QUOTE TO NOTE: LCWR on Dialogue and Respecting Differences

computer_key_Quotation_MarksAs this morning’s post explained, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious’ (LCWR) recent meeting focused on the important topic of how to respond to the Vatican’s directive that their important decisions be overseen by the Archbishop Peter Sartain, who was appointed to this position by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF).

The LCWR leadership released a statement in which they said they will continue respectful dialogue with the Vatican concerning the directive.  In that statement, they reflected beautifully on the need for dialogue and respect for differences in our Church:

“We will continue in the conversation with Archbishop Sartain as an expression of hope that new ways may be created within the church for healthy discussion of differences. We know that thousands of persons throughout the country and around the world long for places where they can raise questions and explore ideas on matters of faith in an atmosphere of freedom and respect. We believe that the ongoing conversations between CDF and LCWR may model a way of relating that only deepens and strengthens our capacity to serve a world in desperate need of our care and service.”

May it ever be so!

–Francis DeBernardo, New Ways Ministry

6 replies
  1. Sharon Willey
    Sharon Willey says:

    All too frequently, I see a question being met with a stonewall attitude of you should accept what the church says and obey. I am truly grateful for the ones who don’t act this way. I would like to see church members (including hierarchy) accept that the Holy Spirit works in us all for the good of all.

    Reply
  2. Karyn Jacobs
    Karyn Jacobs says:

    Sisters, Your statement gives me strength to continue to speak out as a mother of a gay son, encouraging respectful dialogue with those who find it hard to think outside the box.

    Reply
  3. Friends
    Friends says:

    The above quote says that: “thousands of persons throughout the country and around the world” seek freedom and autonomy of conscience in an atmosphere of freedom and respect. Huh? How about “tens of millions of persons” or even “hundreds of millions of persons” as a much more realistic estimate? Even among active practicing Catholics such as myself, the number of folks who allow super-conservative priests and bishops (like Paprocki and Cordileone) to dictate the terms of their personal commitment to Catholicism is vanishingly small. Pope Francis himself seems to “get it” — which is why he’s opened such a gratifying dialogue on these contentious issues, perfectly epitomized in his now legendary quote: “Who am I to judge?”. Pope Francis is a direct gift from the Holy Spirit to our global Catholic Church. Long may he remain with us!

    Reply
    • jono113
      jono113 says:

      Although the “number of practicing Catholi8cs who allow super-conservative priests and bishops … to dictate the terms of their personal commitment to Catholicism is vanishing small” the silent majority does not rise and demand those priests and bishops change or be removed. I’m not sure what to make of that.

      Reply

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