"Bishops vs. Nuns: Who Spoke for God in 2010?" Nuns and Women Priests Lead the Church into its Future Now

While bishops govern and "manage," it is nuns who save lives
By Eugene McMullan
Religion Dispatches (CA)
January 2, 2011
http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/atheologies/3975/bishops_vs._nuns%3A_who_spoke_for_god_in_2010_/
http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/atheologies/3975/bishops_vs._nuns%3A_who_spoke_for_god_in_2010_/

"The nuns may also see themselves as speaking for God. Many would embrace Sr. Schneider’s definition of religious life as a “prophetic life-form.” Others might see themselves simply as persons created in the reasonable image and likeness of God, persons who read for themselves, think for themselves, work, pray, attend mass and come to their own conclusions. They, too, cling to the Logos (or Sophia).
Because the bishops claim to have exclusive possession of the measuring stick of orthodoxy (Rule of Truth), nuns are less likely than bishops to make doctrinal statements. That being said, nuns are quite devout and typically orthodox. The U.S. nuns are not “bad Catholics,” as the Vatican implied with its notorious apostolic inquiries. The real issue is their criticism of the bishops, and their commitment to the principles of Vatican II. In a letter regarding women’s ordination, NCAN stated, “This teaching cannot be infallible because the teaching is unjust and, therefore, in error.”
Clearly for these religious sisters, the Word of justice/love supersedes the dictates of the church."

Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Excellent analysis, by Eugene McMullen!
Truly the nuns are walking in the spirit of Jesus and demonstrate the compassionate spirit and common sense approach that most Catholics profess and practice.
The National Coalition of American Nuns are a gutsy group of Sisters who speak truth to power, including the male hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church. Yes surely, as the nuns speak for justice for all on the controversial issues of our time. As the nuns state, the teaching on women's ordination cannot be infallible because it is unjust, in error. Authentic teaching cannot contradict Jesus's example of inclusion of women as partners and equals and the church's early history of women in ordained leadership. The National Coalition of American Nuns and Roman Catholic Women Priests are leading the way to a holy shakeup of the Roman Catholic Church in which women will no longer be silent on issues that impact their lives and human welfare. We are putting our energies to renewing our faith worship, practices and witness in grassroots communities that are egalitarian and prophetic! Amen, Sisters, keep leading the way!
Bridget Mary Meehan, RCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org