NEWS & NOTICES
 

Updated December 6, 2009 

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 The Board of Directors of TMC has sent a
letter to Bishop P. J. McGrath of the Diocese of San
Jose expressing concern over the investigation of
American women religious communities and the financial
assessment being asked of U.S. bishops. The text
of the letter follows:

 

“Dear Bishop McGrath:
The Board of Directors of the Thomas Merton Center (TMC) in Palo Alto understands that dioceses across the country are being asked to help fund a $1.1
million dollar fact-finding mission to scrutinize U.S.women religious. We ask you to please refrain from using diocesan funds to contribute to these visitations.

We appreciate that you have participated in the letter from the California bishops in strong defense of the generous, caring work done by the nuns in the service
of the San Jose Diocese and the Church: ‘Deeply rooted in prayer and impelled by God's Holy Spirit, Women Religious further the Reign of God as they participate
in the mission of Jesus through their ministries of education, health care, pastoral services and social outreach. Despite challenges and sacrifices of every
kind, they have served in a spirit of untiring selflessness, generosity and charity and continue to do so to this day.’

We at TMC are concerned about a lack of transparency regarding the purpose of these visitations. Not even the nuns themselves know all that the study wants
to achieve – nor do the laity in our diocese. It has also been noted that the final reports of the three-year study will be confidential and not released to the orders being visited, which is disturbing: The orders are being studied, but will not be told of the findings.

Within the spirit of the Bishops of California letter, we ask that you continue to support the nuns’ mission with both prayers and direct funding for their efforts,
and not financially support the Vatican inquiry. None of us has donated to the diocese expecting these funds to be used to scrutinize U.S. women religious and their quality of life.
Sincerely,
Barbara Kent and Patricia Markee
Co-Presidents
for the Board of the Thomas Merton Center”