Women’s Ordination Conference 50th Anniversary
DETROIT, MICHIGAN •
MAY 22-24, 2026
Together we will embark on a pilgrimage to honor the feminist thought-leadership of our 1975 landmark gathering and *energize* our movement for the future.
Encounter the women’s ordination movement in its fullness, meeting our founders and leaders throughout the decades, as well as curious first-timers, activists, theologians, church workers, women priests, teachers, and more.
Participate in women-centered liturgies and prayer services; experience women preaching and leading in an inclusive way.
Build skills! We’ll offer workshops and presentations to build practical skills from communications and media work, to how to teach women’s ordination, or how to advocate for greater roles for women within your parish.
Experience feminist, womanist, mujerista and trans theologies in action through compelling keynotes and table conversations.
Be part of the joyful resistance! While our struggle is long, we believe in cultivating joy and celebrating the graces we have received along the way.
Want to learn more? See our Frequently Asked Questions.
Over three days, you will
Conference Logistics
Early Bird Registration
Early Bird registration begins on August 8 and lasts until October 1! Registration includes all meals and transportation from the Westin Southfield hotel to Marygrove.
Book Your Stay
We encourage all attendees to book their stay at the designated conference hotel, the Southfield Westin Detroit! Our special rate is $149/night + free parking for those driving in! WOC will provide shuttle service from the hotel to the conference site.
Become a Sponsor
Sponsor opportunities are available to support immediate expenses for Jubilee Year events and help build WOC’s finances for sustainable action and organizing into the future.
Why detroit?
In December 1974, Mary B. Lynch wrote a letter to 70 Catholic leaders to express her enthusiasm for women’s ordination, and the urgency of the moment to work for change. Of the people who received her letter, thirty-one of them attended a meeting a few weeks later to begin to plan the first Women’s Ordination Conference.
More than 1,200 people, including many religious sisters and priests, participated in the first ordination conference from November 28-30, 1975 in Detroit, Michigan.
The Women’s Ordination Conference is a grassroots-driven movement that uncompromisingly calls for women’s ordination and gender equity in the Roman Catholic church through bold activism; dialogue; and creative, prayerful witness.
“Oh, I’d ordain women tomorroW. And it would change everything.
— Cokie Roberts
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions, or if you are interested in volunteering for the conference.
Email
woc@womensordination.org