Sister Mary Killeen | Ireland / Kenya

"My wish for women in the Catholic Church is that they get the courage to speak their truth and take their place at every level of the church, from membership to the highest offices. The church will only be healthy and whole, when the half of its members who are excluded from many levels are fully included and listened to, at all levels.
I will not remain silent, when abuses take place, even though I am aware of the victimisation of sisters who speak out. When leadership do not want to reform, change, and continue to protect one another and cover up serious issues, then the person who raises concern can be removed from office, have allegations fabricated against her, lose her reputation, and be recalled to her home country from a mission area where her work is badly needed. The silence of the majority, through fear of reprisals, enables the victimisation of those who speak.
I’m sharing this because I long for justice, for fair hearing, for religious sisters to have freedom to live out their vocation and for religious life in the present and future. An older sister shared her experiences with me after she raised concern. Her story and suffering encouraged me to endure when I was attacked and ostracised. I knew that others had gone through what I was going through. I hope my sharing will enable other women to stand for justice for the victims."