In 1980 a Committee on Cooperation Between Theologians and the Ecclesiastical Magisterium was established, under the leadership of Fr. Leo O'Donovan, S.J., now president of Georgetown. This in turn led to a document presented to all the bishops in 1987. According to Hellwig, the latter document could be used no matter what doctrinal positions were at stake, since it dealt primarily with procedures. The Application, which the bishops will consider at their November meeting, is a studied avoidance of the papal statement.
Catholic identity is left undefined.
Despite talk of subsidiarity, it is unlikely that any bishop would feel free, under the Application, to call his local college to task over its Catholicity. Please drop us a line. Let us know what you liked about Crisis Online or tell us how you think we can improve. Click here to subscribe now.