Fr. McFarland Rebuttal to Bishop McManus

 

Statement from Rev. Michael McFarland, S.J.
Regarding Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy Conference
at the College of the Holy Cross

On Oct. 24, the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy will hold its annual conference in rented facilities in the Hogan Campus Center of the College of the Holy Cross. The Alliance is an organization comprised of nearly 50 schools, social service agencies and health care organizations dedicated to the promotion of services for pregnant and parenting teens through policy analysis, education, research and advocacy.

Holy Cross regrets any confusion that in renting space, the College is supporting the mission of individuals or organizations participating in the conference. Holy Cross in no way supports or endorses Planned Parenthood, NARAL, or other organizations that engage in or promote practices contrary to the teaching of the Catholic Church. Holy Cross fully affirms and promotes Catholic teaching on abortion and the sanctity of all human life. Further, the College respects and appreciates the duty of Most Rev. Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester, to uphold the teachings of the Church.

It is the College's position that providing rented meeting space to a conference of professionals from a variety of Massachusetts organizations discussing the safety and care of at-risk teenagers does not represent a disregard of Catholic teaching.

Holy Cross has no affiliation with the Alliance. The location of the conference in no way indicates participation by the College in the event. No Holy Cross administrators, faculty members or students are involved in developing conference content.

Approximately one year ago, the College entered a contractual arrangement with the Alliance on good faith that a variety of perspectives would be presented at its conference. Despite the recent organized objections by many to the presence of Planned Parenthood and other organizations, as well as the withdrawal of at least one Catholic organization from this meeting, after careful and judicious deliberation, Holy Cross has determined it will honor its contractual obligation to the Alliance.

Beyond the contractual obligation, it is important to emphasize that the College believes a meeting of adult professionals pooling resources, engaging in dialogue, and exchanging information is a beneficial way of grappling with pressing issues related to the health and well-being of Massachusetts teenagers and children. As an institution of higher learning, we are dedicated to the open exchange of ideas. As a Jesuit college, Holy Cross is committed to its mission of engaging with the larger culture on even the most problematic and divisive of moral and spiritual issues.

Michael C. McFarland, S.J.
President
College of the Holy Cross
October 10, 2007