From our early pioneers to the communities and priests serving around the world today, our history is rooted in faith and guided by a vision of a more inclusive Church.
History of Women’s Ordination
A Story of Faith, Courage, and Calling
THE HISTORY OF RCWP
From Past To Future
Born on the Danube
For generations, women throughout the Catholic Church have felt a calling to ordained ministry. Across the twentieth century, theologians, advocates, and faith communities around the world helped create the conditions for change, believing that the gifts of women belonged fully in the life and leadership of the Church.
This movement within Catholicism reached a historic moment on June 29, 2002.
On the Danube River in Europe, seven women were validly ordained in apostolic succession as Roman Catholic priests. Known today as the Danube Seven, these women answered the call from God and opened a new chapter of Catholic history. Their courage inspired a global movement.
Our Present
Now, Roman Catholic Womenpriests represent more than ordination. We are part of a broader movement of Catholics seeking a Church that reflects the radical welcome of Jesus.
Across our communities, people gather for worship, celebrate sacraments, engage in service, and build relationships grounded in dignity and mutual respect. Leadership is shared. Each voice matters. All people are welcomed fully.
Rooted in Catholic tradition, we continue to demonstrate what renewed priestly ministry can look like in practice: sacramental, inclusive, participatory, and deeply connected to the realities of people’s lives.
Our Future
The story of Roman Catholic Womenpriests is still being written.
The story of Roman Catholic Womenpriests is still being written.
With each new candidate entering discernment, and each person discovering a place of belonging, the meaning of RCWP is amplified.
We believe the Holy Spirit continues to call the Church toward broader invitation, shared leadership, and deeper participation in the Gospel. Our work now extends beyond women’s ordination, with the radical inclusion of all people in a way of being Catholic that is both ancient and new.
We envision a future where the Catholic Church reflects the full dignity and equality of all God’s people—where leadership is grounded in service, communities flourish through belonging, and faith inspires justice, compassion, and transformation in the world.
The Women’s Ordination Movement
The Womenpriest movement beyond RCWP-USA
The Spirit moves in many ways! The following movements are sister descendants from the Danube 7. We encourage you to learn more about them through these pages:
RCWP-USA’s financial, legal, governance, membership, and ordination structures are independent of RCWP-Canada, ARCWP, and RCWP-Europe.
Coming Soon: More History To Uncover
Interested in learning more about the beginnings of our movement? Stay tuned: we’re currently working with our members to provide first-hand accounts and detailed historical timelines.
WHERE ARE YOU ON THE JOURNEY?
There Are Many Ways To Belong
Whether you are seeking community, exploring a call to ordination, or living your faith more fully in the world, there is a place for you here.
FAITH IS LIVED TOGETHER.
Seeking Community
If you are looking to join a community that is inclusive to all while celebrating Catholic sacraments, we are here to help. Learn more about our faith communities in the United States, South Africa, Colombia, and Taiwan.
A VOCATION BEGINS WITH LISTENING.
Called to Priesthood
If you are discerning a call to priesthood or ordained ministry, RCWP-USA offers a path of discernment, formation, and preparation for ordination within a supportive faith community.
JUSTICE FLOWS FROM FAITH.
Faith in Action
Our movement encompasses ordination and beyond. We speak for justice and equality within our communities, and fight for those who need to be heard.
BELONGING GROWS THROUGH COMMITMENT.
Become an Associate Member
If ordination isn’t your path but you are still interested in how to support RCWP-USA, joining our associate membership may be right for you.