I have extensive experience and knowledge related to running local, regional state and national associations, including those that work to influence public policy. After reading another article on women priests, two thoughts struck me.
First, I hope groups like Roman Catholic Womenpriests have extensive liability coverage for all of the individuals that have been ordained under the auspices of the organization. These people are human. Like all humans, some of them will do things like steal, cheat, lie and take advantage of vulnerable people. At some point, one of these people will be the respondent in a civil lawsuit that could result in millions of dollars of damages. Attorneys are very shrewd and finding many sets of deep pockets. Roman Catholic Womanpriests will be seen as a deep pocket. Trust me, directors and officers coverage won't cut it. One settlement will be the end of the organization.
Second, take a lesson from the Republican Revolution started by the likes of Jerry Falwell and continued by the likes of Ralph Reed. Start local! Work on convincing parishoners. Build a groundswell that includes priests. Some of these priest will become bishops. When that happens, things will begin to move. It will take time. Patience is necessary. I fully understand that many members wanted to be ordained within the Roman Catholic Church years ago. However, spending much time targeting the current group of bishops around the world only takes away resources that could be spent on building up the groundswell. It worked for the Moral Majority - they started with pushing for candidates for city councils and school boards. Evenutally, they took over national government.
Don't be naive. Don't be foolish. Attorneys and many current church leaders will suck your organization dry - if you let them.
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