The New Nuns: Racial Justice and Religious Reform in the 1960s

by Amy L. Koehlinger

In the 1960s, a number of Catholic women religious in the United States abandoned traditional apostolic works to experiment with new and often unprecedented forms of service among non-Catholics. Amy Koehlinger explores the phenomenon of the "new nun" through close examination of one of its most visible forms--the experience of white sisters working in African-American communities. In a complex network of programs and activities Koehlinger describes as the "racial apostolate," sisters taught at African-American colleges in the South, held racial sensitivity sessions in integrating neighborhoods, and created programs for children of color in public housing projects.

Engaging with issues of race and justice allowed the sisters to see themselves, their vocation, and the Church in dramatically different terms. In this book, Koehlinger captures the confusion and frustration, as well as the exuberance and delight, they experienced in their new Christian mission. Their increasing autonomy and frequent critiques of institutional misogyny shaped reforms within their institute and sharpened a post-Vatican II crisis of authority.

From the Selma march to Chicago's Cabrini Green housing project, Amy Koehlinger illuminates the transformative nature of the nexus of race, religion, and gender in American society.

Genres: Catholic, Religion

320 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 2007

Reviews

[K Kriesel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this copy through my local library just a few hours before I found out that this is the book that Dr. Shannen Dee Williams mentioned in the preface of her incredible book "Subversive Habits." Thus I began reading "The New Nuns" immediately after learning it excludes Black women religious.

If I'd found this book shortly after it was published, I probably would've liked it. But by now I've learned too much and can't go back. This book is well written, but I think it would be more appropriate to give to someone who's so entrenched in white nationalism that they need light introductory material.

[aru (arya) · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting and informational book. i read it as background information as part of a character study i was doing on a nun in the midst of the civil rights movement.