Soline Humbert Faces Threats After Announcing Priest Vocation

UPDATE: Soline Humbert, a trailblazing figure in the fight for women’s ordination in the Catholic Church, is facing severe backlash after publicly declaring her desire to become a priest. Her memoir, A Divine Calling: One Woman’s Life-Long Battle for Equality in the Catholic Church, details her profound struggle against a system that denies women their spiritual calling.

Humbert’s journey began in 1974 at Trinity College Dublin, where she first felt the divine call to priesthood. Now, after years of silence, she has bravely gone public, only to be met with hostility and threats, including violence and abuse. Humbert reveals that her announcement has triggered extreme reactions, with some accusing her of “egotism” and “seeking power.”

An encounter outside a church following a funeral exemplified the aggression she faces; a priest shouted, “Women priests? Over my dead body!” After engaging in media interviews, Humbert began receiving threatening phone calls at home, some suggesting violent retribution. These experiences highlight the stark reality that a woman expressing her calling to the priesthood can provoke intense misogynistic backlash.

In her memoir, Humbert reflects on the male-dominated Catholic Church’s claim that the exclusion of women from the priesthood is divinely ordained. This belief, propagated solely by men, is presented as an unquestionable truth. Humbert argues that such a stance suffocates the voices of women who feel a genuine call from God.

The memoir recounts Humbert’s encounters with prominent church leaders over the past three decades, revealing a culture resistant to change. In a poignant meeting with Archbishop Desmond Connell in 1993, she describes her disappointment when he dismissed her calling, emphasizing his authority over her spiritual journey. “I hear you, my archbishop, speaking to me, not God,” she asserted, showcasing the deep divide between her faith and the church’s institutional stance.

The book has garnered attention not just for its personal narrative but also for its broader implications on gender equality within the Church. Former Irish President Mary McAleese contributes a powerful foreword, highlighting the fragile theological foundations that underpin the Church’s refusal to ordain women. She likens the situation to “the emperor who had no clothes,” calling into question the validity of the Church’s position.

Humbert’s story resonates with countless Catholic women who, despite making up half the church, feel underrepresented and marginalized. Her experiences echo a larger societal issue, where the exclusion of women from leadership roles perpetuates a message of inferiority—a message that can lead to violence and abuse against women globally.

As the conversation around women’s ordination gains momentum, Humbert’s memoir serves as a crucial catalyst for change. Her courage to speak out invites readers to reflect on the intersection of faith, gender, and equality.

The urgency of her message is clear: women deserve a place at the altar, and their spiritual calls should not be silenced. Humbert’s journey is not just her own; it represents the struggles of many women within the Church and beyond, demanding recognition, respect, and equality.

What’s Next: As Humbert continues to speak out, the Catholic community is poised for a critical dialogue about gender roles in the Church. Her memoir not only sheds light on her personal battle but also ignites a broader movement advocating for equality within religious institutions. The implications of her work could resonate far beyond the confines of the Church, challenging long-standing beliefs and practices.

Humbert’s fight is far from over, and as she presses forward, the world will be watching closely.