New York Times: Fear Tactics Will Not Work

Erin Saiz Hanna wrote this article for The New York Times, The Opinion Pages about the Vatican’s mandate on the LCWR.

Fear Tactics Will Not Work
By Erin Saiz Hanna

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 theLeadership 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.

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