THEOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY &
CATHOLIC FEMINIST STUDIES

I cannot fail to express my admiration for those women of good will who have devoted their lives to defending the dignity of womanhood by fighting for their basic social, economic, and political rights, demonstrating courageous initiative at a time when this was considered extremely inappropriate, the sign of a lack of femininity, a manifestation of exhibitionism, and even a sin!
--Pope John Paul II, Letter to Women no. 6

CAN CATHOLICS BE FEMINISTS?
Numbers in brackets, e.g. [1], signify footnote citations.

Is it possible to be both an orthodox Catholic and a "feminist"? Not only is it possible to be both, Pope John Paul II has explicitly called women to "promote a 'new feminism'... in order to acknowledge and affirm the true genius of women in every aspect of the life of society, and overcome all discrimination, violence and exploitation."[1] Indeed, orthodox Catholic faith makes an authentic feminism possible.

Historically, feminism has two essential and universal impulses:

  1. the express desire of women to participate in all areas of social, political, economic, and cultural life, not restricted to the so-called "private realm."
  2. a growing recognition and condemnation of discrimination, segregation, double standards, domination, and violence against women and their personal dignity.
The Catholic Church, under the guidance of Pope John Paul II, is truly feminist because it encourages the participation of women in all areas of public and private life[2] and opposes all forms of injustice against women.[3]

Although the essential impulses of feminism are good in themselves, it must be acknowledged that feminists have made their share of mistakes in the difficult and complicated process of "women's liberation." Some manifestations and expressions of feminism have been unsound and even harmful. Even so, Pope John Paul II actively encourages Catholic feminists to correct the mistakes of the past and keep moving forward. "This journey must go on!"[4] Inspired by these words, Catholic feminists are endeavoring to promote the dignity and genius of women "through an effective and intelligent campaign."[5]

Footnotes:
[1] Pope John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae no. 99.
[2] C.f., for example, Pope John Paul II's 23 July 1995 Angelus reflection, "The Feminine Genius."
[3] C.f., for example, Pope John Paul II's 18 June 1995 Angelus reflection, "Culture Must Respect Feminity."
[4] Pope John Paul II, Letter to Women no. 6.
[5] Pope John Paul II, Letter to Women no. 6.

RELEVANT DOCUMENTS BY POPE JOHN PAUL II

For a simple introduction to Pope John Paul II's theological anthropology, you might wish to read "The Mystery of 'Fair Love'" by John F. Crosby.

Short Addresses:

Longer Documents:

Excellent collections of Pope John Paul II's writings on these and related topics may be found in the following books: Love & Responsibility by Fr. Karol Wojtyla (Ignatius Press), Theology of the Body: Human Love in the Divine Plan According to John Paul II (Pauline Books & Media), and Pope John Paul II on the Genius of Women (NCCB/USCC).

An article about Pope John Paul II and women in the "world of work": "A Woman's Place" by Cat Clark. 1