Dawn Araujo-Hawkins

Dawn Araujo-Hawkins was a staff writer at Global Sisters Report from 2014 to 2019, writing primarily about the intersections of religion, race and gender. In 2016, she was named the best in-depth religion reporter by the American Academy of Religion, and her work has also been recognized by the Religion News Association, the Catholic Press Association and the Great Plains Journalism Awards. She was previously an editorial assistant at Sojourners magazine.

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Mary Dispenza, national representative of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests and head of its nun abuse group, poses in St. Peter's Square Feb. 20, 2019, at the Vatican. Dispenza joined SNAP because she says she was raped by a priest when she was

Leadership groups condemn abuse by nuns but leave solutions to local congregations

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious provides resources for abuse allegations but says it has no authority over its members. Survivors of nun abuse disagree. They want stronger oversight and the chance to speak at annual assemblies.

From left: Anne Gleeson at age 12 in 1971; Gleeson in 2019; Cáit Finnegan as a high school student in the 1960s; Finnegan today. Both women spoke to Global Sisters Report about their sexual abuse by a woman religious. (Provided photos)

Survivors of sex abuse by nuns suffer decades of delayed healing

Five women spoke to GSR about their sexual abuse at the hands of a woman religious. None of them have gotten any closure for the physical and spiritual rape that derailed their lives. What they do want, however, is to be heard.

Descendants of enslaved people find their roots in Sacred Heart records

Q & A with Sr. Marcia Hall, producing a film encouraging African American vocations

Q & A with Doris Baizley, who wrote a play about siblings who became 'Sisters of Peace'

Breaking bread: Today's generation of Catholic sisters forge cross-conference relationships

Sr. Mary Ellen Merrick, leader in addiction counseling, dies at age 71

Q & A with Emily Kahm, a theology teacher with a focus on sisters

Vocations event brings collaboration during Black History Month

Sr. Mary Finn, 84, resigns from seminary position after abuse allegations surface

In wake of Baltimore woman's slaying, Carmelites, others stress value of black women

On the 'holy boldness' of Thea Bowman: Q & A with Sherrie Tolliver and Gayle Bullock

Q & A with Sr. Marlene Weisenbeck on collaboration in anti-trafficking work

In Cincinnati, combating daily forms of racism

LCWR heading for new home after biotech United Therapeutics buys building

Q & A with Sr. Susanne Dziedzic: 'Don't be afraid' to entrust ministries to laity

Organizations take on new ways to erase student loan debt for women religious

Michael Brown's death still galvanizes anti-racism efforts in Ferguson

Seeking Refuge: As resettlement agency in Kansas closes, other doors open

Q & A with Sr. Kathy Warren on being in dialogue with other faiths