Christine Schenk's column is a regular feature of National Catholic Reporter.
Simply Spirit - I wonder if the current implosion of ecclesiastical credibility over clergy sex abuse can create a new moment of grace, one that breaks down outmoded governance models. We may already have a road map — thanks to liberation theologian Leonardo Boff.
Simply Spirit: For the most part — at least until recently — Mary of Magdala's witness was all but invisible in Christian history, even though her testimony is the lynchpin upon which the proclamation of the resurrection depends.
Simply Spirit: Vatican statements on women priests are invariably ahistorical and biblically naive. It is embarrassing. Worse, they bear false witness to the Jesus of history and are ultimately destructive to the body of Christ, especially the distaff side.
Simply Spirit - I was recently re-inspired by some young sisters, who place their confidence not in the human institutions that have served the church in the past but in the God who summons them to serve in new ways in the future.
Simply Spirit: "Every single one of you has a light and a fire inside of you that nobody has the right to put out. Keep in mind when we're marching today that we are leaders and we are all capable of amazing change."
Simply Spirit: Former Irish President Mary McAleese prophetically said that Catholic patriarchalism "acts as a powerful brake on dismantling the architecture of misogyny wherever it is found." She was speaking at the March 8 Voices of Faith event in Rome.
Sometimes I need to be reminded that, current political debacles aside, the whole world isn't going to hell in a hand basket. What we do (and usually take for granted) is a powerful witness for what sisters are all about.
"I hope all those people who want immigrants, take them in themselves. When we run out of welfare and dip more into Social Security what will we all do then?" This is from a Facebook post by a Catholic friend; it sums up what I suspect many people, some Trump supporters, believe about refugees and immigrants.
The answer is a resounding yes. Aside from the usual suspects — laity and nuns — bishops are exercising prophetic leadership in opposing the massive deportation of refugees.
"Interpret everything in its most favorable light." My adherence to this centuries-old maxim of the Sisters of St. Joseph is being severely tested right now.
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