Cardinal Calls On Georgetown To Display Crucifixes
Oct 24, 2004
(CWN November 21, 1997) Washington, DC - Cardinal James Hickey of Washington on Thursday called for Georgetown University to recall its Jesuit heritage and display the crucifix in all classrooms and campus facilities.
Writing in the Catholic Standard newspaper, Cardinal Hickey said: "Frankly, I can't imagine why a university, run by the Society of Jesus and operating under a pontifical charter, would have to debate the issue."
The cardinal also urged university officials to revoke its invitation for New Ways Ministry, a local homosexual advocacy group under investigation by the Vatican, which is set to host a campus debate on homosexuality and Catholic doctrine. He recalled his repeated warnings about the theological and pastoral approach taken by the group.
The cardinal urged the university to reject secular standards by allowing any group to be invited to speak at the campus by student organizations. "What's wrong with this picture?" asked Cardinal Hickey. "For starters, these standards are not significantly different from those employed by secular universities and colleges." He added that the policy allows university officials to avoid responsibility when student groups invite speakers that are "truly inimical to the Catholic faith."
Cardinal Calls On Georgetown To Display Crucifixes