Poetic Reflections and Images by
Tina van Lieshout
This series of poems and images can be found in Tina van
Lieshout’s book Ook in de Naam van de Mother en de Dochter, Wilco,
Amersfoort 2000. They are here translated and reproduced with permission of
author and publisher. The text and art work can be freely copied for personal
use, but permission needs to be obtained for publication.
The background of these reflections was Tina’s attempt to be
admitted to holy orders. In 1989 Tina offered herself for the diaconate
formation programme in the diocese of s’Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands.
She was refused admission. To draw attention to the injustice of the situation,
Tina decided to take her bishop to court on charges of sexual discrimination.
She was assisted in this endeavour by Vrouwmens, a Dutch organization
concerned with improving the position of women in society and in the church. As
expected the case was heard and then dismissed in the provincial court, the
national court and finally the European civil court. But it generated much
publicity, as had been hoped.
Tina is a deeply spiritual and very sensitive person. Her poetic
reflections and illustrations come straight from her heart. She speaks for many
others who are struggling to find their identity in a repressive church
climate.
These meditations are best read and prayed over on their own - one
at a time.
