The LCWR, The Vatican, and The Media

It is not a revolutionary comment to observe that contemporary social debate often lacks substance when it reaches to the public sphere. Too often complex issues, particularly ones involving religion and politics, are mishandled by the media and opposing arguments are oversimplified or sensationalized. Additionally, the debate can often be one that is so uncivil, that the substance is lost in favor of the rhetoric.

One issue coming to the forefront for many Catholics this summer is the tension between the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) and the Vatican following its April report about the LCWR. This week, the LCWR is holding its annual meeting in St. Louis which will include, among other agenda items, dialog concerning the organization's response.

Fortunately, there is an opportunity to hear an in depth discussion from representatives of both sides of the issue. NPR's Terry Gross has interviewed both Sister Pat Farrell, President of the LCWR and Bishop Leonard Blair, author of the Vatican report. Each conversation afforded these individuals an opportunity to answer questions for approximately 40 minutes. While not perfect interviews, these conversations do provide one with a clearer picture of the viewpoint for each side of the issue and both are worth a listen.