The following opinion piece by Simone Campbell, leader of Nuns on the Bus, was published April 19 on the Washington Post website.
I would be lying if I wrote that I was not hurt by the reaffirmation of the censure of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) and by extension of NETWORK, the Catholic social justice lobby that I lead. I had hoped that the censure would quietly disappear in an Italian bureaucratic way. But this is not to be. Rather we are to continue to be caught in macro-church-politics of a group of Catholics at odds with the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF).
On April 6, the Vatican announced that Pope Frances had appointed Franciscan leader the Rev. José Rodriguez Carballo as a key leader in the department that works with religious men and women around the world. This was seen as a move toward healing of the relationship between the Vatican and American women religious. On Saturday, April 13, Pope Frances announced the formation of an advisory committee that represents the global church leadership and only one member of the Curia. Then on Monday, April 15, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) reaffirmed the 2012 censure of LCWR (and NETWORK) as undermining the faith in the United States.
From my vantage point (excluded from the halls of power and never consulted before being named as a problem by CDF) it appears to me that these actions continue to be about both church and U.S. politics. Women religious are a soccer ball between competing church departments. None of this is really about faith. The Vatican officials continue to say that they like our work when we do direct service, but they do not like our politics when they do not align with some U.S. bishops’ hard right views.
The censure of our organization NETWORK is rooted in the passage of the Affordable Care Act in March of 2010 and the fact that I wrote a letter signed by 59 leaders of women religious congregations. This letter is credited by President Obama as being a tipping point in the passage of the bill. The U.S. Conference of Catholic bishops opposed the bill because their staff claimed that there was federal funding for abortion in it. Since its passage, at least two federal courts have agreed with my lawyerly reading of the bill and found as a matter of law that there is no federal funding of abortion in the bill. We were correct in our interpretation, and the bishops’ staff was wrong. But we continue to be criticized by them because we disagreed in public.
In the United States, I think this struggle is about the enculturation of our faith into a democratic culture. In a democratic culture we know that diverse views lead to insight and deeper understandings. This is a good step forward in my view. The Vatican could benefit from such a cultural shift. But they remain in the European model of monarchy where the king is always correct and cannot accept diverse opinions.
It would seem that Pope Francis also thinks that some change is required. We do not yet know what he has in mind. But it is already a more open process than anything we have seen in quite a while. I doubt that in his first month as pope we have been at the top of his agenda or that he has delved deeply into the facts that have created this situation. I know we U.S. women religious are a very small part of this bigger struggle. So we will wait and pray for his perseverance in the face of the power struggles in the Curia….
To read entire posting, click here.
It’s good that the splendid sisters have the approbation of the Washington Post. It’s too bad that they are more interested in that than in the Body of Christ, as represented by the Magisterium of the Church He founded. (Mt. 16:18.) And by the way, it’s spelled Francis when it’s a man. Frances is a girl’s name.
Is it possible, Sister, that you could be wrong and the Holy Father right?
Do you not know this is the 21st century when those old church rules do not apply anymore? Habits and agreeing with Bishops and Popes are for the 11th century.
Did you say “11th century” or “11th hour”?
Candidly, I think this woman would have saved us much time by merely stating, “non servium” rather than this rehash.
Yes Keithp, “non servium” is exactly what Satan said to God…..these sisters by “moving beyond Jesus” and their support for contraception, homosex, and abortion are in many ways joining Satan in his mission not to serve God.
Well, I guess when one can stick it to the see of Peter and still be Catholic.
Is it me or does that woman seem not to have any outward sign that tells you she is a bride of Christ?
If you want to REALLY anger these nuns, call them “brides of Christ.” I did once years ago when teaching in a Catholic school and the Sister rose out of her seat and angrily shouted, ‘Don’t you EVER call me a Bride of Christ!” Decades ago her Religious Order gave up the habit, provided a forum for people with same-sex attraction, not to enlighten them on Jesus’ teachings, but to affirm their choice, welcomes “Call to Action.” They do some great work with troubled teens, the poor, the homeless, but some also believe in “women priests” and all that goes with that concept. Sad. They are drying out, while the Faithful Orders are flourishing.
Well, If she in not interested in a spousal relationship with Christ, She needs to be laycised.
Diapers need changing.
while I am elated that Pope Francis has downplayed some of the ornate trappings of his office in favor of the poor, I too am concerned about the continued close supervision of the Sisters. As I read the press– both secular and religious, neither Pope Benedict nor Pope Francis met personally with representatives of the Sisters.
What I’m waiting for is a similar level of supervision for Bishops who have protected child abusing priests.
Read ‘Ungodly Rage’ by Donna Steichen….As for similar level of supervision for Bishops who protected the homosexual priests, most were sent away for treatment but unfortunately bought the ‘cure’ diagnosis by the secular doctors. As for the few ‘liberal’ Bishops who did protect their gay priests, Pope Benedict took care of that by prohibiting homosexuals from entering the Priesthood….
Apples and oranges
Somebody shut up this clipped hair dissenter, you will be judged for the damage you have caused
Canisius, what is it with you and condemning nuns’ hair? They don’t get to go to beauticians as they take a vow of poverty. A lot of nuns clip their hair short as it easier to have short hair when you put on a veil. Most nuns today wear shorter, modified veils and short hair is more practical for nuns.
I think that comment is way out of line – However, I would like to know your comments about the Bishops/Cardinals who apparently can do no wrong – Stop to consider that since Vatican 2 there are no more teaching nuns/brothers and for that matter the religious orders are almost gone – I had high hopes for the new Pope but it would appear that it is business as usual –
Sister Campbell confuses membership in the democrat party with the membership
imparted upon her through her baptism in the mystical body. These nuns are totally secularized. I can’t understand why they continue to call themselves “Catholic”. They are dissidents in every sense of the word. They disagree with the Holy Father on a multitude of substantial and non-negotiable issues, which makes a reconciliation all but impossible. To stubbornly persist in serious error will ultimately lead to their excommunication. Their arrogance is breath-taking.
Anton,
Excommunication! How soon oh Lord how soon?
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
If “Sister” Campbell disagrees with Pope Francis and the CDF, perhaps she should create a new religion that is more to her liking, she might even name herself as a “popess.”
Pompous might be better instead of popess ;)
Me, me, I, I, and Social Justice and Obama and the right to kill babies:
“I wrote a letter signed by 59 leaders of women religious congregations. This letter is credited by President Obama as being a tipping point in the passage of the bill. The U.S. Conference of Catholic bishops opposed the bill because their staff claimed that there was federal funding for abortion in it. Since its passage, at least two federal courts have agreed with my lawyerly reading of the bill and found as a matter of law that there is no federal funding of abortion in the bill. We were correct in our interpretation, and the bishops’ staff was wrong.”
Sr. Simone Campbell of “Nuns on the Bus” and a Director of NETWORK is a heretic and schismatic (by definition CCC # 2089).
LCWR and NETWORK Nun members have done much damage to our children over the years and should not be allowed to teach or be administrators in any Catholic schools.
All Nuns who are members of LCWR and NETWORK, and remain obstinate in their sin should be excommunicated from the Catholic Church – Canon 1399.
ALL Catholics (which includes ALL Nuns) – must adhere to the: Bible, “Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition”, Code of Canon Law, and GIRM (General Instruction of the Roman Missal).
No LCWR or NETWORK nuns should be permitted to teach or be administrators in any Catholic Schools, or be employees in any Catholic Diocese or Bishops’ Conferences, or other legitimate Catholic organizations.
Contact your Diocese Bishop to cut all poison from his Diocese. It is time to clean house.
This says it all – – ” Then on Monday, April 15, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) reaffirmed the 2012 censure of LCWR (and NETWORK) as undermining the faith in the United States.”
Wow, Marybeth. I hope that the nuns weren’t too mean to you when you were in school. You really seem to have an ax to grind. I am sorry if you were mistreated.
Mark from PA, I had good and holy Nuns who were happy being Brides of Christ.
They were not prideful and arrogant – trying to change the teachings of the Church to suit their own desires.
But then my generation was the last when Catholic School enrollment was up, and children were taught the Faith accurately and in entirety.
The LCWR and NETWORK Nuns are the ones who have done the damage to the children in the last couple of generations.
And shame on many of the US Diocese Bishops for being cowards and allowing them to teach in the Diocese Schools and be Diocese employees. Their cancer spreads rapidly.
Marybeth,
I am afraid you would first have to convert most of our “Bishops” and their Conference to the true Catholic Faith!
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
Pope Emeritus called for the conversion of many bishops to Catholicism, by saying that they need “to become holy”.
“I think this struggle is about the enculturation of our faith into a democratic culture.”
===
I think she meant “the Democratic Party”.
The Catholic Church is about bringing individual souls into union with God. How is a democratic culture or party going to do this? Answer: It won’t, can’t, is not concerned with it.
It bothers me that she is wearing a hairstyle reminiscent of male politicians running for office. I wonder if she thinks her husband (Christ) likes that.
Are these women really nuns or merely aging runaway girls?
Sister and co. have had more than their share of “15 minutes”, it is time to be as you wish to be, separated and not beholden to anyone, no less a male of any position. In short ladies it really is time to get over yourselves.
Sister Campbell & all her sister followers should be excommunicated Ias far I’m concerned. She is a disgrace just like Obama & his followers including Biden, Pelossi, Boxer, Reid, Cuomo, etc
This saddens me so much. These women have lost what it means to be Catholic and really do the whole Church a huge disservice. It’s not “hard right views” they want you to align with. It’s Church doctrine. Please read the Catechism of the Catholic church point 2259-2301. It clearly outlines the depth of the 5th commandment and how it pertains to abortion and contraception. The fact that these women are promoting a “culture of death” view on these topics means that they are not in line with the Catholic Church. These women need a doctrine class on the JP II’s Theology of the Body”, basic church Catechism, and a review of their vow of obedience. Your ignorance “sister” and pride is leading many souls astray.
It is not being aligned with “hard right views” to oppose abortion. It is being aligned with the commandment, “Thou Shalt Not Kill.” Nor is it being aligned with hard right views to be humble and obedient. It is simply what you vowed to do. Consider those whom you hurt with your misguided feminism.
What the heck is a “hard right view”?
“Sister” Campbell and her cohorts will have a lot of explaining to do when they
go to meet their maker.
This is a comment from under the actual article. He or she has got it right. There are tens of thousands of other religions which she may join.
“(I’m not a Catholic so my comment is only from my personal point of view.)
It disturbs me whenever I read about the apostate nuns in this group who criticize their own church with such vitriol. A nun, because of her vows, has pledged to live tthe doctrines of her church and to be faithful to it. Her self-righteous, blatant criticism of the Pope is shocking to me and shows the opposite of allegiance and commitment.
If she really doesn’t want to be a Catholic nun–and it sounds like she really doesn’t want be–why doesn’t she officially withdraw her vows and do her activism on her own?. Her disloyalty and lack of respect is shocking to me even though I”m not a member of her church.
No one respects a person who takes a sacred vow then slaps and denigrates the person or organization she has made her vow to..”
““(I’m not a Catholic so my comment is only from my personal point of view.)”: So are the comments of Catholics made from their personal points of view.
What is the matter with you women? Why aren’t you following the Church’s teachings ? To brag that evil obama is on your side is very sad. The most pro abortion President ever who is hurting women and men, destroying families and killing millions of babies and you want that support. Turn to God, ask Him to forgive you. God be with you, you clearly need Him more then ever.
Anybody who criticizes the NONS ON A BUST is duplicating what they are already doing to themselves- if anybody thinks that their statements have any meaning. Shutting them up only feeds their ego.
I love that they were blatantly condemned for undermining the faith in the US and are being held to their censure. Censure is kind of a big deal.
Sister Simone Campbell laments that she has been excluded from “the halls of power”. If, when I was being assessed as a candidate for Seminary and ordination to the priesthood, I said I sought ordination so as to walk the “halls of power”, I would have been shown the door in a New York minute. And rightly so. Could it be that linking a religious vocation with access to power is in great part the reason for the troubles in which the LCWR finds itself?
It’s past time for all Orders of Nuns in the USA to examine where they want to go.
If they want to remain Catholic, they must adhere to the “Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition” in entirety, renew their vows, and be faithful to the Magisterium – like all Catholics.
If they want change – the door is open and they can leave.
Parents and Grandparents – take note – do not let your children be taught by any groups of Nuns whose Order belongs to the LCWR or NETWORK.
Ladies, if interested in becoming a Bride of Christ and serving Him, always make certain that the Order you select is NOT a member of the LCWR or NETWORK.
The chrism of the Order whether contemplative, nursing, or teaching, etc., does NOT require: a State or Countrywide Nun’s organization, or Nuns’ union, or Nuns’ political action committee to serve God.
The Order must be faithful and obedient to the Magisterium.
And all Orders first concern must be with Saving Souls for eternity. Evangelization must be the main thrust. Evangelization through prayer and action.
According to NETWORK’s web site their coalition partners include but are not limited to:
Catholic Campaign for Human Development;
Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good;
USCCB;
Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR);
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.
It is no surprise that NETWORK and the LCWR have infiltrated the USCCB and other Bishop’s conferences, Catholic Schools, Catholic hospitals, etc.
We don’t need heretics and schismatics, who do not adhere to the Catechism in entirety, and who go around moaning about their lack of power within the Church, and secretly doing damage to the Faith behind the scenes.
The Bishops need to clean house and get rid of all NETWORK and LCWR nuns from positions within their own Diocese and all Bishops’ conferences.
Their influence is poison.
They are merely social workers who pretend to be Catholic.
Bureaucracies are not difficult to infiltrate, and this is one more reason they should be eliminated.
HILDEGARD OF BINGEN…trouble maker, or saint?
When Jutta died in 1136, Hildegard was elected unanimously as the new abbess. Rather than continue as part of a double house — a monastery with units for men and for women — Hildegard in 1148 decided to move the convent to Rupertsberg, where it was on its own, not directly under the supervision of a male house. This gave Hildegard considerable freedom as an administrator, and she traveled frequently in Germany and France. She claimed that she was following God’s order in making the move, firmly opposing her abbot’s opposition. Literally firmly: she assumed a rigid position, lying like a rock, until he gave his permission for the move. The move was completed in 1150.
Hildegard of Bingen, through her many letters, took to task both the German Emperor Frederick Barbarossa and the archbishop of Main. She wrote to such luminaries as King Henry II of England and his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine. She also corresponded with many individuals of low and high estate who wanted her advice or prayers.
A final famous incident happened near the end of Hildegard’s life, when she was in her eighties. She allowed a nobleman who had been excommunicated to be buried at the convent, seeing that he had last rites. She claimed she’d received word from God allowing the burial. But her ecclesiastical superiors intervened, and ordered the body exhumed. Hildegard defied the authorities by hiding the grave, and the authorities excommunicated the entire convent community. Most insultingly to Hildegard, the interdict prohibited the community from singing. She complied with the interdict, avoiding singing and communion, but did not comply with the command to exhume the corpse. Hildegard appealed the decision to yet higher church authorities, and finally had the interdict lifted.
What exactly got St Hildegard canonized? Do we find the same qualities in these present day nuns? Or is the only common denominator the argumentation with superiors?
I hope that no one posting on this site compares the LCWR or NETWORK Nuns to Saints.
Let us remember that they are part of the reason that Obamacare passed – which includes – all of us paying through our tax dollars for – ABORTION, CONTRACEPTION, and VOLUNTARY STERILIZATION. And which will allow for euthanasia in the future.
Let us also remember that Sr. Simone Campbell of the ‘Nuns on the Bus’ and also a Director of NETWORK – spoke in support of Obama at the Democratic National Convention. As we know the Democrats already had support of ABORTION in their national platform and added support for same sex marriage.
These women must reform or be excised from the Church.
Ms. Campbell’s lead-off sentence contains the word “I” four times.
Now she may be a humble servant, it’s just that there is no evidence of it in her published opinion.
Unlike the Vatican, US nuns have taught tens of millions of US Catholics for decades and in so doing have built up a huge reservoir of good will, respect
and appreciation. The same cannot be said of the Roman Curia, who seem obsessed with castigating our nuns for their lapses of doctrine while covering up and even enhancing the criminal behavior of sexually abusive priests worldwide, along with obstruction of justice, perjury, misprision of a felony, and damaging what little credibility is left of our Church and draining its finances donated by the laity. Proportionally, the Vatican has the heavier burden. The censure of the nuns has already been noted…..and completely ignored.
Oh, Holy Spirit, send the blessings of wisdom to the Holy Father and the entire Church hierarchy…..they need far more than a get well card. It’s not too late to save the Curia from themselves. Get Cardinal Mahoney to lead the charge to clean up the Church…….but first you may have to explain the concept to him.