The public chastising of American Catholic nuns last week by the Vatican — how dare they focus on serving the poor and hungry and not be vocal enough about condemning gay marriage and abortion, let alone question the primacy of the male hierarchy in the Church?! — has led to a more public appreciation of the work they do and a weakening of the ruler-wielding classroom tyrant stereotype.
I have to wonder if the relative powerlessness of women in Holy Orders in the Church hasn't been, in some ways, a blessing. People are people, humans are humans, and folks who are put in positions of authority (let along sanctified authority) are often tempted to exercise it for more worldly, less savory purposes. Women aren't immune to that (broad generalizations about male vs female psychology aside), and their relative powerlessness (if not received disdain) within the church hierarchy may have helped them avoid the temptations and abuses of power, and instead focus on why they took their vows.
Very broad generalizations, I know, and not a justification by any means for unequal treatment, but just a thought. #ddtb
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In art and in life, nuns finally get their due
After a Vatican crackdown on U.S. sisters last week, the public reacted with an outpouring of sympathy and support.