When the Vatican reprimands American sisters — citing their “radical feminism” — they become the spiritual and symbolic center of a battle for the heart of the Catholic Church. Radical Grace follows three fearless nuns who risk their place in the Church to follow another higher calling: social justice.
February 2012: The Vatican officially censures American nuns, putting them under the supervision of conservative bishops. The Vatican’s message is clear: Feminism is simply incompatible with Catholicism, and if you want to remain a part of the Church, you must abandon your “radical” ideology.
The women refuse to back down. Follow Sisters Simone Campbell, Chris Schenk, and Jean Hughes as they challenge the patriarchal system, engaging everyday people in their struggle for equality and ultimately winning the heart of Pope Francis. From their cross-country Nuns on the Bus tour, to serving those on the margins, to a continued struggle for women’s religious equality, these sisters are transforming American politics — and the Church itself.
Collaborating with feminist and faith-based social justice organizations, we will leverage the film to support reform within religious institutions to end gender discrimination of women and girls in the U.S. and around the world and bridge divides to build a stronger progressive and feminist movement.
For more information, visit radicalgracefilm.com.
Please note: This screening will be restricted to Columbia University ID holders only. Please be respectful of this screening's classroom setting.
Director Rebecca Parrish is an award-winning filmmaker who has worked with Judith Helfand, winner of Peabody and Sundance awards; Kindling Group, producer of The Calling, a groundbreaking PBS series about Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim Americans who are training for religious leadership; and Kartemquin Films, the producer of legendary documentary films such as Hoop Dreams and The Interrupters. Rebecca is based in Chicago, IL, where since 2007 she has run her own film company, Interchange Productions.