Bishop Martino exhorts Catholic college to prove it upholds Catholic moral teaching

February 26, 2009

Bishop Joseph Martino of Scranton has asked Misericordia University to “convey to its alumni, and in fact to all the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton, its efforts to teach Catholic morality regarding sexuality and homosexuality. In doing this, the Bishop believes the school should speak precisely, naming courses, content and even catalog numbers.” “Students attending a Catholic institution,” the diocesan statement continued, “should have a clear understanding that while all persons should be treated with dignity, homosexual activity is not condoned by the Church and should never be construed as acceptable behavior.”

Bishop Martino is also asking the school to consider discontinuing its Diversity Institute, where Keith Boykin, an advocate for same-sex marriage, has served as a visiting scholar. An speaking appearance by Mr. Boykin at the university prompted Bishop Martino’s “absolute disapproval” last week. The NAACP has come to the defense of the Diversity Institute, and university students quoted in a local newspaper article were critical of the bishop’s statement.

 

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Further information:

• Bishop Asks Misericordia To Specify How Sexuality Is Taught (Diocese of Scranton)
• Martino raps MU’s institute: Upset with Misericordia over speaker at Diversity Institute, bishop advocates closing it (Wilkes-Barre Times Leader)
• MU students disagree with bishop on Diversity Institute (Wilkes-Barre Times Leader)
• Misericordia Diversity Institute
• Pennsylvania bishop criticizes appearance by gay-rights advocate on Catholic campus (CWN, Feb. 17)