Council for Australian Catholic Women

The CACW exists at the "national level to ensure that the dignity of women is honoured and their gifts are given space to flourish for the sake of the Church's life and mission". (ACBC Social Justice Statement 2000)

Areas of Responsibility:

To provide advice to the Bishops Commission for Church Ministry about women and their participation in the Catholic Church in Australia.

To provide advice on dialogue and integration of ideas pertaining to women and their participation in the Catholic Church in Australia.

To provide expert advice on the development of strategic planning concerning the decisions and proposals from the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference in response to the report, Woman and Man: One in Christ Jesus.

To recommend the development, selection and dissemination of examples of best [successful] practice related to the promotion of the participation of women in matters other than employment.

To recommend the development of specialised publications which acknowledge Catholic teaching, use other sources, and draw on Woman and Man: One in Christ Jesus and the response of the ACBC, for parishes, schools and organisations, locally and internationally.

Number of Members:

The council shall be composed of women and men, clergy, religious and lay  "taking into account the geographical and cultural diversity of Australia" (SJ Statement 2000) and numbering (9) members including the chairperson.

Appointment of Members:

Members of the Council will be appointed by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference on recommendation of the Bishops Commission for Church Ministry.  Members are appointees of the bishops for a three year term with the option of a second term.  A third term may be granted in exceptional circumstances.

Appointment of Chairperson:

The Bishops Commission for Church Ministry will appoint a chairperson on recommendation of the Council.

Frequency and Place of Meetings:

The council shall meet at least three times each year at a time and place that the members determine.

Administrative Support: 

Administrative support will be provided by the Director, Office for the Participation of Women.