We are Catholic Women Speak
We are Catholic Women Speak
INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF CATHOLIC WOMEN (ISCW)—FINAL REPORT
Thank you to all who submitted responses to our International Survey of Catholic Women (ISCW). The survey was available in eight languages (Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, English, German, Polish, French, and Mandarin) and we had more than 17,000 responses from 104 countries. We are delighted to make the final report available here, together with the Executive Summary. These were submitted to the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops on Tuesday, 20th September for inclusion in the Synod feedback.
For queries, please contact a member of the research team:
Professor Tina Beattie: t.beattie@roehampton.ac.uk
Dr Tracy McEwan: tracy.mcewan@newcastle.edu.au
Dr Kathleen McPhillips: kathleen.mcphillips@newcastle.edu.au
The International Survey of Catholic Women (ISCW) is one of the most extensive surveys of its kind ever undertaken. It is a significant and unique resource in its aim to listen to diverse voices to better discern what it means to “journey together” as the People of God in a Church of many cultures. It was commissioned by Catholic Women Speak to prepare a submission to the Synod of Bishops as part of the Synod 2021-2023 consultative process initiated by Pope Francis. The survey was devised and managed by researchers Drs Tracy McEwan and Kathleen McPhillips at the University of Newcastle, Australia, and Professor Tina Beattie, Professor Emeritus at the University of Roehampton, London. It was published in eight languages (English, French, Polish, Italian, Mandarin, German, Spanish, and Portuguese), and distributed between 8 March (International Women’s Day) and 26 April 2022. It attracted more than 17,000 responses from 104 countries.
While the survey does not claim to be representative of all Catholic women, it provides a rich insight into the complex realities of Catholic women’s lives, the ways in which they express their faith, and their relationships with the institutional Church. The substantial findings should thus inform lasting and genuine change in church institutions, structures, and practices.
A more detailed sociological analysis of the survey findings will be published early in 2023.
Why not watch this short video to share our journey so far?
Towards a deeper, richer understanding of the Catholic tradition
We are creating a space for open dialogue, theological exploration and collaboration among Catholic women in the worldwide Church.
We seek to bring the voices of Roman Catholic women into dialogue with others in the Catholic Church, with those in other churches and religious traditions, and with wider society, in order to participate in a deeper, richer understanding of the Catholic tradition and its relevance for our times
We do not speak with one voice
We believe in the creativity of struggle and acceptance that comes from learning to respect our differences. We regard these as vital aspects of the process of discovery and transformation that brings us together in our faith.
We speak as women, not as “Woman”
We resist any attempt to develop a theology of “Woman”.
LATEST ARTICLES
Published articles written by our members
“I Can’t Breathe Because God Can’t Breathe” by Sr Anne Arabome
This insightful and challenging article by CWS member Sr Anne Arabome was published in NCR on June 20, 2020: To breathe or to take a breath is the clearest sign of life. In my
In Praise of Not Knowing
Article from CWS member Jennifer Reek, originally published on The Sacred Heart University website.
Third Workshop for Women in the East Midlands (UK)
What is our calling? What are our Gifts? We ran our third workshop for women,
Women walking together, away from the church
Article from Phyllis Zagano, originally published in the National Catholic Reporter. Phyllis is also
“NO!” – Political Christianity and the Social Responsibilities of Theologians
In July 2019 the Diocese of Dubrovnik in Croatia organised a Theology Summer School
In collaboration with:
