Leaders of the largest group of U.S. Catholic nuns met with Vatican officials in Rome on Tuesday in a standoff over the nuns’ political stances. The Vatican drew controversy after reprimanding the Leadership Conference of Women Religious for promoting “radical feminist themes,” “issues of social justice,” and challenging church teachings on homosexuality and male-only priesthood. Sister Pat Farrell, the head of the nuns’ group, said Tuesday’s meeting was constructive.

Pat Farrell: “We’re grateful for the opportunity for open dialogue. And now we will — the next step will be, again, we go to our members to decide how to proceed from here.”

Reporter: “How was the atmosphere during the meeting?”

Pat Farrell: “We had open dialogue.”

Reporter: “Are will you have another meeting here in Rome?”

Pat Farrell: “We’re going to take this one step at a time.”