Teresa of Avila – 50 years a Doctor of the Church

Abstract

On September 27, 1970, Pope Paul VI solemnly proclaimed Teresa of Ávila the first female Doctor of the Church. This article takes the  50th anniversary of this event as an occasion to reflect on its meaning and its possible implications. The article sets out the  prerequisites for the church to issue such a proclamation and it examines the possible consequences of the appointment of women  (without theological formation) as Doctors of the Church for the teaching of the church and for women in the church.