SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Elizabeth English is a mother of two, a partner in a four-year relationship, a social worker. On Saturday, she will add one more title: Catholic priest.
English is a member of a small, independent Catholic church that does not recognize papal authority and ordains women to the priesthood.
In an elaborate ceremony, English will be the first woman to take priestly vows at her Sacramento church. She knows this will likely upset many Roman Catholics.
“That is not my goal,” says English, 58. “I believe I am answering God’s call.”
English, who typically wears traditional priestly clothes, describes herself as “Catholic to the core.” She was confirmed to the faith in 2004 but left the Roman Catholic Church eight months ago to attend Good Shepherd Parish, an independent congregation. About 30 people worship at the church, which meets at the Spiritual Life Center in downtown Sacramento.
English’s ordination will be held at Atonement Lutheran Church in Sacramento and is open to the public.
The Catholic Diocese of Sacramento will not recognize the ordination.
“They’re not part of our church,” says the Rev. James Murphy, spokesman for the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento.
English’s church is affiliated with the Independent Catholic Church of the West, a district or diocese that has six parishes — one in Portland, four in Phoenix and one in Sacramento.
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