Let me tell you a story.
A principal calls a veteran fifth-grade teacher into her office and informs her that her students' standardized test scores dropped 40% over the course of the year. She asks for an explanation and tells her that the superintendent insists that she (the principal) observe the teacher's class to help determine the quality of the academic environment to determine the causes of the dramatic decline in test scores.
The teacher says that it's natural for test scores to fluctuate depending on the class so there's nothing wrong with her teaching. She refuses to admit the principal to her classroom because it would be intrusive and demeaning for her to be observed considering her many years of service to the school.
This news saddens me... and so close to the Retired Religious Collection!
A few points:
1. They won't answer questions and refer the Vatican to their constitutions. This assumes that they are living in accordance with their constitutions! Isn't this the point of the inquiry?
2. "Violence?" Are you for real? These sisters need to get a grip on reality if they think this is violence!
3. When my students refuse to answer a question about their behavior honestly, it usually means they have something to hide. Just saying.
4. When you're proud of something, you may not go around broadcasting it, but you're not ashamed of it either. If their lifestyle is ecclesiastically healthy, why won't they just answer the questions?
5. This inquiry is going forward whether they answer the questions or not. They will no doubt accuse the Vatican of getting their facts wrong when they release the findings, so here's their chance to speak... TAKE IT! No one is silencing you. You claim the Church won't listen then you give up your golden opportunity.
