Women's Ordination Conference

The Women's Ordination Conference (WOC), established in 1975, is the oldest organization dedicated to securing women's ordination in the Roman Catholic [Page 1581]Church and their representation in the Synod of Bishops. Importantly, WOC has never sought simply to insert women into the existing church hierarchy but works toward a “renewed priestly ministry” and more egalitarian church structure. Increasingly allied with national and international coalitions, WOC currently focuses on educating Catholic leadership and the public on the need for structural change in the church, supporting women who feel called to the priesthood and strategizing with other faith-based feminist groups.