Scranton, Pa., Mar 6, 2009 / 01:13 am
Further responding to Misericordia University’s hosting of a homosexual activist, Bishop of Scranton Joseph F. Martino has written a reflection on the nature of teaching diversity and tolerance as it relates to the Catholic faith and authentic Catholic identity.
In February, the university’s Diversity Institute had hosted homosexual rights activist and same-sex “marriage” advocate Keith Boykin, having invited him to speak at the institute’s annual dinner and as part of Black History Month.
Bishop Martino had voiced his “absolute disapproval” for the invitation, later asking that the school consider closing the Diversity Institute and provide information about its efforts to teach Catholic morality regarding sexuality and homosexuality.
In a Tuesday statement, Bishop Martino wrote that the advancement of “tolerance, understanding and harmony between people of different races and cultures” are “worthy goals” which Misericordia University has a responsibility to advance “as a Catholic institution.”