The American Nun Probes: Two Views
- play show:
Date: 26 August 2010
Checking In or Reining In?
Late in 2008, the Vatican quietly announced a two-part "visitation" of American nuns.
On paper, the probes are supposed to examine the sisters' quality of life and adherence to church doctrine. But the real purpose of the extensive questionnaires is fuzzy, depending on whom you ask.
Some nuns see the probes as friendly and unremarkable-- a routine check-in by the Vatican to address declining membership. And others worry it's an attempt to rein in their advocacy for liberal changes in the church, like womens' ordination and gay rights. This week: two views on the Vatican's ongoing survey. Our story first aired in August 2009.
Pictured: The Council of Trent, one of the most important assemblies in the history of the Roman Catholic Church. First convened by Pope Paul III in 1544, it made sweeping reforms and clarified Catholic dogma for future generations.
Ann Carey, author of Sisters in Crisis: The Tragic Unraveling of Women's Religious Communities
Sr. Joan Chittister, author of The Way We Were: A Story of Conversion and Renewal
Kids and Religion
Begins at 22 min 30 sec
When we talk about faith, there is one group of believers that is often overlooked: kids. In this 2005 documentary, Richard Paul introduces us to three kids, ages 10-12: Kate, an evangelical Christian; Wahab, a Muslim; and Gavi, an Orthodox Jew. They give us a child's eye view of their religion, their God, and what it means to welcome other traditions. Our story first aired in November 2008.
"My God," produced by Richard Paul
