Congregational News and Motherhouse Updates

Why Cameroon??? It is one of the places around the world in the midst of conflict and where our Dominicans and communities are under direct threat and barely is noticed by world peace observers. Cameroon is home members of all of the branches of the Dominican Family who face struggles in a country now divided with some 25% of the land controlled by paramilitary groups, where our Nuns and members of the Dominican Laity live within the separatist region. We have members of the Dominican Order serving on both sides of the separation.

Pray for Peace: Cameroon

Appeal of the Presidents of the Catholic Bishops' Conferences of Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan and the United States, with the support of the President of the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union, on the Occasion of the G7 Summit. On the occasion of the G7 Summit to be held in France in 2026, we, the Presidents of the Catholic Bishops' Conferences of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Great Britain and the United States, with the support of the President of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union, wish to address a common appeal to Heads of State and Government. In the face of armed conflicts, geopolitical divisions, growing inequalities, climate challenges and technological change, we affirm that the dignity of every human person must remain the foundation of political and economic action.

Building Bridges for Peace, Justice and Human Dignity

The ministry of the North American Dominican Promoters of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation is to encourage all members of the Dominican Family to embrace a deepening of the Dominican charism to search for and preach TRUTH as it impacts the lives of people and care for our common home, Earth. We are grounded in gospel values and Catholic Social Teaching that flows from the Gospel and our faith's tradition. We join with the International Dominican Commission on Peace and Justice whose mandate is to "support and encourage the Dominican Family in its efforts to preach more profoundly the Gospel of life, justice, peace, and the integrity of creation." These efforts are augmented by our Dominican presence at the United Nations in New York,Geneva, Nairobi, and Vienna. Read more.

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.

Media inquiries: Sister Annmarie Sanders, IHM | LCWR Director of Communications asanders@lcwr.org

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, speaking on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, urged President Donald Trump to step back from escalating military action against Iran and instead pursue a path of peace. In his statement, Coakley warned that threatening an entire civilization or targeting civilian infrastructure cannot be morally justified and called for negotiations that protect human life and uphold justice. His remarks came in response to the president's recent public threats of intensified military action if Iran does not agree to a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Bishops Warn Against "Morally Unjustifiable" Threats Toward Iranian People

Pope Condemns Threats Toward Iranian People in Rare Public Rebuke

Speaking from Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo condemned recent threats made against the people of Iran, calling them "truly unacceptable." His remarks came just hours after President Donald Trump posted a message warning that "a whole civilization will die tonight," a statement that drew alarm from world leaders. The pope, an outspoken critic of the Iran war, emphasized that threatening an entire population violates moral principles and urged a return to restraint and peace.

The Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose stand alongside LCWR in solidarity with the people of the Middle East.

LCWR Asks for prayers in response to violence in Israel and Gaza

An East Bay woman helps make sure that new immigrants with no other educational opportunity can learn beginner English in Oakland's Fruitvale neighborhood. Corinna Bekiers-Sassano is on the move, walking up and down hallways, to make sure the teachers are all ready for class.She popped her head into one classroom -- "You guys need anything or are you good?" "We're good," affirmed the volunteers in the room.

Jefferson Award: Program bridges language barriers in Oakland's Fruitvale District

The New Year is barely a month old. We have just celebrated the national holiday honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the warrior of peace, and the world sadly commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day. In a few days, we will celebrate Black History Month as we honor the achievements and contributions of African Americans in the struggle for freedom.

A Statement by the National Black Sisters Conference on the murder of Tyre Nichols

We, the members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, are committed to work toward a world where reverence for all living beings finds expression in an approach to life free from violence. Our hearts and prayers go out to those family members, friends, and members of the LGBTQ+ community as they grieve the loss of those killed and injured in the Colorado Springs shooting on Saturday, November 19.

LCWR Grieves the Shooting in Colorado Springs

Two East Bay women lead a half century fundraising tradition that has its roots in the oldest Mission olive orchard in the state.

Sister Jane Rudolph and volunteer Frances Sedayao feel a sense of history as they count down to harvesting olive trees planted more than 200 years ago by Franciscan friars and the Ohlone people.

East Bay women spearhead important fundraising event for Fremont ministry

At their General Chapter, the Dominican Sisters elected a new Council for the next five years. The new Congregational Prioress is Sister Celeste Marie Botello, second from left. Surrounding her, from left to right, are Sister Veronica Esparza Ramirez--Vicaress, Sister Angelica Velez, Sister Mary Yun, and Sister Mary Susanna Vasquez.

Newly Elected Council of Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose

Our hearts and prayers go out to those parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, and uncles who lost their precious children and to all who have been touched by the massacre at Robb Elementary School.

LCWR Call to action

"The Killing Must End: LCWR Calls for Action to Prevent Gun Violence"

Our hearts are breaking as we once again come face to face with the racial hatred and gun violence that infect our land. The members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious extend their condolences to the Buffalo community and all who lost loved ones, friends, and neighbors and we say once more violence and white supremacy cannot stand. And we know that is not enough!

Violence and White Supremacy Cannot Stand

Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose names new School of Music Director

New School of Music Executive Director

The Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, an international congregation of women, are deeply troubled and distressed by the violent assault on Asian owned and staffed massage businesses last week.

DSMSJ Call for the End of Violence against All Persons

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious strongly condemns the police-killing of another black man on the streets of our nation. Our hearts are breaking as we mourn with the family and friends of George Floyd and with all who have lost loved ones to law enforcement violence, all who live in fear, all whose dignity is threatened. The continued killing of black men and women; the constant harassment of people of color; and the denial of the rights and dignity of our African American neighbors must end now.

LCWR Condemns Killing of George Floyd

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious is grateful that the Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s attempt to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The Court’s ruling safeguards the right of 700,000 DACA recipients to live and work in the country that is their home. This is an enormous victory for the immigrant youth who have led the challenge to the Trump administration’s attempt to end the program that has protected our colleagues, students, neighbors, and friends from the threat of deportation.

LCWR Welcomes SCOTUS Decision on DACA

In Common Magazine out now!