US University of San Diego Withdraws Theologian's Invite

A rare, but not unheard of, move has occurred at the University of San Diego. Tina Beattie, a professor of Catholic studies at London's private University of Roehampton known for her work in contemporary ethical issues and Catholic understandings of feminism, received notice of the cancellation Oct. 27. She was scheduled to take residence at the university on Tuesday.

There was pressure from the University's financial contributors over Professor Beattie's position on the official teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. Although none of these issues were stipulated by the university she nevertheless had her invitation to the university withdrawn.

If this were truly a result of the cumulative fears of some financial backbenchers what does this signify for the future of Catholic Christian intellect? It is a slippery slope that has no clear end in sight. Professor Beattie is a world renowned theologian. I find the action of University of San Diego's President, Mary Lyons, to be lacking in justice and integrity. To bow, in the intellectual world, to outside pressure is to begin the process of eroding the very fabric with which our academic world is founded. To grow intellectually is to accept that we should never close the door on the surfacing of ongoing thought and reflection. What was Christ about if not dialogue?

I feel sorry for those "financial contributors" who pushed this to happen. I wonder what type of church they will find themselves in years from now. This "god in a box" mentality will guarantee a beautiful, if not empty, church.

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