July 23, 2008 Can women be Catholic priests? (part 2) Play video

(NECN) - The organization is called Roman Catholic Womenpriests. It is not recognized by the Roman Catholic church. And yet, they went ahead with a ceremony of ordination this week at a packed Protestant church in Boston. At the key moment, the women were vested with priests' robes, given a standing ovation, and declared to be priests.

They then presided at a service of communion at which consecrated bread and wine were offered.

Was it real or just a charade? The guests on NewsNight have strong opinions. On both sides.

Jean Marchant and her husband are co-pastors of a "Spirit of life: a catholic community of justice & joy." In 2006, she quit her job with the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston after revealing that she had secretly participated in a ceremony of ordination as a priest.

Colbe Mazzarella is a self-described "Traditional Catholic" who attends Latin mass in Boston and co-hosts a catholic study group.