Arlington, Va., Jul 13, 2012 / 10:57 am
The Diocese of Arlington hopes to strengthen teaching in Catholic schools and churches, by asking religious instructors to promise allegiance to the Church's teachings, even on controversial subjects.
"This is viewed as a positive gesture – one of community and communion, in which our catechists profess their faith in communion with Bishop Loverde, Pope Benedict, and the entire Church," diocesan communications director Michael Donohue said in a July 12 CNA interview.
While a small number of teachers say they cannot make the profession, Donohue said a "far greater number" have told the diocese they see the profession of faith as "a positive gesture."
The profession has been sent to religious instructors to sign by September 2012. It contains the articles of the Nicene Creed, and an affirmation of faith in all teachings "whether written or handed down in Tradition, which the Church … sets forth to be believed as divinely revealed."