New York Times article (July 2, 2009)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/02/us/02nuns.html?_r=1&hp
Commentary:
One of the reasons that the nuns incurred the Vatican's wrath is their support of justice for women in the church specifically the issue of women's ordination.
In a recent letter, Roman Catholic Womenpriests extended our prayerful support and expressed our solidarity with the Leadership Conference of Women Religious/ LCWR and the apostolic orders who are undergoing Vatican investigation. Religious women have been prophets over the centuries and challenged our institutional church to live the Gospels. We are, like many Catholics and non-Catholics, are grateful to the nuns for their dedication and service to God's people especially those on the margins of society.
It is my hope that these gutsy women continue to speak truth to power as courageous witnesses of Christ's compassion and justice in our world. Our church and world needs their witness to Gospel equality now more than ever! Some fear that the Vatican will impose an older model of pre-Vatican 11 traditional convent life. Others suggest that perhaps it is time for the women religious to drop their canonical status and adopt a new, renewed model of religious life similar to Sisters for Christian Community/SFCC. (my community). Our rule of life is the Gospel and our charism is building community so that all may be one. There are many options for women religious to consider that could offer fresh possibilities for a future, unimpeded by Vatican interference. Nuns have mountain-moving faith and and as we know all things are possible for God. My guess is that we are in for some surprises by the Spirit here.
The movement for full equality of women in the church is moving forward and becoming a reality in grassroots communities now as Roman Catholic Womenpriests respond to the call to serve God's people in a community of equals. Let justice flow like a river to end all oppressive domination and usher in freedom and equality for God's beloved people. Sisters, the ball is in your court now, take the lead! Anyone called to priestly ministry?
Bridget Mary Meehan, rcwp
sofiabmm@aol.com
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