News

May 6, 2010

U of S speaker sparks concern with new Bishop

Diocese of Scranton Bishop Joseph Bambera has voiced concern regarding a speaker addressing students at the University of Scranton tonight under the auspices of the school's "Inclusion Initiative," noting the speaker is associated with abortion rights activists.

A statement issued by the diocese today says Bambera "has engaged in a dialog" with University President the Rev. Scott Pilarz about plans for Sara Bendoraitis to lecture tonight. Here's the full statement:

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"Bishop Bambera has engaged in a dialogue with Father Scott Pilarz, S.J., president of the University of Scranton, regarding an event being hosted tonight (May 6) by the University’s Inclusion Initiative.

The stated goals of the Inclusion Initiative involve providing “a more inclusive environment and a better understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity. A safe place and a voice will be provided for these students in our community while holding true and dedicated to Catholic teaching and the Jesuit principle of cura personalis, care for the person as a unique individual.”

These goals are in harmony with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which makes clear that all people, including those of various sexual orientations, “must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.”

Tonight’s event features a talk by Sara Bendoraitis, a lecturer in the Department of Sociology at American University. Ms. Bendoraitis belongs to the Facebook group “AU (American University) Students for Choice,” a group that supports abortion rights. In March she spoke at and accompanied American University students to the National Young Feminist Leadership Conference, which included presentations on abortion rights and access to birth control.

Ms. Bendoraitis obviously supports positions that are contrary to the teaching of the Catholic Church. For this reason, Bishop Bambera has expressed concern to Father Pilarz about the University hosting this speaker.

Father Pilarz has informed the Bishop that he will attend the lecture to ensure that the principles of Catholic teaching are upheld.

Bishop Bambera cited his obligation to ensure that authentic Catholic teaching is being provided in all Catholic institutions in the Diocese, and that viewpoints in opposition to this teaching are not being presented as acceptable alternatives."

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