Vested in white albs, and ultimately donning brilliantly colored silk stoles, 12 women were ordained July 31 as deacons and priests aboard a riverboat in Pittsburgh by a group that claims they are valid Roman Catholic ordinations.
After the ritual, the eight who had been proclaimed priests by the group Roman Catholic Womenpriests danced and sang “We Are Chosen,” holding hands with their female bishops. More than 350 guests cheered and applauded.
The Diocese of Pittsburgh, however, has declared that none of the ordinations is legitimate and warned that those involved have excommunicated themselves.
“This is both a political and a sacramental action,” said Patricia Fresen, one of three co-consecrators.
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