Women-Church Convergence
WATER is a part of the Women-Church Convergence (W-CC), made up of representatives of twenty-six Catholic-rooted feminist groups and organizations. Women-Church Convergence urges all Catholics to resist the Catholic hierarchy's intrusions on conscience and instead to build a community in which conscience is respected.
Recent News from W-CC
The Women-Church Convergence met in Chicago, October 10-12, 2008, for its annual educational and networking session. Mary Ellen O’Dea presented “Cool Globes,” a creative approach to climate change. Using the resources of a Chicago-based exhibit of globes of all sorts, she invited participants to interact with the artwork and learn the basics of energy conservation.
Eighth Day Center for Justice collaborators Liz Deligio and Kathleen Desautels brought their eco-feminist perspectives to the work of Thomas Berry and others. They invited the Convergence members to think about what was left out of the Universe Story, how it could be better used to spark a broad social justice agenda.
The Convergence expressed its support for the freedom of religion for Catholics. This is especially important during an election season when some bishops manifest confusion about how many votes they each get (one apiece!), and who decides who receives Communion.
It also voiced its support for freedom of conscience in the face of violations of same in the cases of Louise Lears and Roy Bourgeois who were penalized for their support of the ordination of women.
A creative liturgy capped the weekend. Rose Mary Meyer and other Chicago friends focused attention on water as a precious, scarce, and sometimes polluted resource that exemplifies the fragility of our ecosystem. The sharing of small drinks of water brought to mind how cavalierly we treat this commodity, without which we would not exist.
Future plans include similar such meetings in local settings including the Bay Area,
Washington, DC, and various parts of the Midwest.
Press Release:
Catholic Feminist Coalition Denounces Vatican's Intrusion on Conscience
At its annual meeting in Chicago, October 10-12, 2008, Women-Church Convergence denounced all threats to and violations of conscience perpetuated by leaders of the Roman Catholic Church. The Convergence affirmed the right of all Catholics to act in the areas of faith and morals on the basis of a well-informed conscience.
Several examples scandalized us of late:
1. Louis Lears was removed from the pastoral team of St. Cronan's Parish by Archbishop Raymond L. Burke of St. Louis, Missouri, for her support of the ordination of Roman Catholic WomenPriests. He placed her under interdict, prohibiting her from the reception of the sacraments. This is direct retribution for an act of conscience.
2. Roy Bourgeois received a canonical warning and was asked to explain to his Maryknoll Community the facts of his participation in an ordination sponsored by Roman Catholic WomenPriests. A report of the order's investigation was sent to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. This contradicts freedom of conscience.
3. During this election season, several politicians have been threatened with excommunication by bishops who disagree with their principled stances on controversial issues. These are attempts to politicize a Catholic's right in conscience to receive the Eucharist.