A few paragraphs on “The Dignity And Participation Of Women.” The Aparecida bishops begin with the Gospel witness to women:
451. Christian anthropology highlights the equal dignity of man and woman by reason of being created in the image and likeness of God. The mystery of the Trinity invites us to live as a community of equals in difference. In an age of marked male chauvinism, the practice of Jesus was decisive in signifying the dignity of women and their indisputable value: he spoke with them (cf. Jn 4:27), he was singularly merciful to women sinners (Lk 7:36-50; Jn 8:11), he healed them (cf. Mk 5:25-34), he defended them in their dignity (cf. Jn 8:1-11), he chose them as first witnesses of his resurrection (cf. Mt 28:9-10), and he brought women into the group of people who were closest to him (cf. Lk 8:1-3).
Aside from the mostly unnamed disciples and contacts, there is the mother of Jesus:
The figure of Mary, disciple par excellence among disciples, is fundamental in the recovery of woman’s identity and her value in the Church. The song of the Magnificat shows Mary as a woman capable of committing herself to her reality and prophetically addressing it.
A picture of mutuality, something with which we continue to struggle with, for, and against at times:
452. The relationship between woman and man is one of reciprocity and mutual collaboration. The aim is to harmonize, complement, and labor by combining efforts. Woman is called to be a good steward with man for the present and the future of our human society.
For deeper examination, an English translation of the 2007 document from the Aparecida Conference.
Catholic Sensibility 