Feminism and Catholic Nuns

By: Danielle Brooks

It’s a tough time to be a nun. Historically, nuns have been nurturers and leaders in their faith in caretaking for those in need. They’ve taught the doctrines of faith, including forgiveness and respect for others, helped run soup kitchens and homeless shelters and worked in social service agencies and community centers. The values that drive nuns to commit to a life of service include belief in teaching and ministry, the desire to be compassionate to others and to do good through God’s will.

Strange then this desire to educate, help and offer support would put nuns in direct contrast with the religious patriarchy and the higher-ups in the Vatican. The Pope and other Vatican officials have come down hard on nuns for views they see as radical. What are these radical views that are getting nuns into hot water? They include:

Inquiring about the male-only priesthood doctrine

Making public statements that contradict Catholic bishops

Demonstrating support for President Obama’s health care plan

Spending too much time fighting economic injustice and poverty rather than denouncing homosexuality and abortion

The church is so worked up about the nuns that they’re calling this behavior “radical feminism” and have taken action to sanction nuns. Nuns will now have to revise their statutes, get church approval for every speaker and replace their traditional texts with those that support a more rigid view of church doctrine.

Many nuns are taken aback at these new edicts. While they wouldn’t necessarily term themselves radical feminists, the sisters are processing what’s happened in a feminist light. Some feel it’s another example of male religious officials looking down on what the sisters do and disparaging their efforts. Some feel that nuns try to be inclusive in their healing and ministry, while male religious officials tend to exclude. Sisters feel they’ve been thinking critically about church doctrine, asking questions, looking inside and making their own interpretations – not violating church doctrine.

The Vatican’s stance strikes across America, not just major metropolises like Chicago or New York. Nuns processing the hurt in places like Indianapolis or Austin may wish to seek reparation and retain their freedom to help the poor and otherwise disadvantaged. Sisters in the Midwest might wish to consult with an Indianapolis attorney to discuss possible legal action. Nuns may have the right to fight the patriarchy with individual representation or perhaps even a suit calling employment law into question. After reviewing written or oral documentation, an attorney would be able to assess what further action could be taken. The parties named in the complaint, such as male church officials, would then have to respond to the complaint in writing and provide counterevidence challenging the plaintiff’s assertions.

Perhaps nuns have become more feminist over time or patriarchal church officials are just out of touch with modern ministry. Nuns and social justice go hand in hand, a longstanding tradition that will likely continue even if the sisters unsuccessfully challenge the Vatican’s stronghold. Thankfully, the women religious are not without support: Tweet if you love nuns gives moral support to those in the fight.

You can read more of Danielle’s work at Professional Intern.

Lyn Harris, DMS