I
n a recent post on the site of National Catholic Fishwrap, I read that His Eminence William Card. Levada, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, sent a letter to the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (cf. magisterium of nuns), …
… announcing the doctrinal assessment. Levada cited Vatican doctrinal concerns with the conference dating back to 2001.
The Levada letter set no timetable for further discussions or resolution of the issues involved. The outcome of the assessment could have a significant impact on the future of the conference and, in turn, the leadership of U.S. women religious communities, possibly leading to Vatican demands for new methods of communication among women religious or even new structures of leadership.
[…]
According to Levada’s letter, the Vatican study became necessary after the conference failed to respond adequately to concerns expressed by the Vatican in 2001. The Levada letter cited three areas of doctrinal concern: women’s ordination, the primacy of the Catholic faith, and homosexuality.
Levada designated Toledo, Ohio, Bishop Leonard P. Blair, a member of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Doctrine, as the lead bishop in the study.
[…]
Levada told the women, the letter stated, that once Blair sends his final report to the congregation, his assessment will be sent for review to different groups, including “a subcommission, the American cardinals in Rome, and perhaps some others.” Levada explained he will then consult with Rodé and develop a final report that will be presented to Pope Benedict XVI.
The Fishwrap article is really about the persecution of these beleaguered women religious, who just want to help the poor, after all.
There is no mention of the fact that the LCWR has been straight-arming SNAP because of the emerging picture of female abuse of minors.
