Equality is not a privilege to be earned by women, but a right which belongs to them by virtue of their creation in the image of God. Equality leads to acceptance, respect, sharing mutuality, appreciation, friendship and partnership; inequality to domination, superiority, disrespect, lack of appreciation, de- valuing, and stereotyping, in a word, to sexism. Sexism is not simply a passing aberration; it affects personally and structurally the way we live together in society and the church. It will not be easy to eliminate sexist patterns of behavior, but this pastoral response evidences our intention to recommit ourselves to face this challenge, to work toward this goal ... We feel a sense or urgency to do whatever must be done to show that we take women's concerns seriously.
	…I…chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain…This I command you: love one another (Jn. 15:16-17)

We, the Commission on Women in Church and Society, serve as advisor to the Bishop on implementation of the USCCB pastoral response to women's concerns for Church and society. We function as a liaison between women in the diocese and the Bishop, raising and promoting awareness of the evolving role of women in church and society. We promote the gospel values of justice, equality, love, healing and empowerment of God's people, especially the women of this Diocese.

Our Beginnings

The Commission on Women in Church and Society (CWCS) was established by Bishop Edward D. Head on April 5, 1990 and continued under the leadership of Bishop Henry J. Mansell. We look forward to our new relationship with Bishop Edward U. Kmiec.

Our Mission

The work of the Commission is to continue the process of listening and dialogue begun in the Diocesan Listening Sessions of 1985, and to address some of the Church and societal issues brought to light there through consciousness-raising, education and advocacy programs. By listening and learning from one another, we allow the Spirit to transform both the Church and ourselves from within.

Our Accomplishments

The CWCS has worked in collaboration with other diocesan committees and offices in developing programs on scripture, women's ministry, canon law, gender communications (for seminarians), and the diocesan Inclusive Language Guidelines. It initiated the diocesan Domestic Violence Awareness Task Force. The CWCS provided a bi-monthly column in the Western New York Catholic.

Programs

A two-part Focus Group on "Spirituality in the Workplace" in conjunction with the USCCB Secretariat for Family, Laity, Women and Youth.
An evening of listening with college women
A Jubilee morning with Sr. Kathryn Dougherty, OSF.
Women Rising to New Life: an Easter event with June Boyce Tillman of King Alfred's College, Winchester England
St. Mary of Magdalene Prayer Celebrations and others.
Women and Men Working Together in Ministry
Domestic Violence training for parish workers

Studies

Pastoral Leadership survey   --   Pastoral Associate survey

Written Materials

JUSTICE IN THE WORLD: PEACE AT HOME.

Included in this series were:

- A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence Against Women

- A Pastoral Response to Child Abuse

- Dealing with Conflict in the Family

Choosing Gifts for Children Can Be Child's Play: A buying guide. and others

To accomplish this work, the Commission encourages diocesan-wide participation in addressing issues reflecting the sexism in Church and society. We invite your input: