Catholic University is essentially linked to the quality of its teachers and to respect for Catholic doctrine. It is the responsibility of the competent Authority to watch over these two fundamental needs in accordance with what is indicated in Canon Law.

Article 5. The Catholic University within the Church

§ 1. Every Catholic University is to maintain communion with the universal Church and the Holy See; it is to be in close communion with the local Church and in particular with the diocesan Bishops of the region or nation in which it is located. In ways consistent with its nature as a University, a Catholic University will contribute to the Church's work of evangelization.

§ 2. Each Bishop has a responsibility to promote the welfare of the Catholic Universities in his diocese and has the right and duty to watch over the preservation and strengthening of their Catholic character. If problems should arise concerning this Catholic character, the local Bishop is to take the initiatives necessary to resolve the matter, working with the competent university authorities in accordance with established procedures(52) and, if necessary, with the help of the Holy See.

Article 6. Pastoral Ministry

§ 1. A Catholic University is to promote the pastoral care of all members of the university community, and to be especially attentive to the spiritual development of those who are Catholics. Priority is to be given to those means which will facilitate the integration of human and professional education with religious values in the light of Catholic doctrine, in order to unite intellectual learning with the religious dimension of life.

4. “Queer Studies” is Contrary to the Clear Teachings of St. Vincent DePaul

“He who allows himself to be ruled or guided by the lower and animal part of his nature, deserves to be called a beast rather than a man.”

“As it is most certain that the teaching of Christ cannot deceive, if we would walk securely, we ought to attach ourselves to it with greatest confidence and to profess openly that we live according to it, and not to the maxims of the world, which are all deceitful. This is the fundamental maxim of all Christian perfection.”

“Perfection consists in one thing alone, which is doing the will of God. For, according to Our Lord's words, it suffices for perfection to deny self, to take up the cross and to follow Him. Now who denies himself and takes up his cross and follows Christ better than he who seeks not to do his own will, but always that of God? Behold, now, how little is needed to become as Saint? Nothing more than to acquire the habit of willing, on every occasion, what God wills.”

We have heard repeatedly from your faculty – in print and more recently, on National Public Radio – that the “Queer Studies” program is within the “Vincentian” spirit. Having had recourse to the writings of St. Vincent, we believe these statements by your faculty are a malicious insult to St. Vincent’s profound hatred of sin and self-centeredness. If this is truly the “spirit” that animates your order, it has no business supervising a university in this Archdiocese.

(For more quotes by St. Vincent, www.catholic-forum.com/saints/stv01bw.htm)

5. “Queer Studies” is Contrary to the Clear Teachings of Cardinal George

Cardinal George’s consistent teaching on the subject of homosexuality is clear. He has refused communion to Rainbow Sash homosexual activists and directly participated in rules adopted by the Catholic Bishops that preclude homosexual men from entering the seminary or Catholic priesthood. Cardinal George has consistently defended Catholic theology regarding chastity and sexuality. We suspect that by this time he has either directly or indirectly communicated his disapproval for this scandalous program and many other courses in blatant contradiction of Catholic doctrine.

6. “Queer Studies” is Contrary to the Clear Mandate Given to Trustees

It is the duty of your elected Trustees to “preserve and promote the university's Catholic and Vincentian identity” and to “establish and review policies for the overall management of the university”

Given the fact that this program is contrary to Catholic Catechism, Papal direction, the wishes of your Cardinal, and the teaching of St. Vincent DePaul, you leave the Trustees no choice but to become involved publicly in this scandal in the event that you refuse to resolve this issue by your own authority.

For these reasons, we ask that you immediately cancel the so-called “Queer Studies” program, and that a sincere effort be made by the Vincentians to comply with the spirit of Ex Corde Ecclesia and the teachings of your founder, St. Vincent DePaul going forward.

If this is not a course of action you are willing to under take, you leave us no ...