The Benedictine Sisters of Erie have been honored with the prestigious Margaret Chase Smith American Democracy Award from the National Association of Secretaries of State. This recognition comes after they faced false allegations of election fraud ahead of the 2024 election. The award, which highlights acts of political courage and integrity, recognizes the nuns’ efforts in countering misinformation and advocating for truth in public discourse.
More than just a commendation, the award emphasizes the nuns’ resilience in the face of unjust accusations. Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt, who nominated the Sisters for the accolade, noted their courage in addressing baseless claims. “The good Sisters earned this award by courageously challenging political disinformation when they were targeted with false charges of voter fraud just before the 2024 election,” Schmidt stated.
In October 2023, the nuns gained national attention when a social media influencer claimed that no one lived at the Mount Saint Benedict Monastery, where 53 nuns are registered to vote. This claim quickly went viral, garnering over 2.5 million views. The nuns found themselves inundated with media inquiries from around the globe, prompting them to issue a press release to clarify the situation.
Sister Stephanie Schmidt, who is not related to the Secretary of State, addressed the misinformation directly. “We do live at Mount Saint Benedict Monastery and … [we] want to alert those who subscribe to X and other social media platforms to be vigilant and seek additional information before accepting these posts as truth,” she stated. She emphasized the importance of discerning truth from falsehood, particularly in an age of rapid information dissemination.
The Benedictine Sisters have a long history in Erie, having been part of the community since 1856. Their commitment to nonpartisan engagement in civic duties remains steadfast. “These sisters don’t deserve to be put down by some misinformation that we’re a sham, that we’re a fraud,” Sister Schmidt told CNN at the time. Despite being encouraged to vote, the Sisters maintain neutrality, refraining from endorsing any political party or candidate.
Established in 1992, the Margaret Chase Smith American Democracy Award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional character and selflessness in public service. The award is named after Margaret Chase Smith, a trailblazer who became the first woman elected to both houses of Congress. In 1950, as a senator from Maine, she delivered her impactful “Declaration of Conscience” speech, standing against the anti-Communist crusade led by Senator Joseph McCarthy.
Sister Linda Romey expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying it feels somewhat awkward to be acknowledged for actions that are fundamental to their mission. “It feels a little awkward to be recognized for doing what is fundamental to who we are, following Gospel teaching, raising our voice against injustice, and standing for truth,” she remarked. She and her fellow nuns are committed to being a “presence for good” in their community and beyond.
The Sisters’ story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of integrity and truth in today’s political climate. Their dedication to confronting misinformation and advocating for conscientious citizenship resonates widely, especially in a time when public trust in electoral processes is crucial. The honor they have received not only highlights their courage but also reinforces the vital role of informed and engaged citizens in safeguarding democracy.
