text: As a former Protestant, I've been a part of 10 different denominations spanning over 28 years -- and NO other Church I've experienced has elevated BOTH maleness and femaleness, in their respective fullness, to the extent the Catholic Church has done.   Many are confusing "equality" with "symmetry" -- as if the only way the dignity and equality of women can be fulfilled is to ensure exact symmetry of roles within the Church.   And yet, there more women saints honored in the church calendar than I can count on two hands, and there are at least four women honored as "Doctors of The Church" -- all whom have made significant contributions to our understanding of theology, the works of mercy,  and evangelism in the Church (not to mention Mary herself).  If there are any doubts about the Church's honoring the contribution of women, Read St. John Paul's "Letter to Women"  (for the  Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995)