The Leadership Conference of Women Religious counts among its membership both the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and the Sisters of St. Joseph. Representatives of both congregations said they are waiting to see how the LCWR will respond to the Vatican’s April 18 announcement about mandated reforms.
Pending conversation with the LCWR, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester said the congregation had no comment at press time regarding the Vatican announcement that the organization will be reformed.
Shortly after the Vatican announcement, the leadership team for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, based in Silver Spring, Md., released a brief statement of support for the organization.
"The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas respect the statement from the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) stating their need for time to review a mandate from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and prepare a response," the April 19 statement said. "As members of the LCWR, the Institute Leadership Team of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas believes that the organization has remained faithful to its mission of service to leaders of congregations of women religious. Our prayers and support are with them."
