Nuanced View of Academic Freedom

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In a speech before a gathering of Catholic educators at The Catholic University of America, Pope Benedict XVI said children of all social and economic backgrounds must have access to an education in faith.

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The debate over academic freedom at U.S. Catholic colleges and universities has persisted for decades. In 1999, U.S. bishops mandated that theologians receive church certification that they are teaching in a "Catholic" manner. But educators disagree over how pervasive the Catholic perspective should be.

In his speech, Benedict addressed issues beyond academic freedom. He called on American church leaders to renew their commitment to maintaining Catholic schools, "especially those in poorer areas."

Since 1990, 1,300 U. S. Catholic schools have closed, according to a report published by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute. In the District, financial pressures led the Archdiocese of Washington last year to propose converting seven of the city's 28 Catholic schools into secular charter schools.

But Benedict said church-affiliated schools can provide an academic bedrock for students in beleaguered neighborhoods, including non-Catholics. "In places where there are many hollow promises which lure young people away from the path of truth and genuine freedom, the consecrated person's witness to the evangelical counsels is an irreplaceable gift," the pope said.

The pope also met with Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and Jain leaders and said the Church is committed to interfaith dialogue.

Staff writer Megan Greenwell contributed to this report.

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