Bishop D'Arcy Denounces Notre Dame Policy

From The Observer (the independent newspaper serving Notre Dame and Saint Mary's):

In a visit scheduled months before campus controversy about academic freedom would prompt him to issue a statement of disappointment with the University, Bishop John D'Arcy of the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese spoke Friday to students and faculty at Notre Dame Law School about a particularly timely topic - the pastoral role of the bishop and his relationship to the Catholic university.

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When asked by a student about his relationship with the University administration, D'Arcy connected his pastoral role to the recent debates on academic freedom that have for months embroiled Notre Dame's campus.

"It is important to recognize the independence of the University and its academic freedom," D'Arcy said. "But I have pastoral freedom. I cannot refrain from preaching the Gospel."

In his response to University President Father John Jenkins' April 5 announcement that the "Monologues" would not be prohibited on campus, D'Arcy said he was "deeply saddened" by the decision.

He told audience members Friday that this difference of opinion has affected his connection with the current administration.

"I've always had a very good relationship with three [University] presidents," he said. "It's under stress now. I don't enjoy that."

D'Arcy never referred to "The Vagina Monologues" by its name Friday, calling it instead "the play."

"This is Notre Dame," he said. "We dare to say it is the school of Our Lady. … This place has a special obligation."

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The students present questioned the Bishop about how they should express their dissatisfaction with Jenkins' decision to allow the continued performance of the "Monologues" and their concern that dorm Masses are celebrated improperly.

D'Arcy rejected a student's suggestion that Notre Dame was no longer a strictly Catholic university.

"I think among the major universities it is by far the most Catholic," he said. "I have great affection for it, and so does [Pope] Benedict [XVI]."

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(emphasis added)

My Comments:
Bishop D'Arcy seems to be taking his teaching role as bishop very seriously. I congratulate him for being front-and-center in his criticism of Father Jenkins' policies.

Still, a part of me would like to see the Bishop move beyond his teaching role on this matter, and exercise the authority of his office to enforce Ex Corde Ecclesiae. Nevertheless, I will trust his judgment if he believes such measures would be counter-productive.


Previous Pro Ecclesia posts on this subject:
Some GOOD Things Happening at Notre Dame, Too

The "Scooby Doo" Ending to the Academic Freedom Debate at Notre Dame

An Open Letter to the Notre Dame Community Regarding Catholic Identity [UPDATED]

Father John Jenkins, Moral Coward

More of the Same at Our Lady's University?