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Letter from Apostolic
Pro-Nuncio appointing Maida to commission
Apostolic Nunciature
United States of America
3339 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008-3687
May 9, 1988
Most Reverend Adam J. Maida
Bishop of Green Bay
P.O. Box 66
Green Bay, WI 54305
Dear Bishop Maida:
As you may be aware, since 1979 the Holy See, through the
Congregation for Religious and Secular Institutes, has been in
frequent contact with the appropriate Religious Superiors concerning
the public ministry of Father Robert Nugent, SDS, and Sister Jeannine
Gramick, SSND. Following considerable and prolonged dialogue, in 1984
the Holy See notified these Superiors of the decision that Father
Nugent and Sister Jeannine must separate themselves "totally
and completely from the New Ways Ministry" and that they are
not to "engage in any apostolate or participate in any program or
write on any subject concerning homosexuality unless [he/she] makes
clear that homosexual acts are intrinsically and objectively wrong."
This action was deemed necessary because, while presenting the
Magisterium of the Church on homosexuality, Sister and Father seem to
present the views of dissenting theologians in such a way as to give
the impression that these latter positions are acceptable alternate
opinions.
Unfortunately, despite the sincere efforts of the Holy See and the
Religious Superiors, Cardinal Hamer, Prefect of the Congregation for
Religious and Secular Institutes, advises that, from the information
that continues to be brought to the attention of the Roman Dicastery,
it seems all too apparent that a consistent ambiguity persists, at
least insofar as this regards the press interviews and other public
statements attributed to the two religious.
Realizing that the ministry to the homosexual community is both
sensitive and necessary, but knowing also that when it is conducted in
the midst of controversy and ambiguity it can cause more harm than
good, the Holy See has determined that Father Nugent and Sister
Jeannine must be given the opportunity of providing a clear and
unequivocal presentation of their position on the Church’s
teaching on homosexuality. To this end, a special committee is to be
established, the membership of which will meet with Sister and Father,
in the presence of their respective major superiors, to evaluate the
clarity and lack of ambiguity of their statements with respect to the
Church’s teaching on homosexuality.
Because of your demonstrated expertise in the area of theology and
canon law, you have been asked by our superiors in Rome to chair this
committee of three. With this letter, Cardinal Hamer requests that I
convey to you the confirmation of your appointment. As chairman of the
committee, you will work in collaboration with Msgr. James Mulligan,
Director of Priestly Life and Ministry Programs, Diocese of Allentown,
and a noted moral theologian; and Sister Sharon Holland, IHM,
Assistant Professor of Canon Law at The Catholic University of
America, and highly respected for her knowledge and understanding of
religious law in particular.
While expressing to you the deep gratitude of Cardinal Hamer for
your gracious assistance in this matter, I likewise take this occasion
to pledge the help and resources of the Apostolic Nunciature as you
carry out your deliberations.
With every good wish and personal regards, I am
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Pio Laghi
Apostolic Pro-Nuncio
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