“Appropriate Assertiveness”: Advancing Jesuit Decree 14 Today
Start Date
29-4-2022 3:45 PM
Location
Alter Hall Poster Session 2 - 2nd floor
Abstract
Decree 14: Jesuits and the Situation of Women in Church and Civil Society (1995) is among the most robustly inclusive documents ever produced by the Jesuit order. Unfortunately, since the document’s approval at Jesuit General Congregation 34 more than 25 years ago, it appears that few are aware of the Decree. Dr. Margo J. Heydt, Ed.D., LISW-S has interviewed the authors associated with the document’s creation, thus uncovering the origins of the decree in a comprehensive manner. As a student research assistant, I used Excel to turn the 300+ pages of interview transcripts into color-coded qualitative data, further crystalizing the insights delivered by these Jesuits and lay or ordained women collaborators. One such collaborator was Irishwoman Cathy Molloy, whose private reflection on “appropriate assertiveness” stood out to me during this year of work. My presentation will focus on Decree 14’s early proponents, such as Molloy, and apply their ideas to the current emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. Their ambitious words, especially in asserting their justice-based aims, should inspire us to take action ourselves. This project seeks to help us discern the best paths forward in our particular professional or student roles at Xavier.
“Appropriate Assertiveness”: Advancing Jesuit Decree 14 Today
Alter Hall Poster Session 2 - 2nd floor
Decree 14: Jesuits and the Situation of Women in Church and Civil Society (1995) is among the most robustly inclusive documents ever produced by the Jesuit order. Unfortunately, since the document’s approval at Jesuit General Congregation 34 more than 25 years ago, it appears that few are aware of the Decree. Dr. Margo J. Heydt, Ed.D., LISW-S has interviewed the authors associated with the document’s creation, thus uncovering the origins of the decree in a comprehensive manner. As a student research assistant, I used Excel to turn the 300+ pages of interview transcripts into color-coded qualitative data, further crystalizing the insights delivered by these Jesuits and lay or ordained women collaborators. One such collaborator was Irishwoman Cathy Molloy, whose private reflection on “appropriate assertiveness” stood out to me during this year of work. My presentation will focus on Decree 14’s early proponents, such as Molloy, and apply their ideas to the current emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. Their ambitious words, especially in asserting their justice-based aims, should inspire us to take action ourselves. This project seeks to help us discern the best paths forward in our particular professional or student roles at Xavier.
