Between Critical Feminist Theology and the New Feminism: Where to from Here?

This article seeks a pathway to ask the question of how the Catholic Church might become more “feminine,” in light of the experience of the author during synodal discussions about the role of women in the Church. These include both the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia and the Synod on Synodality. It argues for a more robust account of the theory of complementarity and the “new feminism” in light of overviews and critiques of that theory from feminist critical theology. The article refers to and draws from specific experiences during the Synod. It closes with recommendations for further inquiry at the theoretical and practical levels