Sr Donna Quinn says she has decided to stop acting as a "peacekeeper"
escorting patients outside an Illinois abortion clinic after her
congregation the Sinsinawa Dominicans informed her that her actions
were "in violation of her profession".
"I want to be clear that this is my decision," Sr Quinn said in a statement Tuesday, saying she would suspend her role as a peacekeeper outside the ACU Health Clinic in Hinsdale, the Chicago Tribune reports.
"Respect for women's moral agency is of critical importance to me, and I look forward to continuing to dialogue with our congregation on these matters as a way of informing my actions as well as educating the community."
On Tuesday, the Wisconsin-based Sinsinawa Dominican order announced that Quinn had been reprimanded for escorting patients into a Hinsdale clinic that provides abortions.
"After investigating the allegation, congregation leaders have informed Sister Donna that her actions are in violation of her profession," Sr Patricia Mulcahey, head of the Sinsinawa Dominicans, said in a statement. "They regret that her actions have created controversy."
Quinn said the order's announcement only served to stir more controversy. A private meeting to discuss her position had been set for later this month, she said.
"I am disappointed that the process agreed upon was circumvented," she said. "As a peacekeeper, my goal is to enable women to enter a reproductive health clinic in dignity and without fear of being physically assaulted. ... I am very worried that the publicity around my presence will lead to violations of every woman's right to privacy and expose them to further violence."
Sr Quinn's religious community, the Wisconsin-based Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation, admitted in a press release posted on their website that they were informed of the allegation several months ago, Lifesite News says.
After having completed a period of investigation, the Congregation's leader informed Sr Quinn that "her actions are in violation of her profession as a Dominican religious."
The congregation reports that its leaders "are working with Sr Donna to resolve the matter appropriately" and regret the public scandal caused by her actions.
"We as Sinsinawa Dominican women are called to proclaim the Gospel through the ministry of preaching and teaching to participate in the building of a holy and just society," read a statement issued on behalf of the congregation.
Cardinal Francis George, Joliet Bishop J. Peter Sartain and Madison, Wisc., Bishop Robert Morlino are expected to talk soon - if they have not already - about Sr Quinn, an aide to Morlino also told ChicagoCatholicNews.
FULL STORY @
Nun decides to suspend activism for abortion rights after a rebuke by her order (Chicago Tribune)
Updated: Nun Abortion Clinic Escort Reprimanded - Dominican Congregation Apologizes for Scandal (Lifesite News)
Nun reprimanded for escorting women to abortion clinic (Chicago Breaking News)
Public Statement of the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation (Sinsinawa Dominicans)
NEW: Religious order rebukes Chicago-area nun who volunteers at abortion clinic (Chicago Catholic News)
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Sinsinawa Dominicans