Hallelujah! The ridiculous and controversial six-year investigation into the lives of American nuns has finally concluded. The Vatican decided that these women were not pushing a radical feminist agenda on to its religious constituency, just an agenda to support and care for people who are in need of help and guidance. Bravo, Vatican.
But while nuns are off the hook—for now—Catholic higher-ups did deem it necessary to note that the good works of these women are informed by a commitment to justice and a “feminist spirit.” Wait, are those bad things?! We say: All hail the feminist spirit!
Another Vatican investigation focused on the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, an umbrella group that represents about 80% of American nuns. It stated that “radical feminist themes” would likely lead the ladies-in-habits to stray from traditional Catholic doctrine. Fortunately, this investigation concluded this past Thursday.
But are scrutinizing looks into the sisterhood over forever? Probably not. For now though, we’ll take the small victory: It’s a step in the right direction.
The next order of Catholic business? Figure out a way to keep nuns interested in being nuns. According to Slate, there are only about 50,000 nuns in the U.S. and the median age is in the late 70s. Clearly Catholics need women to stick around in the religious order—how would their interests be represented otherwise?
image via usnews.com
