The Leadership Conference of Women Religious, of which FSPA is a member, released this response to the passing of the reconciliation bill.
As we absorb the impact of the massive domestic policy bill passed last week by the U.S. federal government, we recall our promise to fearlessly embody the priorities of the Gospel. In the face of decisions that place our nation — and countless people around the world — at great risk, we reaffirm our commitment to justice, compassion, and care for our common home.
This moment leaves us struggling to understand how best to respond. How do we advocate for gospel values that appear to be dismissed? How do we accompany the growing number of individuals living in fear and uncertainty? How do we take meaningful action to safeguard our planet?
In this time of reckoning, we are reminded of the public statement we issued on January 28, 2025 — a clear articulation of the principles that guide our lives as women religious. In that statement, we acknowledged:
“Staying steadfast to these principles in the face of powerful forces working toward contrary purposes may be one of the hardest challenges we will encounter—collectively and individually. The efforts to be the face of compassion and hope amid actions that create chaos and fear will not be easy. This is a time when we will need one another, and a time when we can lend our voices and our support to many of the organizations and people of faith who are laboring to bear witness to the dignity of each person.”
“As we move forward, let us be women who stay informed, who listen deeply to a diversity of voices, and who engage in serious discernment — so that our choices do not contribute to the spread of hatred, fear, division, or violence.”
Let us also begin to consider how we can live out these commitments in concrete ways. We offer some suggestions for reflection and action:
- Track the activity of the legislative branch in your State, reaching out with letters or calls indicating your support of the funding of social networks (SNAP, Medicaid, summer programs)
- Continue to write your federal representatives, naming your grave disappointment with the outcome of the vote and your concern for those who will be most impacted return to the LCWR resource page, particularly the “Know Your Rights” materials on the CLINIC website
- Most importantly, be attentive to those in need in your neighborhood, among your employees and in your city. Support Catholic Charities and other organizations reaching out to those most in need at this time
Finally, we continue to draw strength and guidance from our January 28 statement:
“Our decisions should lead us to become even more fully who we are called to be—bearers of love who refuse to relinquish our moral authority nor languish in despair. May we wholeheartedly embrace the call of the Church to be people of hope and live this call with all our being for the sake of the world and its future.”
Now more than ever, may we stand together—in hope, in courage, and in faithful witness.