Practicing Respect Across Difference

By Kathryn Yanik, Director of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation

For generations, Catholic sisters have been leaders in civil dialogue and communal discernment. The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur were founded as an international congregation in 1804 and, since then, have demonstrated their commitment to dialogue across cultural and identity differences. This year, we expanded our synodal work to launch a new initiative on civil dialogue. Led by the Office of Justice, Peace, Integrity and Care for Creation (JPIC), the SNDdeN U.S. East-West Province implemented a Lenten dialogue series titled “Practicing Respect Across Difference.” As part of this practice, the Province hosted a series of dialogues on Faith and Politics, Feminism, and the Role of Women Religious in the World Today. These conversations have gathered Sisters, Associates, staff and former members.

The JPIC Office also hosted a training in reflective structured dialogue for 40 individuals from the SNDdeN community and 15 other congregations of women religious across the United States and Europe. The training was well received and raised questions about how we can further integrate models of dialogue and synodal listening that have shaped our cross-congregational ministry for centuries.

In the next stage of our civil dialogue ministry, we would like to expand on our work to develop a model of reflective, structured dialogue that integrates the charism and spirituality of our community. We welcome the participation of all our partners in mission! Please contact the JPIC Office at jpic@ewsndden.org if you are interested in learning more.