The question stated simply: Has the LCWR gone off the reservation?

CatholicCulture.org ^ | June 15, 2012 | Phil Lawler

[Donald Rumsfeld Fan]

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The key question can be stated quite clearly: Are the leaders of the LCWR still on the reservation? These prelates raise the matter more delicately, but it is clear enough that they are driving at that question. Is the LCWR working cooperatively with the Vatican, in service to the universal Church?

This should be an easy question to answer. If the LCWR cannot answer affirmatively—quickly, emphatically, without reservations—then we already have the answer. But the LCWR is not accustomed to giving simple answers to simple questions, largely because the American bishops are not accustomed to asking them.

Boston’s Cardinal Sean O’Malley, when asked to comment on the controversy, took great pains to emphasize his support for American women religious and his confidence that a serious conflict will be avoided. The language that he used was measured, sympathetic, and quite evidently chosen to avoid rousing further emotional reactions. But unfortunately that irenic approach—so typical of the way the American bishops have handled conflicts with the LCWR over the years—can create a misleading impression. The LCWR leaders claim that they are merely emphasizing different aspects of Catholic teaching. When the bishops portray the conflict as a matter of tone, to be resolved by clearing up misunderstandings, are actually giving the public a false impression. Some much more serious conflicts are at issue here.

Specifically, do the leaders of the LCWR hold and teach what the Catholic Church authoritatively holds and teaches? Even in his best efforts to avoid appearing confrontational, Cardinal O’Malley could not avoid stating the problem. There are core Catholic beliefs, which are not up for discussion. “To simply contradict them or dismiss them, and to embrace the values of the secular culture over what the church has taught for 2,000 years, is not acceptable,’’ he said.

[Donald Rumsfeld Fan]

[jobim]

Phil Lawler, always the gentleman scholar, phrases the question as above. We street brawlers might put it like this:

Heretic nuns, among other clerics, have been running wild and lawless for 40 years. They have damaged or destroyed the faith of countless souls. Bishops, terrified, weak, and too often complicit in heresy, have not reprimanded. Question: If not now when?

[Flintlock]

ACRONYM ALERT!!!!

Whatthehell is an LCWR—and why should I care???

[Bratch]

Leadership Conference of Women Religious

Wikipedia

[netmilsmom]

I like you!
I like your phraseology!

[AAABEST]

Very well stated.

You might like this site.

[redhead]

Where’s the box marked “BINGO!!” for me to check? Good reply.