There have been two Vatican investigations of American nuns in the last couple of years. One was an "Apostolic Visitation" that turned out to be reasonably positive. The other was an investigation of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. As the New York Times reported April 18, the Vatican criticized the nuns "for focusing its work too much on poverty and economic injustice, while keeping "silent" on abortion and same-sex marriage."

So far, the nuns have been silent in response to the Vatican document. This page says the LCWR will meet May 29-June 1 to discuss the Vatican document. I can see those monsignori in the Vatican squirming, not knowing what to do with this silence from the nuns. In the meantime, support for the nuns seems to be overwhelming. Sojourners Magazine is typical of the many publications that have come out in support of the Good Sisters.

This cartoon has been appearing in newspapers this week. It depicts four nuns, in full habit, surrounding Barack Obama's limousine. I have to say that I don't really know what the cartoon refers to - and I'd appreciate it if somebody could explain it to me. I suppose it has something to do with the recent Secret Service scandal, but I'm not sure where the nuns fit in. Nonetheless, their strength in silence toward the Vatican oppression, may indeed show that nuns might make a darn good Secret Service protection unit.

-Joe Offer, Mercy Associate, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas-