The Catholic Register

1. 23-04-2008 23:40

Pope Challenges Universities

It is no secret that the Vatican wants those teaching theology in Catholic universities to take an oath of fidelity to the teaching of the Church. In fact, there is some thinking by Catholic hardliners that this oath ought to be extended to lower teaching institutions as well. (Archbishop Pell) The oath, according to some, is not an attempt at control but has symbolic value as a public commitment to the moral teachings and identity of the church.
Does this mean however, that Catholic universities, and lower teaching institutions would no longer be allowed to discuss or debate, at least some of the following issues which remain under the firm control of the Vatican
• Should contraception or birth control be considered as a safe means to reduce the AIDS epidemic?
• Is salvation possible outside the Catholic Church?
• In light of decreasing vocations should our Church consider admitting married priests (male or female)?
• What is our common call to minister to homosexual/lesbian persons?
• How Ecumenical is our Church?
• What has the Church learned from the sex abuse scandal?
• Should Celibacy still be considered a valid rule for all members of the clergy?
• Is canon law fair to those members of our Church why are seeking a divorce or remarriage ?
• Are there any circumstances when abortion could be allowed?
• Is our Church free of religious fundamentalism?
Any institution that sacrifices diversity for ridged and unrealistic uniformity is and danger of collapse. Any institution that fears being challenged is in danger of becoming a cult. Any institution that thinks that it alone has all the answers is in danger of minimizing God. Any institution that seeks to control the people it serves does not know the Spirit. .

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BertM

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