An umbrella organisation representing over 80 per cent of US nuns has earned a sharp rebuke from the Vatican for "serious doctrinal problems" and the prevalence of "radical feminist themes" in their work.

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious, has come under fire by Rome for among other things, staying "silent" amid what the Catholic Church called a "lively debate" over the issues of abortion and same-sex marriage in the United States.

The views of the organisation, including the ordination of female priests, goes against the views taken by Bishops, whom the church called "authentic teachers of faith and morals".

Al Jazeera's Kristen Saloomey reports from New York City.