A Petition in Support of the University of San Diego’s Decision to Rescind the Monsignor John R. Portman Chair in Roman Catholic Theology to Rosemary Radford Ruether
WHEREAS, the University of San Diego is a Roman Catholic institution committed to advancing academic excellence, expanding liberal and professional knowledge, creating a diverse and inclusive community, and preparing leaders dedicated to ethical conduct and compassionate service; and
WHEREAS, the University of San Diego adds depth to education by inspiring students to grow spiritually, morally, and socially, and
WHEREAS, the University of San Diego established the Monsignor John R. Portman Chair of Roman Catholic Theology in 2000; and
WHEREAS, the Portman Endowment allows the Department of Theology and Religious Studies to bring eminent theologians to the University of San Diego for one or two semesters; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Portman and the donor envisioned Chair-holders to be distinguished theologians who think from within the Roman Catholic tradition; and
WHEREAS, Rosemary Radford Ruether, Ph.D. is a renowned feminist scholar, theologian and activist in the Roman Catholic Church; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ruether has advocated the Sacrament of Holy Orders for women in direct conflict with the Catechism of the Catholic Church; and
WHEREAS, the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “only a baptized man validly receives sacred ordination” (CCC 1577); and
WHEREAS Dr. Ruether has advocated the Sacrament of Marriage between homosexual partners; and
WHEREAS, the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “the matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life…” (CCC 1601); and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ruether has served on the Board of Directors for Catholics for a Free Choice, now Catholics for Choice, an organization in favor of abortion, and in direct conflict with the Catechism of the Catholic Church; and
WHEREAS, the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion” (CCC 2271); and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ruether has displayed academic scholarship from outside the Roman Catholic tradition, and
WHEREAS, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, during his Papal Visit to the United States in April this year, encouraged Catholic college educators not to allow scholarly pursuits that depart from Catholic teaching; and
WHEREAS, on August 20, 2008, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported at the University of San Diego rescinded its decision to award the Monsignor John R. Portman Chair in Roman Catholic Theology to Rosemary Radford Ruether; and
WHEREAS, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that University Vice President and Provost Julie Sullivan withdrew the offer of the Portman Chair in Roman Catholic Theology to Rosemary Radford Ruether;
NOW, THEREFORE, We, the Undersigned, express our support and approval to the University of San Diego Board of Trustees, Board Chairwoman Darlene Marcos Shiley, University President Dr. Mary E. Lyons, and other University leaders for their affirmation of the decision to rescind its decision to award the Monsignor John R. Portman Chair in Roman Catholic Theology to Rosemary Radford Ruether.
