Nun calls for women to be given bigger role

A CATHOLIC nun and theologian has praised Pope Francis for placing women in decision-making positions within the Church and said she hopes his successor will go “further and faster”.

- By Aine Fox

Sister Gemma Simmonds hopes women will be able to become deacons within her lifetime — allowing them to preach, perform marriages and funerals, and bring sacraments to the sick.

Sister Gemma, 68, a former president of the Catholic Theological Association of Great Britain, said there is evidence that women were deacons in the past.

She added: “I would love to see women have more of a voice within the Church.