U.S. theologian honored
By RICH HEFFERN
NCR Staff
The appointment of Fr. Avery Dulles, Jesuit professor of theology
at Fordham University, is significant because it honors him for his
contributions as scholar and adviser to U.S. bishops. It is also seen as
recognition that American theology has come of age and plays an important role
to the church worldwide.
The 82-year-old priest is considered the dean of American
theologians. He is a systematic theologian who has written on a wide range of
topics. One of his most popular books was Models of the Church. While a
strong supporter of the pope and the churchs teaching, as a moderate
Dulles has insisted that alternative positions be respected and explored.
Both Paul VI and John Paul II have made prominent theologians over
80 years of age cardinals as a sign of respect and gratitude to them for their
loyal service to church and papacy. Cardinal-theologians include Pietro Pavan
(rector of the Lateran University, expert on Catholic social teaching); Jesuit
Frs. Jean Danielou and Henri De Lubac (both experts in patristics and
historical theology); Dominican Fr. Yves Congar (pioneer ecumenist); and Jesuit
Fr. Aloys Grillmeier (historian of the ecumenical councils). John Paul planned
to make theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar a cardinal, but von Balthasar died
before the consistory. Paven, De Lubac, Congar and Grillmeier asked not to be
made bishops when they were made cardinals.
Besides a theologian, Dulles is also the scion of a noted
diplomatic family. His father was John Foster Dulles, secretary of state under
Eisenhower. His uncle, Allen Dulles, was director of the CIA.
At a news conference following the announcement, Dulles said:
To be named a cardinal is not only an honor, but in many ways a
challenge. At my relatively advanced age, I will have the task of trying to
learn how to look cardinalatial. I am much accustomed to my informal and
rather plebian manners.
National Catholic Reporter, February 2,
2001
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