Although Cardinal Brislin has in the past reaffirmed the Church’s prohibition against the ordination of women, he has allowed a dissident group to set up in his diocese that supports women priests. Additionally, under Brislin’s watch, in 2022 the Capetown archdiocese published a synthesis report as part of its contribution to the Synod on Synodality which reads: “In the world of the twenty-first century today, it is important to hold onto the tradition, know its origins, but also to embrace change.” It added: “The strong traditions of the Church are also its weaknesses. The major restrictions that may hinder the progress of the Church are many and varied and include issues such as … the prohibition of women priests. Nevertheless, the Holy Spirit of Hope will be with us all as we move forward in faith.”
