Participation of Women

Among the Cathars the consolamentum was open to women as well as men. Women could therefore become Perfects and teach.

In 1204 Esclarmonde of Foix, sister of Count Raymond-Roger, received the rite at Fanjeaux from the Cathar bishop Guilhabert de Castres. Three other noblewomen, Aude de Fanjeaux, Fays de Durfort and Raymonde of Saint-Germain, received it with her, in her brother's presence.