Back in 1901, the Sisters of Loretto founded the Loretto Academy, a school that encouraged its students to think critically and take social responsibility. Today, only about ten members remain in Kansas City, along with ten co-members, who are not nuns but share a passion for education and social justice. Some of them teach in schools, and others work with local peace groups; they've spent several Wednesdays, for example, in front of the federal courthouse downtown protesting U.S. threats to invade Iraq. "If we didn't allow ourselves the option of violence, we would find creative ways to respond to 9/11," says Sister Delores Kincaide. "I hope many people in the city have been encouraged by the values that we stand for, mostly of peace and justice." Kincaide believes that the former students of Loretto Academy continue to be critical thinkers today. "We're just each individually willing to step forward and say what we think."
