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December 17, 2014

Vatican Praises U.S. Nuns After Years-Long Investigation 
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The Vatican has praised the role of nuns in the United States following
a controversial years-long probe into their adherence to Catholic
doctrine. The report marks a shift in tone from a 2012 Vatican reprimand
which resulted in an all-male takeover of the largest group of U.S.
nuns. The nuns were accused of promoting "radical feminist" ideas and
challenging teachings on homosexuality and the all-male priesthood. At a
news conference Tuesday, Sister Sharon Holland, president of the
Leadership Conference of Women Religious, praised the latest Vatican
findings.

Sister Sharon Holland: "As the report itself acknowledges, the
visitation was met by some religious with apprehension and suspicion.
The expressed purpose — to look into the quality of life of
religious women in the United States — was troubling. Some
congregations reported that their elder sisters felt that their whole
lives had been judged and found wanting. Despite the apprehension,
however, today we are looking at an affirmative and realistic report
which we know is based on the study of written responses and on
countless hours of attentive listening."

In a statement, the Nun Justice Project called the investigation into
Catholic women "both demeaning and a huge waste of time and energy."

 

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