Noting a few recent Vatican declarations changing the regulations for the Latin Mass, reversing advances that have been made in ecumenism, and restricting the admission of gay men into seminaries, the National Coalition of American Nuns asks for a more compassionate approach to the practice of our faith. Rather than strictly adhering to pre-Vatican II practices, a more compassionate church would incorporate more culturally relevant practices, partner more with other faiths moving toward an authentic unity, and invite the faithful into an expanding, renewing and deepening reflection of their faith. Rather than continuing support of a just war theory, a more compassionate church would oppose all war and teach peace-making skills for all levels of government and interpersonal conflict resolution. Rather than following rididly prescribed sexual rules, a more compassionate church would welcome into full parnership women in the church as priests and other ministers, support the rights of same sex persons entering into permanent relationships, provide condoms to diminish the spread of AIDS, support victims of sexual abuse and their perpetrators by responding to them with justice, and recognize the right of women as moral adults to be decision-makers in reproductive rights. Rather than silencing prophetic voices, a more compassionate church would welcome diverse voices as manifestations of the spirit and encourage their public expression.
