What We Value / Social Justice / Corporate Stances

Corporate Stances

Our commitment to the gospel of Jesus calls us at times to witness as a group concerning issues of human rights, social justice and world peace.  In the spirit of St. Dominic, we proclaim and strive to bring forth God's kingdom of truth and life, of holiness and grace, of justice, love and peace.  We affirm our belief that action on behalf of justice is an essential dimension of preaching the gospel.  We therefore commit ourselves to study contemporary social issues and to promote social justice in the light of the teaching of the Church.

A corporate stance is a position or a decision by the Congregation which reflects our commonly shared values and is a public expression of our commitment to those values.  It is taken in regards to an issue or event that is of major importance in the area of social justice.  After prayer, study, reflection and discussion the sisters of St. Mary of the Springs are asked to vote for the stated position.  The statement becomes a corporate stance if 2/3 of the sisters responding support the resolution.  The number voting must constitute at least 50% of the eligible membership.  The Associate members of the Congregation follow the same procedure, and recently passed their first corporate stance, joining their voices with the sisters on sanctity of life issues.

In July, 2005, the Dominican Sisters and Associates joined 12 other Dominican congregations in passing a corporate stance on genetically engineered foods. For more information on genetically engineered foods, click here to read an article by Sharon Zayac, OP.