Moser said some universities might avoid the process for legal reasons as well. The matter of who gets or doesn't get a mandatum is supposed to be a private matter between bishops and theologians, making Stryjewski's Web site a violation of privacy, Moser said. But at least one bishop, Bishop Elden Curtiss of Omaha, Neb., said he would make all matters related to the mandatum public. Other bishops may do likewise. U.S. bishops are scheduled to vote on implementation of the mandatum in June.
Vatican approval is required before the procedure takes full effect.
Pilarczyk's committee, which meets May 30, is developing resources for its implementation. A discussion on the mandatum and its implementation will be part of the agenda when the Catholic Theological Society meets in Milwaukee in June.