Elizabeth Johnson, C.S.J., a theology professor at Fordham University, was given the top award of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious’ on Aug. 15 during its national assembly in Nashville, Tenn. During her acceptance speech, she strongly criticized the U.S. bishops for their formal critique of her book Quest for the Living God. “To this day, no one, not myself or the theological community, the media or the general public knows what doctrinal issue is at stake,” she told about 900 sisters, delegates of 80 percent of the nation’s nuns. Johnson also criticized the ongoing investigation of the L.C.W.R. itself. In 2012 the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith ordered the nuns’ group to reform its statutes and appointed Archbishop J. Peter Sartain of Seattle to oversee changes, including a rewriting of the group’s charter, and to approve of all speakers at future assemblies. Johnson stated that “the waste of time on this investigation is unconscionable,” while commending the L.C.W.R. for its charitable response: “To a polarized church and a world racked by violence, your willingness to stay at the table seeking reconciliation through truthful, courageous conversation has given powerful witness.” 

This article appears in Sept. 1-8 2014.