the university of notre dame holds a deep-seated belief that love is fundamental to understanding the divine. in this spirit, the institution acknowledges a significant contribution from its standing committee on gay and lesbian student needs, alongside the core council for gay, bisexual, and questioning students.
their sustained endeavors have been instrumental in cultivating a campus atmosphere that is both supportive and welcoming to every individual.
at notre dame, every student, including those who identify as LGBTQ+, is valued. this commitment is reflected in the university's dedication to nurturing an environment characterized by mutual respect and acceptance, all within the framework of its Catholic mission.
this ongoing effort, initiated at the request of university president john i. jenkins, c.s.c., involved a thorough examination of catholic doctrine and teachings. it also incorporated feedback sessions with members of the notre dame community and an analysis of structures in place at similar catholic institutions.
these extensive dialogues brought together members of the core council, student leaders, and both undergraduate and graduate students.
the process yielded a more profound comprehension of the existing campus climate, highlighting both the successes and the areas for growth in supporting LGBTQ+ students and their allies at notre dame.
through the core council, the university has consistently provided educational resources and training.
these initiatives have reached residence hall staff, student leaders, and other faculty and staff, focusing on LGBTQ+ issues within a catholic context. unlike other educational programs at the university, this specific responsibility has historically rested with a smaller, select group comprising eight students and four administrators.
initially formed as an advisory body to the vice president for student affairs, the core council, while recognizing the significance of its work, now finds its current membership size insufficient to continue offering comprehensive education, providing necessary training, promoting broader awareness, and implementing programs that support all students, both heterosexual and LGBTQ+.
furthermore, the current structure limits the participation of many interested students due to the overall and compositional restrictions on its official membership, which is capped at eight undergraduate students.
the comprehensive review also revealed that a notable number of LGBTQ+ students are seeking additional support as they navigate their sexual orientation and gender identity during this crucial period of their personal development.
a pastoral framework for holistic student development
the university of notre dame is committed to respecting individuals and their inherent rights.
in establishing a pastoral plan aimed at supporting the holistic development and formation of students who identify as LGBTQ+, as well as their heterosexual friends and allies, notre dame clearly articulates that its objectives, programs, and initiatives are aligned with the teachings of the roman catholic church.
this ensures a consistent and principled approach to student life and well-being.
upholding human dignity within a catholic tradition
in solidarity with the catholic church, notre dame champions the inviolable dignity of every human person, recognizing each individual as a beloved child of god.
consequently, the university unequivocally denounces any actions that violate this fundamental human dignity and advocates for a pervasive spirit of inclusion throughout the entire notre dame community, as emphasized in the concept of the "spirit of inclusion."
cultivating friendship and mutual support
furthermore, the university encourages all notre dame students to foster chaste and loving friendships, particularly across any perceived lines of difference or division that might threaten the solidarity of the notre dame community.
in essence, notre dame calls upon all its students to embrace each other as friends and allies, building a stronger and more connected campus.
this aspiration extends to every single student at notre dame; it is a fundamental expectation. the article references personal experiences and observations, noting a strong regard for an individual.
these anecdotes have been particularly relevant amidst recent discussions in campus newspapers concerning instances of hate speech and bigotry.
these conversations were sparked by a column written by mary frances myler, the editor in chief of the irish rover, who sought greater clarity from notre dame regarding its stance on church teaching and human sexuality.
navigating dialogue and disagreement with respect
myler's perspective, as presented in her column, was supportive of the church's teachings.
from the author's observation, myler's statements did not contravene the dignity of any individual. when inquiring about what students perceived as hateful or bigoted in the rover's column, one student indicated that the article's endorsement of the church's teachings on homosexuality was problematic.
the author notes that this aligns with the church's position and is also articulated by articulate and insightful gay christian thinkers and writers such as eve tushnet and wesley hill.
these individuals, the author points out, do not exhibit hatefulness or self-loathing.
healthy disagreement is an inherent aspect of life, especially within a university setting, where learning to navigate such differences with love is paramount. it is acknowledged that this teaching presents a challenge, and it is not universally accepted, with many heterosexual and homosexual individuals choosing to reject it.
finding truth through conscience and reason
the path to understanding and accepting one's faith and moral convictions often involves wrestling with complex thoughts and engaging in personal reflection.
the author suggests that individuals must first locate and serve god within the intricacies of their intellect and independently consider where conscience and moral truth reside. this personal journey is likely to result in diverse conclusions.
it is observed that the church has, at times, seemed to place an undue emphasis on gay sexual activity, potentially overlooking the rigorous demands of chastity that apply to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation.
for many within the LGBTQ+ community, this singular focus can feel isolating. there is a collective responsibility to provide a more welcoming embrace to every person and to accompany them on their journey toward truth.
fostering understanding and challenging constructively
while fostering understanding is crucial, it is also important to engage in constructive challenge.
disagreement, even on significant matters, should not automatically be interpreted as an expression of moral failing, bigotry, or hatred. the author notes from personal experience that few people make decisions about their sexuality based solely on the author's own statements or thoughts, which is understandable.
however, to cultivate and sustain meaningful relationships, there is a greater need to reduce fear and increase trust - trust in each other and in god.
this article was originally published in february 2019.
william dailey, c.s.c.
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