Catholic Women Confront Their Church: Stories of Hurt and Hope

Catholic Women Confront Their Church tells the stories of nine exceptional women who have chosen to remain Catholic despite their deep disagreements with the institutional church. From Barbara Blaine, founder of Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP), to Sister Simone Campbell, whose ＂Nuns on the Bus＂ tour for social justice generated national attention, the book highlights women whose stories illustrate not only problems in the church but also the promise of reform. The women profiled span a diverse range of ages, ethnicities, and experiences--single and married, lesbian and straight, mothers and sisters. The women profiled share one trait--that faith is bigger than the institutional church. The book’s Introduction provides readers with an essential overview of the history of women in the church, and the Conclusion looks at the potential for future change. Ideal for anyone who has struggled with the Catholic church’s relationship with women, this moving book offers hope.

Celia Viggo Wexler is a lifelong Catholic and an award-winning journalist and nonfiction author. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Columbia Journalism Review, and The Nation. She is also a blogger for The Huffington Post.