A newly ordained priest’s dictatorial decree banning women in pants from the sanctuary underscores a troubling trend of clericalism within the Church. These outdated views reflect a more profound fear of women asserting authority, revealing an institutional struggle with gender dynamics—the push for inclusivity clashes dramatically with his repressive stance.
Joseph Stoutzenberger, Ph.D., is a Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at Holy Family University in Philadelphia.
Joseph Stoutzenberger 