New LCWR president says orders grappling with 'complex realities'

Published: 2007-10-24

ST. LOUIS (CNS) -- Sister Mary Whited, the new president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, likes to keep doors open and the conversation going. And she promises "not to back down" when discussions grow difficult. That's good, because her national organization, whose leaders represent more than 90 percent of all women religious in the U.S. church, has a lot to talk about, and not much of it will be easy. Sister Mary officially became president of LCWR in August. The native St. Louisan also is superior general of the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood of O'Fallon, based in St. Louis. LCWR has approximately 1,500 members who are the elected leaders of some 370 religious orders across America. They represent about 67,000 Catholic sisters. The conference develops leadership, promotes collaboration within the church and society, and serves as a voice for systemic change. Women religious leaders, she said, are grappling with some of the most "complex realities of today," including reorganization, consolidation of provinces, decisions about congregational property, underfunded health care needs, vocations, fundraising needs and the very future of some orders.

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