublin, Bishop Walsh said he would like to see the issue raised in discussion. He also expressed sadness over the church's exclusion of homosexuals and of refusing the eucharist to couples in second unions.
God bless Bishop Willie Walsh for his courage and for his challenging of the papal ban on discussing the ordination of women. I am an ordained Roman Catholic Woman Priest, ordained validly, but illicitly (because I am a woman). I have a valid line of succession. In February 0f 2010, I will be ordained a Roman Catholic Woman Bishop. Across the globe, women are being ordained as Catholic Priests. We are a vital part of the renewal of the Catholic Church, which we love and serve, and we seek to (and do) welcome all to the table.