Statement of Acting President Frank Vellaccio on Ex Corde Ecclesiae

WORCESTER, Mass. – We at Holy Cross have welcomed the continuing dialogue regarding Catholic mission and identity sparked by Ex Corde Ecclesiae. With other representatives of Catholic higher education we have participated in numerous conversations with the bishops in a spirit of mutual respect and shared responsibility. Invariably these conversations have deepened our appreciation of the hierarchy's pastoral leadership and our commitment to the church and its mission.

Today's vote is disappointing.  It focuses attention on a small number of issues of canon law at the expense of the overall spirit of cooperation that has always marked the relationship between the American bishops and Catholic colleges and universities. We at Holy Cross have worked hard to insure a vital and creative Catholic life on our campus. We have enjoyed the generous support of our local bishops. We will be working closely with Bishop Daniel P. Reilly to see how we can move forward.

The mandate is a complicated issue of canon law. We anticipate continuing dialogue between the bishops and the Catholic theological community aimed at finding a set of procedures which will be broadly acceptable, which will protect academic freedom and acknowledge the pastoral responsibilities of the bishops.  For our part we have complete confidence in the ability, fidelity and integrity of all members of our Department of Religious Studies. We will continue to do all we can to enrich Catholic intellectual life, on campus and in the wider church.