The ultimatum to LCWR

Last Saturday, I was privileged to attend the 40th Anniversary dinner of NETWORK, the Catholic social justice lobby founded by nuns 40 years ago. Since 1972, this organization has done stellar work on the Hill advocating for social justice, the needs of the poor, world peace and the earth itself.

It was a wonderful gathering, and LCWR leaders were very visible and vocal in their praise of NETWORK -- and well they might be. Here was a gathering of the real leaders of our church for the future, members of religious communities: nuns, co-members, associates and wonderful friends.

Now, we get news from the Vatican, appointing an archbishop to lead what they dare to call "renewal" of LCWR. When you look at the specifics, it's more like dismantling, if LCWR actually does any of it.

And from the point of view of the Vatican, one of the problematic associations of LCWR is apparently NETWORK. What in the world are these hierarchical types thinking? Have they checked their calendars? Do they know this is the 21st century, when all the issues of NETWORK are crying out for action?

I have just one thought: Resisting injustice is the ultimate act of virtue in our time.