Responding in Love and Respect FAQs
Responding in Love and Respect FAQs
What is the purpose of these statements?
These statements provide our institution a common language and foundation in the Catholic Church’s approach to sexuality and gender, as well as our approach to pressing questions that arise as we build a Beloved Community. These statements will help inform policies, practices, and decision-making. Importantly, this vision is not shared to make judgments on one’s personal life. Rather, as they state, “as we look to more practical considerations, all the policies and structures to be enacted in light of this document will be founded on and framed by these theological foundations.” Our hope is that this vision will bring clarity, trainings and resources, policy review, and faculty and staff engagement.
How were they created and what are the sources?
These statements are designed to present Catholic teaching on the human person and human sexuality. Organized by the executive office with the support of many hands from our PC Community, they seeks to make accessible Catholic teaching on these important questions. If one is interested in primary texts and more Church teaching, a good place to start would be the references and further reading section given at the end of the theological foundations document. The statements refer to this saying, “We offer these teachings, drawn from official Catholic teaching and composed in a Dominican key, for the consideration of all, with humility, in hopes that they will be able to inform discussion going forward.”
Who are these documents for?
These documents are for our entire community. We recognize that not all in our community share or are familiar with these core Catholic beliefs, so we’ve sought to present the basic principles of our College’s mission with clarity in order to make these documents accessible to everyone. As a Catholic College we recognize that the pursuit of truth comes with the need for the light of faith. We affirm our commitment to encourage people of all faiths to join us in this pursuit of truth. As is said in the statements, “We know that many members of our community are unfamiliar with these teachings, or familiar with them only as a caricature to be quickly dismissed. Thus, we invite all members of our community to consider this perspective in caritas (love) and try to understand it and its importance for Providence College.” Additionally, “…we know not all will find this vision compelling or aspire to it, we hope that this presentation of Church teaching aids the Friar Family in understanding the vision that we hope informs all our institutional policies.” One might find it helpful when one is not Catholic or disagrees with Church teaching to go back to this purpose of this vision.
How do they welcome the community?
Providence College welcomes all people. We are committed that even in differences of opinion and beliefs, all people will be gladly received, provided support throughout their time here, and seen as a valuable member of our community. As is said in the statement, “In keeping with the Catholic understanding of the inherently social nature of the person, Providence College remains committed to protecting and promoting the rights, responsibilities, and flourishing of all the members of our community, without exception.” We recognize that different views on sex, gender, and chastity can be perceived and felt as not welcoming, but we hope to reassure all that even in our differences we envision a college campus where people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities will have their rights and dignity recognized and will be accompanied in their pursuit of academic excellence and truth.
What if I disagree with parts of these statements?
We recognize that people may disagree with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Much of Catholic teaching has become counter-cultural. We recognize that this statement, and thus the College’s views on sex, responsibility, and freedom, will differ significantly from the views of members of our community. And as is shared, “We want to say explicitly that we value your perspective and are hopeful to be in relationship and conversation with you.” At the same time, “We know that many members of our community are more comfortable in discussions that speak as though we can or should be neutral, agnostic, or private about truth claims, especially those related to God, human nature, or morality. However, such supposedly neutral discourse actually de-centers those who operate out of Catholic convictions. Our vision for Providence College is grounded in the Church’s understanding of the human person and truth… These theological foundations are the seedbed from which all our institutional efforts must grow.” We ask for rigorous conversation and respect for our distinctive Catholic approach among our community members.
Who can I speak to for more information?
As it relates to understanding the statement, the Office of Mission and Ministry is available to speak to any community member, to hear concerns, and to help answer any questions that may arise.
