Catholic Women Confront Their Church: Stories of Hurt and Hope

by Celia Viggo Wexler

Catholic Women Confront Their Church tells the stories of nine exceptional women who have chosen to remain Catholic despite their deep disagreements with the institutional church. From Barbara Blaine, founder of Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP), to Sister Simone Campbell, whose “Nuns on the Bus” tour for social justice generated national attention, the book highlights women whose stories illustrate not only problems in the church but also the promise of reform. The women profiled span a diverse range of ages, ethnicities, and experiences—single and married, lesbian and straight, mothers and sisters. The women profiled share one trait—that faith is bigger than the institutional church. The book’s Introduction provides readers with an essential overview of the history of women in the church, and the Conclusion looks at the potential for future change. Ideal for anyone who has struggled with the Catholic church’s relationship with women, this moving book offers hope.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Catholic, Essays, Religion, Christianity

216 pages, Hardcover

Published September 29, 2016

Reviews

[Pam Cipkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially, this was a very difficult book for me to pick up. I looked at it on the new books shelves and passed it up on two previous visits to the library, but I am so glad I checked it out after looking at it on the shelf a third time. This book is fantastic! I thought it would be too controversial, and read too slanted, but instead, I found these women’s stories to be inspiring, heroic, and uplifting. Each chapter is a short biographical sketch of a woman interviewed by the author. Some, such as Sister Simone Campbell of the Nuns on the Bus fame, are more well-known than others, but each of them has a fascinating story to tell, They include African-American and Latina Catholics, lesbians, women who have had abortions, survivors of priestly abuse, and others of diverse backgrounds. Some of these women are not currently what you would consider practicing Catholics, while others are regulars at Sunday Mass. What I think I enjoyed most about their stories was their desire to evangelize--to go out and tell their story of the positive effect Catholicism has had on them, as well as the challenges that the Church has brought into their lives, and how they are working to make things more equitable and just for other women, Catholics, and Catholic women. If you are at first hesitant to pick this one up, like I was, don’t be! Read it with an open mind: you may not agree with everything these women stand for or what they believe, but something can be learned from all of them, and each of them have an important story to tell.

[Amy Borelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Again women step up and this book is a reminder of all the issues I've struggled with over the years. It's refreshing to know I'm not alone!

[trudy vernot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a practicing Catholic...but.....

I have groped for years about the Church's relevancy in my life. Going to weekly mass becomes a habit of negotiation within myself...will I " get anything" out of this week's attendance...and....why am I going. The answer to that stems from my 16 years of education, all in the Catholic tradition. This book validates my thoughts, beliefs and brings some inner peace. Thank you for writing it.

[Joan Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celia Wexler's stories of Catholic women are even more relevant today, as the moral failure of the all male clerical establishment is evident to all.

The grace of the women profiled in this book -- their relentless moral courage and ability to get things done provide a clear blueprint of where the church should now go -- and who should lead it.

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read many books for work. This is one of my absolute favorites

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike other Goodead reviewers, this book made me sad. I've been reading stories like these in the National Catholic Reporter and other outlets for 40 years. I've seen cosmetic changes like altar girls and women as Eucharistic ministers and lectors but no real movement in the Church's position that women are the temptress Eve, with no "new Eve" except Mary who said yes to God (or the angel). Why do people marginalized by the Catholic Church remain? Frances Kissling points out that "The early formative years from two to twenty years are dominated by Catholicism in every way." I have good friends in my Catholic church community. I appreciate their commitment to social justice issues and their abiding love of liturgy, but I share the sorrow of Gretchen Reydams-Schils, silenced at Notre Dame and perhaps ready to give up hope of her voice being recognized and respected.

[liv ♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

1/10. I didn’t realize this authors beliefs until I started reading the book. Got to page 3 before I closed this book for good. The author includes opinions instead of facts without a realization of what she’s saying. One of the arguments she uses is utterly ridiculous because most of the time woman don’t do that.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

4+ for content - I kept wishing that there was more in the women’s own words - Or that they had written their own pieces - perhaps thats what I had expected it to be. Great range of perspective and thoughts to mull over.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

really changed the way I think about being Catholic.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book to any Catholic who has dealt with the uncomfortable feeling that can come with having views that are out of line with the institutional church.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

I enjoyed the stories that were shared. I often wonder if I should return to my faith. This gave me hoe

[Jane Ferketic]

Recommended by npr / Where we live

[ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[K Kriesel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fantastic book is so inspirational and comforting. I couldn't get enough from these womanist and feminist Catholic women

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was raised at a time when God was vengeful and everything was a sin. I admire these women's courage in challenging church rules of limiting ordination to men only and seeking more involvement. However, I didn't realize the extent of the discontent among women Catholics. The book was a real eye opener.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insight into a difficult discussion.

[Mindy Greiling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This interesting book helps me understand how some of my strong feminist women friends remain Catholic. Riveting stories from the get go, when the author starts with herself.