Women make some progress in church leadership positions

Published: 2004-06-10

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Women now hold nearly half of U.S. diocesan administrative and professional positions, says a survey report released in June by the U.S. bishops' Committee on Women in Society and in the Church. The 2003 figure was 49.1 percent -- a 2.5 percent increase since 1998, when the committee issued a document calling for greater efforts to recruit, retain and advance women in church leadership roles that do not require ordination. Based on annual surveys of dioceses by the National Association of Church Personnel Administrators, the report said the growth occurred mainly in level 3 and level 4 positions -- middle management and professionals. The ratio of women in level 1 and level 2 posts increased only marginally over the five-year period.

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