Asian Catholic Women: Movements, Mission, and Vision

(Hardback)

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Studying the various movements among women in the Catholic Church in Asia, the author argues that the preexisting male-dominated church rooted in the colonial era is now being challenged to recentralize itself and exercises an inclusive and participatory ecclesiology in which women should become fuller members of the church and participate in the decision-making processes of the church. For only when the church in Asia discovers and recognizes the richness of womens potential, leadership, charisma, and vision, will it be able to witness to the Gospel values and fulfill its vision of mission in Asia. The author shows that Asian Catholic women have played and continue to play a crucial role in designing and carrying out multiple areas of the churchs ministries that men failed to do. Furthermore, the author shows that through the interactions and dialogue with Asian bishops in recent decades, Asian Catholic women have gradually influenced the Asian bishops consciousness of womens issues and concerns.

Reviews

In this book, it would be difficult to name one chapter as the most significant. Each chapter offers numerous insights and valuable ways that assist the reader's growth in appreciative knowledge of the role(s) Asian women play in Church life. The author has used his international connections to gain access to these women's stories. His sensitive writing style allows the women's voices to dominate. This book is a treasure trove of material for discussions in classrooms, faith-sharing groups, and interfaith study. I am grateful to you for the opportunity to read it. I hope it gets the wide circulation it deserves.

--Denise Carmody, Santa Clara University

Author Bio

Thao Nguyen is faculty member of the Religious Studies Department at Santa Clara University.