Dear Governor Quinn,
Because of your faithful support of Reproductive Justice for all and your recent meeting on December 16 with Cardinal Georgeand thirteen Bishops in Illinois as reported in the Chicago Sun-Times I write to you as one of the Co-Ordinators of the National Coalition of American Nuns. Our organization, founded in 1969 continues to study and speak out on issues of Justice in Church and Society. We continue to work to change the treatment of women in theCatholic tradition.as noted in the following:
+ Women do not have the right to vote in the Catholic Church
Is this not another form of sexual abuse ?
This is evident when all men elect Popes.This is true when Synods on relevant topics are held in Rome
and women have neither voice nor vote.
+ Women are not welcome to participate in seven sacraments as they are excluded from the sacrament of Ordination and preaching.
Is this not another form of sexual abuse ?
+ We had to send grandmothers to petition for female altar servers in 1983 and now are told this may be denied our young women 30 years later.
Is this not another form of sexual abuse ?
+ Babies born female are not considered to be made in the image and likeness of God and therefore
inclusive language is not advocated or promulgated in songs, verse, scripture, textbooks and other publications.
Is this not another form of sexual abuse ?
+ Parishes are encouraged to harass and report women who enter health clinics for a myriad of serious health issues,counseling or check-ups.
Is this not another form of sexual abuse ?
+ While there is much gazing at women and their decisions to do what is right for their own bodies, often thinking about their families and partners there is never a call to investigate males or their choice to have a vasectomy or a urological exam.nor have we ever had Vasectomy Sunday preached from the pulpit.
Is this not another form of sexual abuse ?
We respect women as moral agents and their primacy of conscience, This has been formed by their ancestors who have gone before them and what they have learned from other feminists who have handed down a morality which trusts women to make good decisions about children, sexuality, and their work to build a world even better than when they entered it because they believe that in women we see the face of God. The Chicago Tribune reported today that fewer women in the U.S.ages 15 - 24 are receiving reproductive health care. This includes Pap tests, pregnancy tests, contraception prescriptions, tests for sexually transmitted disease and other gynecological care. Several factors were given including the decline in public sector clinics serving the poor, increasing unemployment and the corresponding lack of health insurance, and updated guidelines requiring fewer Pap tests. Birth control without co-pays is a financial must for most women in the U.S. We cannot support refusal provisions in the Affordable Care Act for religiously affiliated hospitals, universities, organizations and other entities. Children in Illinois must receive medically accurate and age appropriate reproductive health education.If we truly care about children, especially those born female we will remain steadfast in our work for their rights.
We are grateful to you Governor Quinn for your work as Governor protecting the rights of women of all faith traditions. We ask that you may continue to teach others the true meaning of Equality for every person in the State of Illinois and that you may be blessed with good health, joy, and hope in the New Year (s)....
Donna Quinn
National Coalition of American Nuns
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