Summary
Nearly half a dozen bishops, including Fort Wayne-South Bend Bishop Kevin Rhoades and Gallup Bishop James Turay, have condemned the University of Notre Dame for appointing Susan Ostermann as director of its Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies. Rhoades issued a statement on February 11 criticizing this appointment, describing it as controversial due to Ostermann’s outspoken support for abortion rights. Three other bishops supported Rhoades’ remarks by voicing their disagreement with the appointment through social media. On February 12, five more bishops commended Rhoades and hoped that the university would rescind Ostermann’s nomination. Bishop James Turay of Gallup praised Rhoades for his stance, likening it to Pope Leo XIV’s message: “We cannot build a just society if we discard the weakest, whether in the womb or among the elderly.” San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone also supported Rhoades’ statement. The University of Notre Dame has not yet withdrawn Ostermann’s nomination as director, which is set to begin on July 1st. However, Bishop Kevin Rhoades announced that there was still time for the university to rectify this situation. Ostermann defended her appointment, explaining she would support diverse research at the school rather than advancing a personal political agenda.
Key Topics
Vatican City, Notre Dame, Ostermann
