Hundreds of students at the University of Dallas are questioning the idea of courses for a new degree in pastoral ministry being taught by teachers from the School of Ministry, after one critic alleged some of them have publicly disagreed with Church teaching.
Fagan wrote a March 2 column for "The Catholic Thing" expressing concern that the courses may be taught by faculty members from the university's School of Ministry rather than the undergraduate theology department. Fagan cited multiple instances in which School of Ministry faculty members allegedly deviated from Catholic teaching on topics including homosexuality, priestly celibacy and women's ordination. Upon closer examination, many of the Fagan's assertions of infidelity to Church teaching were not substantiated by the original texts.
He also noted that several teachers rely solely upon textbooks by authors who challenge Church teaching on important modern topics such as euthanasia and moral relativism, as well as who oppose Eucharistic adoration as outdated as unnecessary.
"It is becoming evident that the School of Ministry is being led by people who have publicly expressed views that conflict with important and fundamental beliefs of the Catholic Church," said senior Katie Prejean. "I'm worried about the future of the school."
Prejean said that the strong student response was an indication of commitment to Catholic teaching. "Such a negative reaction is coming out of this because we are truly opposed to it," she explained.
"I guarantee you, no heretical teachings will take part in the pastoral studies degree program," Keefe stated.
The bishop then acknowledged that concerns about fidelity to Church teaching in the new program had been raised. He assured the people of the diocese that he will always be "deeply concerned" about the "Catholic identity and the Catholic structure that is given in this degree program. That is my responsibility. I do not take it lightly," he said.
