Archdiocese Bans Nun from Teaching, Local 12, September 3, 2009

Archdiocese Bans Nun from Teaching

Local 12
September 3, 2009

http://www.local12.com/mostpopular/story/Archdiocese-Bans-Nun-From-Teaching/YDaq5wLceUmGIBTaZEmq5A.cspx

Cincinnati Nun Punished For Beliefs About Women in the Priesthood

Archdiocese Bans Nun From Teaching

Louise Akers

A local nun's belief about women in the priesthood will keep her out of the classroom.

Sister Louise Akers' name was recently removed from a list of teachers available to teach religion classes by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati's Office of Education, because of complaints the office received about Akers' beliefs.

Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk backed the decision when he met with Akers. She said she would not remove herself from a group that supports ordaining women as priests.

"I go between being sad and angry because its not like I'm the lone ranger on this position."

Last month, Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk asked Sister Akers to publicly renounce her support for a position the Vatican says violates church teaching. She refused--citing a matter of conscience. "For me its based on the very core of the value, the dignity and equality of woman to man and this is certainly happening in every aspect of our society."

Dan Adriacco is the Archdiocese spokesperson: "The faithful have the right to have the faith taught correctly and for it to be taught correctly it has to be taught by people who receive the faith correctly that's the issue here."

Reaction from local Catholics--is mixed.

"In the institution of the eucharist, the holy orders at the last supper only men were present per Christ's own words. Only men can become priests period."

"I don't have a personal opinion as to whether women should become priests but I don't think someone should be banned for having that view. I don't see anything wrong with teaching that."

"I think we have a role in the church and its with great dignity that being a priest is not our role."

"I believe women are just as intelligent as us men and should be able to share their beliefs and their opinions on what they believe."

Sister Louise says she won't change her mind--the church says it's teachings are clear. "I can't believe that I'm in this situation but I feel as a matter of conscience and integrity this is where I am."

"Some people might see this as a justice issue its an injustice when you deprive somebody of something that is there right. It is not anybody's right to teach in the name of the church."

Sister Louise believes the church's stance on women in the priesthood needs to be adjusted--in part because of the diminishing number of priests and the increasing number of Catholics.

Even though Sister Louise Akers is banned from teaching in archdiocese sponsored programs, she can teach in situations and schools not affiliated with the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.