Social Justice
Choosing Nonviolence as Gospel Witness
At this moment in history, when fear is normalized, violence is amplified, and democratic life is under strain in the United States and across the world, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) raises a clear and unwavering moral voice: violence is not the Gospel response.
The way of Jesus calls us to a love that refuses harm, rejects domination, and insists on the dignity of every person. Love demands more than silence or neutrality. It requires truth-telling, moral courage, and a willingness to stand publicly with those whose lives and rights are threatened. Nonviolence is not passivity; it is disciplined, courageous action rooted in justice and hope.
Across the globe and within our own communities — from Ukraine to Minneapolis — we see the tragic consequences of aggression. Violence does not resolve conflict or restore peace; it deepens wounds and multiplies suffering. Nonviolence, by contrast, requires profound interior strength and sustained commitment. It must be cultivated personally and communally, and practiced intentionally within social, political, and global systems.
Women religious have long understood this truth through lived experience. Since arriving in what would become the United States in 1727, congregations of women religious have participated in the shaping of this nation through education, healthcare, advocacy, and service to those most at risk. Throughout the evolving life of this democracy, women religious have sought to embody gospel values in public life, especially in times of moral crisis.
In continuity with this witness, we unequivocally denounce the use of violence in any form. We call upon individuals and communities — and especially those entrusted with leadership in local, state, and federal government — to choose paths that uphold human rights, protect democratic processes, and honor the dignity of life at every stage.
In these times, the members of LCWR commit to a public, prophetic presence rooted in prayer and expressed through concrete action. We pledge to make visible the Gospel through advocacy for nonviolence, racial justice, humane immigration policies, and care for our common home. Our hope does not rest in force or fear, but in the transformative power of love lived boldly and together.
Statement Concerning Recent Changes in U.S. Immigration Policy
from Catholic Religious Communities of Women in Indiana
"It is not just about migrants; it is about all of us, about the present and future of the human family."
Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, 2019, Pope Francis
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As followers of Jesus we have heard the cry of the poor. Jesus told us to “welcome the stranger”; he also told us that “whatever you do to the least of these, you do to me”. We can no longer be silent. In our country today thousands are needlessly losing their jobs; millions could lose health coverage if threatened cuts become reality; millions of children and elderly could end up severely hungry; and many live in fear of deportation. We feel it’s imperative to name all of these injustices but we want to
focus on one.
“Welcome the stranger”. Migrants are our sisters and brothers in Christ – created in the image of our loving Creator just as the rest of us. They enrich our society through their presence, diverse cultures, work, and vitality, while also contributing essential work and tax revenue that helps sustain Social Security and other services that benefit everyone.
And so, we speak out for justice, for a recognition of the dignity of all who have moved here in pursuit of life and freedom. People fleeing violence and persecution deserve the freedom to seek asylum here. Our faith teaches us that an orderly, legitimate process for seeking asylum is, in fact, a primary way of welcoming the stranger. Seeking asylum is not a criminal act.
We call for an end to indiscriminate detentions and deportations. We call for an end to the Remain in Mexico program. We call for a resumption of asylum hearings, a restoration of the refugee resettlement program, and restoration of Temporary Protected Status. We also call for citizenship of all those who are DACA recipients.
As members of congregations of Catholic Sisters in Indiana, we stand in solidarity with all these, our sisters and brothers in Christ. We call for an end to injustice. We know that many others stand with us for decency and respect for others instead of the cruel injustice that robs many of respect, their families, and even their lives.
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Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Evansville | Monastery Immaculate Conception, Sisters of St Benedict, Ferdinand
Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters, Huntington | Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, Donaldson
Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods | Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg | Sisters of the Holy Cross, Notre Dame
Jason Kissel speaks on God and the natural world
Jason Kissel, Executive Director of ACRES Land Trust, gave a presentation to Sisters and guests on Friday, April 24, at Saint Anne Communities at Victory Noll.
Jason's talk focused on the tiny details of God's work in nature, and how it relates to our own existence as children of God.
LAUDATO SI’
The Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters publicly commit to join the worldwide Catholic community in responding to Pope Francis’ urgent call to participate in a seven-year journey toward ecological sustainability whereby we address the climate crisis that threatens Our Common Home, the Earth, and its inhabitants, especially the most vulnerable. This commitment energizes the heart of our mission to stand with those on the margins and gives it a new focus for this critical time.
ADVOCACY
Victory Noll Sisters are committed to standing in solidarity with those who who are living in oppression or who have been marginalized by society. In accordance with their mission statement, they strive to advocate for justice, especially for the poor, for immigrants, and for women.
SISTERS IN ACTION
Throughout their history, Victory Noll Sisters have advocated for social justice in many ways. They have stood alongside marginalized people calling for equal rights, improved working conditions, fair treatment, and many other issues. In addition to having feet on the ground at the front lines, the Sisters have also used their voice in speaking out against injustice, and have held leaders to account for policies that are harmful to the most vulnerable populations. Their continued actions can be followed here.
PRAYER FOR THE WORLD
As the OLVM Sisters age and the congregation grows smaller, their main ministry has become one of prayer and presence, with a focus on and support for those places, issues and concerns that have always been at the heart of our mission. They continue to follow the words of Father Sigstein, who said, “Always go to the poor first.”
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Join with the Sisters and others with the weekly "Prayer for the World"
SOCIALLY-RESPONSIBLE INVESTING
Part of the legacy plan of Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters is how they share their abundant resources, and how they pass on their charism, mission and values through their corporate financial contributions. The Victory Noll Sisters have developed three main areas in which they will distribute these resources: Donations, Empowerment Grants, and Major Gifts.