Seattle Gay News
Issue 25, Volume 37, June 19, 2009
section 4 organizations
The Sisters of
Perpetual Indulgence courtesy of the sisters of perpeptual indulgence
by Sister Dawnna Creation Vice President/Mistress of Novices We are The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, The Abbey of St. Joan, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization comprised of people dedicated to the support, education, and development of our community; and are members of a worldwide network of 21st-century nuns who operate within Queer communities all across the globe. Starting in 1979 with just four nuns, the
San Francisco, CA, House is the largest and oldest order in the world, with now more than 50 active members strong. Locally, The Abbey of St. Joan was founded in 1996 by five courageous nuns with a fresh point of view, and in the last 13 years we have blossomed into a House of Sisters with more than 30 members. Now, as of 2009, there are more than 30 Houses of Sisters across the world, with more coming into the fold all the time. The Sisters are made up of a very unique group of people who are as var-
ied and interesting as our names. One of the greatest strengths is our diversity of perspective. Each member brings their own interests, drives, and passions to the whole, making us all stronger. Unlike more traditional nuns, we are an order of many faiths, religions, and beliefs – however, we are all united by the vows that each of us take; to promulgate universal joy, expiate stigmatic guilt, and to serve the community, our fellow Sisters and the Order of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. As Sisters, we believe
that all people have the right to express their unique joy and beauty and we use humor, satire, and occasionally irreverent wit to expose the forces of bigotry, complacency, and guilt that chain the human spirit. During our 30 years of “Sistory,” the creativity of our members has paid off again and again. Since our founding in 1979, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have raised well over a million dollars for see SISTERS page 11