Catholic Sisters and Advocates Celebrate Confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson

For Immediate Release: April 7, 2022
Contact: Audrey Carroll, acarroll@networklobby.org, 202-601-7875

Catholic Sisters and Advocates Celebrate Confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson

Joan F. Neal: “Spirit-filled justice-seekers across the country are celebrating Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson!”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice joyously celebrates the Senate’s vote to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

Judge Jackson’s historic nomination and elevation to the court is a significant step forward for the Court in reflecting the diversity of our country. We thank Leader Schumer, Judiciary Chair Durbin, and all bipartisan Senators who voted to confirm Judge Jackson’s nomination. The Catholic Sisters and Advocates of NETWORK have been supportive for the entirety of Judge Jackson’s confirmation process and look forward to her contributions to the Court’s deliberations on determining our country’s most consequential legal issues.

Joan F. Neal, Deputy Executive Director & Chief Equity Officer, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, said:

“Spirit-filled justice-seekers across the country are celebrating Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson! Her position on the Supreme Court is well earned. As the first Black woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court, Judge Jackson makes history by adding to the varied lived experiences of our justices, which will undoubtedly improve decision-making on the bench. We are confident she will uphold the principles of justice and equity that demonstrate her profound regard for the human dignity of all.”

Minister Christian Watkins, Justice Systems Lobbyist, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, said:

“People of faith and our secular colleagues in the fight for justice rejoice at the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. After months of vigorous support for Judge Jackson’s nomination, we are pleased the Senate has determined she is exceptionally qualified and poised to serve on the Court and honor the promises of our Constitution. Her brilliant legal mind, love of our nation and the Constitution, unwavering character, and impeccable integrity will no doubt prove beneficial to the Court and our country for years to come.“

Mary J. Novak, Executive Director, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, said:

“As a former death penalty lawyer, I know how critical it is for judges to understand the challenges many defendants face in the criminal legal system. Justice is too often blind and merciless, particularly for defendants from over-policed and under-resourced communities. As the highest court of the land, the Supreme Court decides critical issues that affect our lives and liberty; Judge Jackson’s work as a public defender and a civil rights lawyer provide her a necessary framework to rule with Just Mercy. The Catholic Sisters and Advocates of NETWORK are confident she will bring our country a step closer to achieving a more representative, inclusive, and just democracy. We look forward to this next chapter in Judge Jackson’s life of public service.”

Prior to Judge Jackson’s Senate confirmation, NETWORK released a joint statement with the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and the National Black Sisters Conference to demonstrate support for President Biden’s promise to nominate a Black Woman to the Supreme Court. Additionally, NETWORK delivered a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin signed by 2,822 NETWORK members and advocates across the country, including 1,176 Catholic Sisters, supporting Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court nomination.

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NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice – advocates for justice inspired by Catholic Sisters – educates, organizes, and lobbies for economic and social transformation. They have a 50-year track record of lobbying for critical federal programs that support those at the margins and prioritize the common good. www.networklobby.org