Sister Nila unlocks the web of sexual violence in the Church and allows women-in-pain to become women subjects of their lives and destiny. She narrates the psycho-social and spiritual impact of abuse committed by the clergy and how traditional theology, ecclesiology, and spirituality legitimate the past and current behavior of Church authorities. The only way out is to allow women to name their experiences and become part of the on-going rethinking of the Church’s teachings on women and men. “That She May Dance Again” is an attempt to see women’s experiences and wisdom as integral parts of total renewal in the Church. Without their voices, we shall remain impoverished in living the subversive memory of Jesus who calls us to be friends and disciples and never as lording over others.- Fr. Percy Bacani, MJ
The voices of those who have suffered sexual abuse at the hands of priests and other church officials is set at the heart of this book. Faithfulness to their experience and a passion to contribute to the empowerment of these women and to the transformation of the Church is what guides the author of this book. Sister Nila Bermisa combines a phenomenological approach with insightful understandings of the connections between abuse of women in the Church, patriarchy in church and society, and colonization. Aiming to contribute to an understanding of the “fullness of life,” what in religious-theological language is called salvation, Sister Nila calls the institutional Church to unequivocally sustain the victims of sexual abuse and facilitate their healing. From this study arises fresh understanding of soteriology, ecclesiology, and pastoral ministry.
- Dr. Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz, Professor, Drew University, USA
