When and why did the Catholic Church stop separating genders during Mass?
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### Background
According to Catholic.com , men and women were separated during Mass from ancient times, attested as early as the 300s CE:
> The practice [of separate seating for men and women] is ancient. It is explicitly mentioned in the 4th century by St. Cyril of Jerusalem and St. Augustine. It most likely was inherited and carried over from the same practice of the ancient synagogues.
### Question
When did this practice stop? For what reasons did Catholics stop practicing this ancient custom?
Asked by Avi Avraham
(1961 rep)
Apr 22, 2026, 01:56 PM
Last activity: Apr 22, 2026, 07:01 PM
Last activity: Apr 22, 2026, 07:01 PM