Rosemary Radford Reuther and U. of San Diego

The other day a friend skyped me with a note about the hijinx at the University of San Diego concerning dissenter feminist Rosemary Radford Reuther. 

She was let go.  People are protesting.  So, some want to support the decision to get rid of her from the faculty.

Have a look:

Support the University of San Diego’s Stance Against Rosemary Radford Ruether

News: Help collect 4,000 signatures by the USD’s first day of class, September 3, 2008.

UPDATE 8/21: Anti-Catholics Throw Down the Gauntlet at USD.

UPDATE 8/22: Day 1 Results and Next Steps.

UPDATE 8/23: Day 2 Results and Commentary.

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.

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12 Comments

  1. Ben Trovato says:

    I have signed this as I think it intellectually dishonest to present as Catholic teaching ideas which are fundamentally opposed to the Catholic Faith.

  2. avecrux says:

    I signed it. It took a matter of seconds to show that I care. God may accomplish some good from all this.

  3. Warren Anderson says:

    Any reasonable person can understand why Rosie “Raddie” Reuther is not hirable at a Catholic institution of higher learning. I say, “any reasonable person can understand”, knowing that those relativistic rebels who choose to whine and complain about (rather than comply with) the rejection of “Raddie” will have to do a little soul searching and see that her/their defeat is a sign that the times, they are a changin’.

    Let’s hope that the University officials keep their spine about their decision.

  4. The world is changing. 10-20 years ago the University would have gotten away with this. Ruether has been writing dissenting theology since the early 1970’s and easily (up till now) finding platforms for her beliefs in Catholic institutions of higher learning.

    I could not be more delighted that so many Catholics are finally speaking out, loudly, to reclaim our Catholic institutions. Furthermore, we are starting to have an impact.

  5. Joseph says:

    I have signed it, and immediately sent it to other faithful Catholics. I have full confidence that they will stand with the church.

  6. CPT Tom says:

    I have signed this and hope that we see more efforts like this. They can claim they are “catholic” but they are not “Catholic.” They are pests that have been boring at the heart of the Church these last 40 years…let them be cast out.

  7. I signed it, and yes, it was quick.

    I don’t understand something though….

    This woman is always billed as a “theologian”. But, does she have a theology degree? Here is a bio I found on her: Rosemary Radford Ruether Bio

  8. TerryC says:

    Great post Father. I predict that based on your bringing this to wider attention that there will be no problem in them getting the number of signatures they need long before Sept. 2.
    As to Dr. Ruether’s qualifications I would say that she could be called a theologian in the Protestant sense of the word. She has taught theology at various Protestant colleges and universities. She is definitely not a Catholic theologian, and so should never have been considered for the seat at USD, quite apart from her anti-Catholic stands on Church teaching.
    I do see that according to the USD web site that Fr. Thomas O’Meara, O.P. holds the seat now and is listed as the chair holder for 2008-2009. In his photo he has deigned not to wear the roman collar. Was Dr. Ruether to be his successor or is he her replacement?

  9. mysticalrose says:

    Does anyone know why Ruether and the rest of her ilk are NEVER censured by the CDF? The last few people investigated (I’m thinking Phan, Haight, Boff) were doctrinally wrong, but they weren’t outright pagans! How is it that no feminist so-called theologian has ever been investigated?

  10. Jerry Boyd says:

    I hope all U S Bishops become aware of the thousands who have signed and will sign this petition. Perhaps they will come to understand that there are many who are tired of so-called Catholics misrepresenting the teachings of the Church and, thus, causing scandal. I laud USD for having the intestinal fortitude to take this action particularly since the Bishop of the Diocese of San Diego is not likely to be supportive.

  11. mpm says:

    Diane,

    I read the bio you linked. Certainly she has no degree in Catholic theology,
    but she sure has spent a lot of time in Protestant schools of divinity! I
    guess she\’s a theologian \”honoris causa\”?

    P.S. I also voted to support the school’s action.

  12. Bro. AJK says:

    Dear Mystical Rose,

    Perhaps because the three you listed were priests?

Comments are closed.