God, women and me

The image of God as “Almighty Father” never really resonated with me. But as a child, I believe as a child believes: I do not question the Catholic education in which I was immersed. My first inner revolution occurred when I understood that I could not take on the role of altar boy: frankly, what more do boys my age have?

By happy coincidence, my parents sent me, the summer I was twelve, to Normandy, to stay with my great-aunt. Dominique talks to me a lot about Marie. For the first time, a biblical figure was made accessible to me. From a mystical entity, she becomes a human and feminine figure with whom I can identify. Alongside my teenage torments, the feeling of injustice in the face of inequalities between men and women grew within me. I remember a priest at catechism emphasizing the secondary role of women, whose mission would be to help men achieve their goals. And then what else? At home, facing my two older brothers, I too have strength and, above all, a legitimate voice. Torn, I slowly moved away from religion, while keeping the faith.

A few years later, a Protestant friend convinced me to accompany her to the temple. I realize how much I miss celebrating faith with others.

I then approached the Magdala association, formerly the Skirt Committee, and campaigned for the place of women in the Church. The feminist rereading of the Bible is a revelation: I reappropriate the texts, and many authors bring me new light. The memory of the Norman summer resurfaces. What would our religion be without the courage of Mary? Despite the doubts and the risk of judgment, she agreed to carry Jesus, fled a massacre to protect her family, and went through the mourning of her only child. Far from the “perfect follower” character, Marie is a woman as sweet as she is strong and determined.

In July, during a scout gathering, a young girl spoke to me: as a child, she had felt God’s call but had put it aside. The place of women in the Church being limited to reception and service, it is impossible for them to plan for it! This meeting shakes us both up and gives me strength for the road that remains to be covered.