The Catholic Church is not a democratic institution. Absolute moral definition is part of its appeal. For the University of St. Thomas to be a faithful Catholic institution, adherence to the teaching of the church is a moral requirement. One writer claims: "Who's to say what's moral and what's not?" The short answer is "The church." One need not accept that, but to be a faithful Catholic one must.
A second writer claims, "The university must change its discriminatory policies." There is no discrimination in St. Thomas' policy. All people are treated the same. If you want to travel on the university's nickel, abide by the teaching of the church.
Lastly, there is no conflict between accepting the authority of the church and, as a third writer put it, "to learn about the gifts of individuality, intellect, reason, diversity and compassion."
Unless the exploration of "these gifts" is done with the discipline of adherence to God's teaching, it is, in the words of Robert Frost, "like playing tennis without a net."
PAT PHILLIPS
Letter from the Catholic Defense League published in the St Paul Pioneer Press
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