The Massachusetts Alliance for Teen Pregnancy has found a seemingly unlikely ally to host a conference featuring Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts: The College of the Holy Cross. A training program is scheduled for Oct. 24 at the college campus, located in Worcester, Mass.
The Catholic Newman Society has joined with alumni and other organizations in condemning what has been identified as a commercial relationship between the institution and these organizations.
Among those who have spoken out forcefully has been Bishop Robert J. McManus of the Diocese of Worcester, who said in a lengthy statement, “It is my fervent wish that the administration of the College of the Holy Cross will unequivocally disassociate itself from the upcoming conference sponsored by the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy so that the college can continue to be recognized as a Catholic institution committed to promoting the moral teaching of the Roman Catholic Church.”
Bishop McManus identified three key reasons the event should be cancelled: Holy Cross living its identity as a Catholic university; the Church’s teachings on life issues; and Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts’ position in opposition to Church positions on life.
Unfortunately, Holy Cross President Father Michael C. McFarland, S.J. responded to the Bishop’s thoughtful statement by declaring his continued support for the event.
This is not the first time in recent years that Holy Cross has hosted events or speakers that call into question the college’s commitment to its Catholic identity. For instance television commentator Chris Matthews, a Catholic and an abortion supporter, was invited to deliver the 2003 commencement address, and the college has repeatedly hosted performances of the lewd Vagina Monologues.
According to Cardinal Newman Society Director of Research Joseph A. Esposito, “We don’t believe these are the actions of an authentically Catholic university. It defies belief that Holy Cross continues to support this event even after Bishop McManus has called it into serious question.
“We urge Father McFarland to follow the guidance of his bishop. Canceling this event would be a splendid starting point to help Holy Cross reposition itself.”
Unfortunately, many U.S. Catholic colleges and universities have lost their moorings over the past generation. Only about 10 percent of more than 200 such institutions are recommended as having a strong Catholic identity in The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College: What to Look For and Where to Find It. Holy Cross is not one of them.
The Newman Guide will be available nationwide on Nov. 1. Information on The Guide and the colleges and universities included can be found at www.TheNewmanGuide.com.