Nun Punished for Role in Baptism
A Jesuit center in Boston has decided to delay awarding its highest award to a nun disciplined last week because she violated church rules by participating in baptism ceremonies for two children.
The Jesuit Urban Center had planned a Nov. 17 ceremony to bestow its award on Sister Jeannette T. Normandin, a member of the Sisters of Saint Anne, known in Boston for work with women who are jailed, homeless or living with AIDS.
But last week the center fired Normandin and told her she could no longer live there because she helped baptize two children who were the adopted sons of two gay couples. The Rev. George Winchester, who participated in the baptism, was also stripped of his duties and told to leave the center.
Church rules permit only ordained ministers to perform baptisms, except in cases of emergency.
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