by Catholic News Service
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VATICAN CITY
Probably the most newsy -- and somewhat unexpected -- item in the final propositions of the Synod of Bishops on the Bible was a proposal to allow women to be installed officially in the ministry of lector.
The issue was raised in Proposition 17 on "the ministry of the word and women," and it passed Oct. 26 with 191 votes in favor, 45 opposed and three abstentions, according to informed sources. "It is hoped that the ministry of lector be opened also to women, so that their role as proclaimers of the word may be recognized in the Christian community," the proposition states in its final sentence.
What Pope Benedict XVI will do with that proposal is unclear, according to Vatican officials contacted shortly after the synod vote. The issue is not whether women can act as lectors, or Scripture readers, in Catholic liturgies. They already do so at Masses all over the world, including papal Masses.
The question is whether women can be installed officially in such a ministry. Until now, the Vatican has said no: Canon law states that only qualified laymen can be "installed on a stable basis in the ministries of lector and acolyte." At the same time, canon law does allow for "temporary deputation" as lector to both men and women, which is why women routinely appear as lectors.
