The New York Times reports today that Pope Francis has upheld his predecessor’s accusations that American nuns are “tinged with feminism”, have spent too much time on ending social and economic injustice, and have not paid attention to stopping abortion. They are to be reformed, it seems, under the fatherly tutelage of the Archbishop of Seattle.

American nuns are by far and away the most popular face of Catholicism in the United States.
The bishops, on the other hand, would be wise to take a very low profile. If the Catholic Church wishes to become a small exclusive sect in the United States, it seems “reforming” the activities of the nuns is a good way to about it.

The growing gap between rich and poor is the most pressing and urgent issue in America by far. Unless addressed it will lead to social unrest and ultimately to upheaval (see revolutionary history in France and Russia). The nuns are right to address this topic.
But how do you comment on the “tinge of feminism” charge? From the outside it is clear that male domination by extremists has been an utter disaster. The early church owed its success to women, until the good ole boys took over in a 4th Century coup, and put the gals back into the kitchen. It is time that women were treated equally with men. Anything less is an insult.

This is, I understand, the first substantive decision made by the new Pope. It all makes rational Epicureanism, with its accent on equality, enjoyment of life, and thinking for oneself, the way to go for caring, loving and compassionate people. Ladies, resist!