How facing religious discrimination challenged one sister to move past bias
As human beings, we all long to find common ground, both in our most intimate relationships and with all people. I am a member of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, and over the past seven years of formation, I have discovered that my own desire to connect can sometimes become an inordinate attachment to receiving praise from others. I have often struggled with sacrificing integrity and authenticity to orchestrate connection.
Recently, I interviewed for positions as an intern with several organizations. One of these positions was especially highly sought-after, and I did not expect to hear back from the hiring team. To my surprise, I received an offer to continue in the interview process. There was just one condition: I would not be able to wear my religious habit. This was the first time I had experienced discrimination as a religious sister.
A week after the offer, I spoke with the supervisor. She said that not wearing my religious garb was necessary because specific ethnicities might struggle with my Catholic identity. She also said she was concerned that a sister would not be able to address sexual matters during counseling sessions.
As I listened to her speak, I began to pray. The first thing that came to my mind was “She is God’s daughter.” I was struck by this. She was pushing me away because of a difference between us, and the bias she had was in response to that perceived difference. I, on the other hand, was being challenged by the Spirit to remember that despite this bias, she and I are family, both God’s daughters.
I was tempted to give in, in order to avoid conflict. It was difficult, but I responded to her in truth that day. I told her that I did not think it was a good idea to remove my habit merely because she was fearful of how I would be perceived. I added that my hope was to find an organization and supervisor who would help me to sit before clients authentically as myself and at the same time empower them to be authentically themselves, no matter the differences between us. She told me she would think about our conversation and call me back with a final answer.