Introduction

Dear Members of the Providence College Community,

In April 2023, Providence College celebrated the 20th anniversary of the founding of SHEPARD (Stopping Homophobia; Eliminating Prejudice; and Restoring Dignity). This organization was established in 2003 as a resource to members of our community who identify as LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning) and as a reminder of the dignity to which all are entitled as beloved children of God. This call to honor, love, and respect each member of our community is expressed powerfully in the College’s Mission Statement:

Providence College seeks to reflect the rich diversity of the human family. Following the example of St. Dominic, who extended a loving embrace to all, it welcomes qualified men and women of every background and affirms the God-given dignity, freedom, and equality of each person. Providence College promotes the common good, the human flourishing of each member of the campus community, and service of neighbors near and far.

Many in our community have sought clarity on the College’s commitment to love and honor those in the Friar Family who identify as LGBTQ, while at the same time remaining faithful to the traditions and teachings of the Catholic Church on human sexuality. Fidelity to these teachings is at times difficult for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The challenges have become even more acute as societal norms have changed and as more and more people have questioned and even rejected Church teachings on these difficult matters. As a Catholic and Dominican college committed to veritas, it is essential that we navigate these challenges with compassion, mutual respect, and open dialogue.

Over the last few years, we have developed a theological foundations document that clearly presents the teachings of the Catholic Church on human sexuality, that could be shared with the campus community, and that would serve as the basis for an institutional statement on responding in love to the members of our community who identify as LGBTQ. The Foundations document is the result of extensive collaboration between the Offices of Mission and Ministry and DEI, the Diversity Committee of the Board of Trustees, and Catholic theologians, including Dominican Friars.

I wish to reaffirm my commitment to making Providence College a more just and loving community.  Doing so will require addressing the causes for the hurt, bias, and injustice to which some members of our community have been subjected. We do this because the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the consistent teaching of the Catholic Church demand this of us. While these statements will provide a foundation upon which to build, I recognize that this is but another step in our journey toward becoming a Beloved Community. Next, we will introduce an ongoing series of conversations to guide us in operationalizing these concepts. I have tasked the Offices of Mission and Ministry and DEI to lead these efforts, and I will remain engaged deeply in this process.

I recognize that you might have some questions about the purposes of these documents and their function in our community. We have put together an FAQ page to help address some of the more common questions we anticipate.

I share this work with a sense of humility and gratitude to the members of the Friar Family who have waited patiently and who have provided invaluable insight into the creation of these statements.

Respectfully,

Rev. Kenneth R. Sicard, O.P.
College President

Responding in Love and Respect (downloadable PDF)