American nuns come out swinging against Vatican in face of ‘radical feminist’ accusations

[boston bean]

(CNN) – The leadership representing most of America’s nuns came out swinging Friday against the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church, in the face of charges from the Vatican that the nuns are espousing “radical feminism” and straying from church teaching.

The Vatican’s criticism of the American nuns has “caused scandal and pain throughout the church community, and created greater polarization,” the Leadership Conference of Women Religious - which represents about 80% of American nuns - said in a statement Friday.

The board of the group had convened in Washington this week for three days of special meetings, provoked by an April assessment from the Vatican that said America’s nuns had largely gone rogue and warned that they could be a negative global influence on the church.

The Vatican report said that at an annual gathering of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, guest speakers who preached "radical feminism" went unchallenged. The report also said the nuns were too focused on social justice and not enough on opposing abortion, euthanasia and same-sex marriage.

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/06/01/american-nuns-come-out-swinging-against-vatican-in-face-of-radical-feminist-accusations/

[seabeyond]

1. ah, we ned to support these women. this does my heart go. stand up to the bullies sistahs.....

we need to have this fight here in the u.s. and right close to election. get the women riled. get them enthused. what normal person isnt going to be pissed these men picking on our nuns.

[Tumbulu]

3. I'm with you! (nt)

[seabeyond]

4. .

good to see you. i have enjoyed seeing you here and there in rec.... knowing you are still around.

does my heart good. i am so easy. so much does my heart good.

[Tumbulu]

8. Thanks sea!

I have been so busy- a coyote (or 10) has ben attacking my sheep in the daytime (very unusual behavior for around here) - I have lost almost 30 of them and have injured ones I am doctoring every day. I took in a rescued livestock guardian dog , but getting him used to my place and sheep is taking LOTS of work. Let alone end of the school year stuff for my daughter, performances rehearsals, recitals, my goodness. So, cannot write too often, but I do get on here and read. You are amazing- all the wonderful and interesting things that you post. I appreciate you and this group!

I am ruminating on mothering/feminism topics and hope to write up my thoughts soon.

[seabeyond]

9. that and you are so cool. thank you for telling us what is up. wow

you are one of those awesome women. lol. truly. all that you do. that is such a bummer with the sheep. just heartbreaking, not only for well, being attacked by coyotes, but the money loss with all your hard work. good luck with that. i hope an answer comes.

last day of school today.... you might have a little longer. but, it is soon done. then a little peace on that front for a couple months. i remember when kids were younger, the summers were harder in that the time had to be productively filled up for minimal problems. now the school year is harder and boys so easy, summer months are a breeze

thank you for your kind words

and take care of you....

[Tumbulu]

10. Thank you again sea- the feelings are mutual

One more week of school, then it is just like you said- I have to come up with all the projects- but it is easier now that she is getting older. Not easy yet, but better nonetheless.

You made my day- now back out into the dust......

[MadrasT]

11. Oh nooooooooo!

I am so sorry to hear about what happened to your sheep. I love all critters, and I love sheep especially.

[Tumbulu]

20. Thanks, it should get better soon-

I think that this dog will help. really knowledgeable people assure me that the coyote(s) will go away.

[MrMickeysMom]

2. Dance like a butterfly....

... and sting like a sister-bee!

[freshwest]

5. I'd have to reverse what the Vatican said, having been helped by strong minded nuns.

Where the Vatican said that... America’s nuns had largely gone rogue and warned that they could be a negative global influence on the church.

I'd say they could be the most positive global influence the church could ever have in doing the right and humane thing in spite of the hierarchy. I've read of them standing up for women and children and being punished.

Having been born and giving birth in a hospital run by nuns, I can testify that they really believe in their mission. They stand up to the hierarchy and insurance companies, doing what is needed without judgement.

They don't give in and for that I thank them, although I'm not Catholic.

Keep it up!

[seabeyond]

7. they could be the most positive global influence the church could ever have

in the universal scheme of it all, this is what fascinates me most about religion and the bible. the literalists that think they are doing such a bang up job on following gods (not christs) words take out of the bible word for word and try to implement them to life. they are using an outside of self written word.

christ says.... within heart. the answer is within, not in a book. and these women are doing the ultimate in what christ says. they are living the religion. minus a lot of the rules simply implemented by church.

yes... once again, women stand at the forefront and if they can be heard, can bring an awakening that will benefit us all. if ego..... can be put aside. which is not part of the teachings.

[pennylane100]

6. My interactions with nuns in my childhood was not a positive experience.

I had very little respect for them or what they were about. The nuns today seem to be a very different group and am glad to see them standing up to the the Vatican. Unfortunately the standing of nuns in the church has and always will be viewed by the leaders as subservient. The freedom that they have been given has always been based on how much they toe the party (church) line.

This is a fight that they will never win and may end with them leaving the church to form their own ministry. If that happens, it will be good for them and for the people they are trying to help.

[sonias]

12. Go nuns!

Change that Catholic church from within!

[seabeyond]

13. this is the key.... we can only accomplish from within. yes. outside support is wonderful

but it is not going to get done, what needs to be done.

[laconicsax]

14. Can you cite an example of the Church being changed from within?

Any example of a group of Catholics not part of the crusty old men hierarchy changing the Church will do.

[seabeyond]

15. they have gone through there moments of progression along with all religions and then slid back

nature of the beast and the pendulum. the nuns got to where they are in the u.s. for a reason.

[laconicsax]

16. That's not really an example, but ok. n/t

[seabeyond]

17. you had a whole period a handful of decades ago where the popes

or whomever (cause i am not religious nor a participator of any religion, just curious observer) became much more lenient and accepting and progressive. these nuns got this behavior from the one sending down the message at that time. i am remembering my time in calif with lots and lots of catholics. i had to understand them cause i lived with them and they were my friends. it was a big time in their life.

but i am not even close to being a scholar or academia on the catholic church.

[laconicsax]

18. I think the important part there is the Pope.

The progressive movement only happened because it was allowed by the Pope. The current Pope is ultra-conservative and recommended to the last Pope that the Church should become much more rigid in its enforcement of doctrine and basically kick out anyone who disagrees. He's a hard-liner and not someone who is at all likely to any change.

I guess my point is that while it's great that the nuns are pushing back and that the laity want to see change, it's incredibly unlikely to happen because the Church is an organization where change can only come from the top.

[seabeyond]

19. you are right on all that. i will still appreciate seeing the sisters (sisters as in nuns)

fight back. i think that is a good thing for all of us to see and hear both from a womans perspective and a religious perspective here in the u.s. right now