Read statements supported by Racine Dominican leadership including:
Letter to president to stop divisive rhetoric
On August 14, 663 Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) members, including Racine Dominican Executive Committee Ss. Maryann McMahon, Kathy Slesar and Lisa Kane, sent to following letter to President Trump:
Mr. President,
We live in a world increasingly marked by hatred, brutality, and violent conflict. We see our own country threatened by increasing disparities in economic, political, and social power. We are caught in a political culture paralyzed by ideological extremism and hyper-partisanship. These are times that require exceptional insight and courageous leadership.
In the face of these unprecedented challenges, we are outraged and heart-broken when our political leaders appeal to our basest instincts and stoke the fires of fear that threaten to tear the fabric of our nation apart. We cannot, we will not, let the voices of hatred and fear carry the day. Read entire letter.
Racine Dominican leadership condemns recent violence in the United States
The Racine Dominican Executive Committee is deeply saddened by the recent violence in the United States. This includes the anti-Semitic shooting that claimed the lives of 11 of our Jewish brothers and sisters, and injured six others at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. We pray for the victims, their grieving families and friends, and the Squirrel Hill community as they mourn and seek healing. We are equally alarmed by the attempted assassinations of opposition leaders to the president—all of whom he has repeatedly maligned.
It is disturbing that political discourse in general has become so polarizing. It is disturbing that our president, and many of his followers, are using rhetoric with insinuations and untruths in order to diminish Jewish, Muslim, black, brown, LGBTQ people and immigrants. This un-Christian talk sows divisiveness and may incite violence. Words can be very powerful especially from the president of the United States.
We are all God’s children, and as such, everyone should be treated with respect and dignity. We join with all people of faith and goodwill who refuse to let hatred and fear find a place in our hearts, kindling instead, our capacity to love.
LCWR calls for an end to gun violence
LCWR Statement calling for an end to hate-speech which demonizes groups through mass media, and has been shown to result in violent acts because some who hear this speech interpret it as promoting targeted violence. We insist that society be protected from such acts of terrorism. We are called to confront rhetoric that stokes racism and hatred of anyone perceived to be “different” than we are. We are all responsible for monitoring our own language and actions and calling attention when the language and actions of others cross the line. Read the entire statement.
Pope acknowledges Catholic sisters have been abused by clergy
It is affirming that Pope Francis chooses to acknowledge and shed light on the abuse of Catholic sisters by clergy. This is in large part happening due to the many discussions among leadership of women religious over the past decades and helped by the efforts of International Union of Superiors General (UISG), the Rome-based organization of the leaders of orders of Catholic sisters throughout the world. As this issue became more apparent, communities of Catholic sisters have worked hard to understand the trauma of abuse and to create environments where victims would feel comfortable coming forward.
The Racine Dominican executive team agrees with statement from the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) that concludes:
We hope that Pope Francis’ acknowledgement is a motivating force for all of us in the Catholic Church to rectify the issue of sexual abuse by clergy thoroughly and swiftly. The upcoming summit of bishops on sexual abuse provides the opportunity for decisive action. Among the actions we recommend are:
The creation of mechanisms for the reporting of abuse in an atmosphere where victims are met with compassion and are offered safety.
Refashion the leadership structures of the Church to address the issue of clericalism and ensure that power and authority are shared with members of the laity. The revelations of the extent of abuse indicate clearly that the current structures must change if the church is to regain its moral credibility and have a viable future.
LCWR Statement calls for the Welcome and Humane Treatment of Arriving Migrants
LCWR Statement denouncing the administrations' decision to recind Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Salvadorans
Adrian Dominican Sisters General Council Statement opposing offshore drilling, and
LCWR denouncement of White Supremacist Terrorist Actions in Charlottesville, Virginia