Summary
A growing number of U.S. bishops, including Fort Wayne-South Bend Bishop Kevin Rhoades and Denver Archbishop Samuel Aquila, have called for the University of Notre Dame to rescind a controversial appointment made in January. Susan Ostermann, a global affairs Professor at the school, was named as the director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies, which led to criticism from bishops who see her pro-choice stance as threatening the institution’s Catholic identity. Rhoades, Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend, expressed concern over Ostermann’s appointment, stating it had caused a scandal that threatened Notre Dame’s mission. Several other prelates, including Winona-Rochester Bishop Robert Barron and Fort Worth Bishop Michael Olson, echoed the call for rescinding the position. Archbishop Aquila even thanked Bishop Rhoades for his statement, emphasizing the importance of public witnessing to uphold Catholic values. Despite widespread criticism from bishops, the University of Notre Dame has not withdrawn its decision to appoint Ostermann to her role, as they maintain their stance on supporting academic freedom and diversity in research.
Key Topics
Notre Dame, Bishop Rhoades, Ostermann
