Written by ANDANTE brings together 15 Catholic women’s organisations from across Europe and represents more than one million women. Founded in 2006, it serves as a platform for collaboration, theological reflection, and advocacy, working to promote the equal participation of women in society and the Church. ANDANTE also represents Catholic women’s interests at the Council of Europe through its status as an INGO.
The event in Gdańsk brought together women leaders from diverse countries and contexts to reflect on the future of the Church and our shared responsibility in a world facing democratic uncertainty, polarization, and social transformation.
Following the Study Days and General Assembly in Gdańsk: 29 April – 2 May 2025
Andante, the European Alliance of Catholic Women’s Organisations, representing almost one million Catholic women across Europe, gathered in Gdańsk under the theme:
“Moving and Movements: Not without women – Shaping a World of Respect and Equality.”
During our Study Days in Poland, we reflected on the power of movements – past and present – to inspire social and ecclesial transformation. We explored the legacy of grassroots activism, the role of role models, the potential of digital networks, and the theological promise of synodality as a path for a renewed Church.
We affirm that change is possible. History teaches us that freedom must never be taken for granted. Movements grounded in courage, solidarity, and spiritual depth have led to meaningful transformation — not only in political systems, but within Church life itself. We recognize that solidarity must be reinterpreted in each generation, within the particular social, cultural, and political contexts we now face.
In today’s interconnected world, movement includes the digital realm, where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping how we live and communicate. Yet AI development is not neutral. It can replicate or amplify gender and racial biases. Catholic women must join their voices to help ensure that digital technologies serve the common good, uphold human dignity and do not discriminate any religion, race or gender. Governments must be held accountable to implement policies that prevent discrimination in technological design and access.
As Catholic women, we affirm that our faith is both personal and political. It flows from the conviction that Christ is present in every dimension of human life – especially in those places where dignity is threatened, truth is silenced, or participation is denied. The Gospel calls us to be active citizens and co-responsible members of the Body of Christ.
We have listened to testimonies from across Europe – especially from our Polish sisters about the need for a synodal Church – one that listens, includes, and shares power. Women are not only contributors to the Church; they are essential to its life and mission.
As our speakers reminded us, we can only become a truly synodal Church when women participate equally in shaping its future.
At the heart of this transformation is the Spirit – Ruah, the fierce and loving breath of God – the Mother of our Mother Ecclesia, who inspires women across nations, callings, generations, and vocations. In Her, we rediscover our spiritual motherhood – rooted from the beginning of time – a motherhood expressed not only in family life, but also in resistance, in reform, in nurturing communities of mercy and justice.
Inspired by the courage of Saint Catherine of Siena, who once told the Church’s leaders:
“Proclaim the truth and do not be silent through fear,”
we leave Gdańsk with renewed commitment.
As Catholic women, we believe that safeguarding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law is inseparable from our faith. In a time of deepening polarisation and eroding democratic values, we commit ourselves to fostering movements rooted in peace, equality, and active listening.
We know that the Church cannot move forward without the full and equal participation of women. That is why we call on Catholic women across Europe to engage in synodal dialogues – in parishes, dioceses, and beyond – to help shape a more just, inclusive, and Spirit-led Church.