Publication date:
29 September 2016Length of book:
216 pagesPublisher
Rowman & Littlefield PublishersDimensions:
238x158mm6x9"
ISBN-13: 9781442254138
Catholic Women Confront Their Church tells the stories of nine exceptional women who have chosen to remain Catholic despite their deep disagreements with the institutional church. From Barbara Blaine, founder of Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP), to Sister Simone Campbell, whose “Nuns on the Bus” tour for social justice generated national attention, the book highlights women whose stories illustrate not only problems in the church but also the promise of reform. The women profiled span a diverse range of ages, ethnicities, and experiences—single and married, lesbian and straight, mothers and sisters. The women profiled share one trait—that faith is bigger than the institutional church. The book’s Introduction provides readers with an essential overview of the history of women in the church, and the Conclusion looks at the potential for future change. Ideal for anyone who has struggled with the Catholic church’s relationship with women, this moving book offers hope.
Award-winning journalist Wexler tells the stories of 10 women (including herself) of various ages, ethnicities, and life experiences who have wrestled with their Catholicism and the institutional church’s approach to women. Each finely crafted profile includes a biographical story interwoven with a faith journey in progress, all of which include a strong sense of a call to service. Certain themes recur: the question of women’s ordination, ordination in general, issues of social justice, and a commitment to a 'faith that transcends the institutional church.' Those profiled include Sister Simone Campbell, of 'Nuns on the Bus' fame; Barbara Blaine, director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests; and Marianne Duddy-Burke, 'a full-throated advocate for gay Catholics.' Wexler quotes liberally, conveying the women’s own voices; for example, Frances Kissling, longtime president of Catholics for Free Choice, says, 'Abortion is very serious for me. It is a moral issue'; Diana L. Hayes, an African-American womanist theologian and adult convert, says, 'God knew not to ask me into this church prior to Vatican II.' These thought-provoking profiles brim with hope and concern for the future of the Catholic Church.