82
an excessive clericalism which keeps them away
from decision-making. Even if many are now
involved in the lay ministries, this involvement is
not reflected in a greater penetration of Chris-
tian values in the social, political and economic
sectors. It often remains tied to tasks within the
Church, without a real commitment to applying
the Gospel to the transformation of society. The
formation of the laity and the evangelization of
professional and intellectual life represent a sig-
nificant pastoral challenge.
103.âThe Church acknowledges the indispen-
sable contribution which women make to soci-
ety through the sensitivity, intuition and other
distinctive skill sets which they, more than men,
tend to possess. I think, for example, of the
special concern which women show to others,
which finds a particular, even if not exclusive,
expression in motherhood. I readily acknowl-
edge that many women share pastoral responsi-
bilities with priests, helping to guide people, fam-
ilies and groups and offering new contributions
to theological reflection. But we need to create
still broader opportunities for a more incisive
female presence in the Church. Because âthe
feminine genius is needed in all expressions in
the life of society, the presence of women must
also be guaranteed in the workplaceâ
72
and in the
various other settings where important decisions
72
âP
ontifical
C
ouncil
for
J
ustice
and
P
eace
,
Compendi-
um of the Social Doctrine of the Church
, 295.
