Watch Radical Grace

Radical Grace is a documentary released in 2015 which follows the journey of three Catholic nuns who choose to stir up revolution within the church by speaking out against controversial issues. Director Rebecca Parrish, after getting to know Sister Jean Hughes, Sister Chris Schenk, and Sister Simone Campbell, decides to document the progress of each of these women as they express their beliefs and challenge the status quo of the Catholic Church.

The three nuns represent different causes, opinions and priorities. Sister Jean Hughes is fighting to change policies regarding the treatment of female clergy in the church. Sister Chris Schenk fights for a feminist outlook within the Catholic church, with equal opportunities for women.

Sister Simone Campbell is an activist in Washington, D.C., lobbying for social justice across the United States. Known as a public speaker and author, Campbell was the executive director of Network - a Catholic social justice organization - and has campaigned for Obamacare and the rights of low-income Americans.

All three nuns have been reprimanded and ostracized by the church and its hierarchy due to their unorthodox viewpoints, and their relentless battle for equal rights and social justice. Radical Grace highlights the challenges faced by these women in taking their message to the world, and the barriers they need to overcome to achieve their goals.

The film largely focuses on the renewal of US Catholic nuns and their activism after reprimanders by the Vatican. Parrish’s creation presents a balanced picture of these three women who have devoted their lives to serving God and helping others, while also standing up for their own rights.

Their work addresses issues of gender inequality, poverty, and social injustice in America. The religious and moral courage of each of these women - not to mention their incredible resilience in the face of adversity - are true inspiration to viewers.

The film brings the audience closer to the unacknowledged and often misunderstood lives of these Catholic nuns, revealing a different image of what it means to be a Catholic nun in America. Radical Grace shows us how these three fearless women, bursting with passion and wisdom, direct the Catholic Church towards change, and how their activism has led them to be perceived as radicals against the objectified dictatorial stance of Vatican authorities.

The dialogue throughout the documentary sheds light on the contemporary conflicts that plague the Catholic Church, highlighting how the Vatican has tried to silence the voices of these women.

Radical Grace provides vital insights into the role of women in religion, and how the influence of women in general can shape social movements in powerful and meaningful ways. The movie is about the power of faith to effect positive social change, and how this can be achieved without sacrificing religious beliefs.

Overall, Radical Grace is a well-made and engaging documentary, which provides a unique perspective into the tireless work of three Catholic nuns, struggling to make a difference in a world controlled by a religion that doesn't listen. It’s an inspiring reminder that even in the most oppressive and challenging circumstances, the power of human spirit and determination can overcome anything.

Radical Grace is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.