Dr Sr Pauline Chakkalakal DSP | India

“In spite of the numerical strength of women religious and their commitment to various forms of the Church’s apostolic activities, Sisters find themselves in a paradoxical situation…!
In fact, Sisters have proved effective leaders as heads of religious congregations, educational institutions, hospitals, social service centres, etc, and as animators/leaders in the field of communication media.

But the tragedy/paradox is that many of them unquestioningly accept the authority of an all-male hierarchy in the institutional church, believing it to be divinely ordained. Nevertheless, thanks to the few of us who keep challenging the patriarchal church to retrieve the teachings and praxis of Jesus – our Prophet-Liberator, who envisaged his community as a circle of friends (Jn15:12-16), a discipleship of equals (Mt 23: 2-10; Gal 3: 26-28).

Relying on God’s grace and empowered by the Spirit/Sophia, I wish to continue my humble and radical efforts (despite hurdles) to foster mutuality, inclusiveness, partnership of women & men, participatory decision-making and co-responsibility in the church and society. Despite my limitations, energized by the prophetic spirit of Jesus, I have not allowed & will never allow myself to be silenced or bend my knees before the ‘insolent might’.”