Posted on 11/01/2005 2:04:26 PM PST by Coleus
More than 40 Catholic colleges were represented on Saturday at a conference that was billed as the nation's first on how gays and lesbians fit in at universities guided by a faith that says their sexual orientation is wrong.
But rather than lamenting the Catholic Church's stand on homosexuality, the two-day "Out There" conference at Santa Clara University showed that plenty of gay-related scholarship and student affairs planning is going on in Catholic higher education, said co-organizer Linda Garber.
"It's important and interesting to know there are Catholic universities that have offices and staff people specifically geared toward LGBT concerns," said Garber, director of the women's and gender studies program at Santa Clara. "There are a lot of people out there who are teaching (LGBT) studies without a national professional organization, a newsletter or anything."
The conference drew about 150 people, most of them faculty and administrators who deal with gay subject matter or students. Topics included "Curriculum and Same-Sex Marriage in a Jesuit University" and "Can I Be Gay and Catholic?"
The continuing tension was demonstrated into the oft-repeated anecdote that Notre Dame University has had an active gay and lesbian student group for years, but the college does not recognize or provide financial support to the organization.
One sign of how far the universities have come in openly addressing gay issues is that the dean's office and campus ministry at Jesuit-run Santa Clara provided money for the event, while the school's president sent a welcome letter to participants, said Lisa Millora, assistant dean for student life.
"There are a lot of people who subscribe to Catholic values as they relate to academic work, but don't necessarily agree with how the Catholic Church carries out its work," Millora said.
Among the universities represented at the conference were Georgetown, Loyola Marymount, Gonzaga, Fordham, DePaul, Boston College, College of the Holy Cross, La Salle, Marquette and Emory.
Well, that last part is good.
BTW, Notre Dame University is in Lebanon and there's one in the Phillipines.
The one in South Bend is the University of Notre Dame.
I notice Fordham is not on the list. Why am I not surprised?
The Jebbies at Fordham had a huge "Lavendar Contingent."
"There are a lot of people who subscribe to Catholic values as they relate to academic work, but don't necessarily agree with how the Catholic Church carries out its work,"
Yes, they're called non-Catholics.
What did I tell you about Jesuits
Fortunately the Catholic Church, which is what we're talking about here, has made its position abundantly clear on those issues. The Church is more than just the bible, and that's why homosexuality is a big deal whereas eating lobster is not.
"Eat pork or shellfish?"
You are aware, of course, of Peter's dream detailed in Acts and Paul's letter regarding this same topic, right?
And no, I do no work on the Sabbath.
> Catholic colleges discuss making school a good place for gays
They can always tell them they can have a career in the priesthood..... :)
Thanks for the list. Some of the 'Catholic' colleges can't even be called CINO anymore. It's good to hear that some are still truly Catholic.
+
Most of the schools mentioned are Jesuit, so it's no surprise at all. But I always thought Emory was secular. What denomination controls?
What's your beef with Fordham?
I went there in the late 80's/early 90's, when FLAG was new on campus (Fordham Lesbians and Gays). There was a big debate back then if they should be granted full 'club' status on campus. I guess they settled that. I for one didn't think it should get university funding. What do I know though. It's still a great school that gave me 4 great years.
My point is that, as a lapsed Catholic, I had little respect for the Jesuits who did a worse job of teaching the faith than the senile CCD teachers of my youth. No wonder there was so much hooking up and screwing going on in the dorms.
On another note, nobody in the NYC area drinks as much as Fordham students. I practically had to call the ambulance four times every saturday night because some chick had a little too much Guiness.
--- Clemenza, FC Rose Hill 1997
I agree 100% with the way you sum up the student body, but I still had fun. If you were there a few years earlier, you likely would have had to call an ambulance for me one Saturday night! :)
I also agree that the Jesuits didn't 'teach the faith' that well. I was a philosophy major and graduated more confused about my faith than ever before. What was your major?
FC 92, GSE 93
Please tell me that you never took a philosophy class with Kebley. That guy was awful. Grontkowski was da man!
I loved Grontkowski, though I hold him single-handedly responsible for ruining my penmanship. All those notes!!! I don't remember having Kebley, but I am so bad at names (especially that far back). I really did enjoy the philosphy dept, lots of brilliant minds working there. I just wish I paid more attention and retained more of what I read. What do you do now if I may ask?
I'm sure you're right. The bible and religions that adhere to it are huge hurdles to homosexuals who want total acceptance for their lifestyle. I am, however, amazed at how successful they've been in infiltrating the ranks.
That the RCC is being overrun with this is indeed shocking, as Rome makes no bones about homosexual conduct being evil.
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