Archbishop Sartain tells LCWR leaders he acts as 'brother and a friend'

August 14, 2014

Archbishop J. Peter Sartain of Seattle identified himself as a “brother and a friend” as he addressed the annual meeting of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR).

Archbishop Sartain-- who was appointed by the Vatican last year to oversee a process of reform in the LCWR, after a Vatican-ordered investigation pointed to serious doctrinal problems with the organization—sought to downplay the group’s conflict with Rome in his address. The LCWR also heard a message from Father Hank Lemoncelli, an official of the Vatican’s Congregation for Religious Life, who spoke on the need for religious congregations to recover their founding charisms, to remain faithful to the Church, and to dedicate themselves wholly to Christ.

In the keynote address at the LCWR meeting, Sister Nancy Schreck, a former president of the group, told the women’s religious leaders that they should not be fearful of working in “darkness.” She encouraged them: “Go into this night trusting in holy mystery.”

 

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Further information:

• Sartain to U.S. nuns: I’m your “brother” and “friend” — and overseer (Post-Intelligencer)
• Sartain to LCWR assembly: I'm here 'as a brother and a friend' (National Catholic Reporter)