http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2012/06/12/will-the-vaticans-crackdown-on-nuns-work/the-vaticans-fear-tactics-will-not-work
Fear Tactics Will Not Work
Erin Saiz Hanna is a spokeswoman for the Nun Justice Project and is the executive director of the Women’s Ordination Conference, which works to ordain women as priests, deacons and bishops.
June 12, 2012
Catholics across the country are stunned and outraged by the Vatican’s attempt to threaten the women who have been the backbone of this church for centuries. Since the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith cracked down on the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, thousands of faithful Catholics have held more than 50 vigils across the country and more than 57,000 people have signed a petition organized by the Nun Justice Project in support of the nuns. With these actions, Catholics have made it clear that they stand in solidarity with the sisters and their good works among the poor and marginalized.
The Roman Catholic hierarchy's bullying has intentionally created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, and has proven that it will stop at nothing to attempt to control the lives of women — threatening justice, charity and service. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith accuses the sisters of promoting "radical feminist themes" and "corporate dissent." Apparently the nuns prioritize working with the poor over speaking out against women’s ordination, marriage equality or reproductive health care. The Vatican’s agenda is clear: it is declaring war on the right of conscience and the right of women to be agents in their own lives. These fear tactics will not work, nor will they distract Catholics from the hierarchy's own corruption and scandal, which is devastating the church.
Having had the privilege of being educated by sisters, there is one thing I am certain of: the power of community. For centuries, Catholic sisters have responded to some of our nation’s most difficult trials. When faced with adversity, sisters have stood courageously together with faith as their shield. I am confident that they will respond to this recent trial with courage and grace, and with millions of Catholics standing by them in solidarity.
The Vatican’s agenda is clear: it is declaring war on the right of conscience and the right of women to be agents in their own lives.
The Roman Catholic hierarchy's bullying has intentionally created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, and has proven that it will stop at nothing to attempt to control the lives of women — threatening justice, charity and service. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith accuses the sisters of promoting "radical feminist themes" and "corporate dissent." Apparently the nuns prioritize working with the poor over speaking out against women’s ordination, marriage equality or reproductive health care. The Vatican’s agenda is clear: it is declaring war on the right of conscience and the right of women to be agents in their own lives. These fear tactics will not work, nor will they distract Catholics from the hierarchy's own corruption and scandal, which is devastating the church.
Having had the privilege of being educated by sisters, there is one thing I am certain of: the power of community. For centuries, Catholic sisters have responded to some of our nation’s most difficult trials. When faced with adversity, sisters have stood courageously together with faith as their shield. I am confident that they will respond to this recent trial with courage and grace, and with millions of Catholics standing by them in solidarity.
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