New prelate urges more discussion, less dissent
Carlson says he has a duty to speak up in moral conflict
Derrick Neuner
Issue date: 8/20/09 Section: News
It's a new year at Saint Louis University, and along with changes occurring on campus, there has also been a change in the St. Louis Archdiocese. On June 10, after serving four years as bishop of the Diocese of Saginaw, Mich., Archbishop Robert J. Carlson was installed as the head of the St. Louis Catholic Church. As archbishop, Carlson will be responsible for over 550,000 Catholics and he will have a unique chance to interact with one of the nation's oldest and largest Jesuit institutions, SLU.
Carlson has a message for SLU students: It's time to build bridges. Carlson also said that the University should be a stimulating environment, and that students shouldn't cut each other down over differences.
"Ask the questions and extend the bridge," Carlson said. "The young people who go to SLU are blessed with people who can extend those bridges. That's why I think the university setting can be so stimulating."
Although Carlson is a relatively new face in the St. Louis Catholic community, he has already established SLU connections.
"I've already met President Biondi, and I think that I should and will partake in some of the activities that the University offers and be supportive of the presence of a significant university in the Archdiocese," Carlson said.
Carlson plans to preside over the Mass of the Holy Spirit, Thursday, Aug. 27, at St. Francis-Xavier College Church.
University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., and Carlson's predecessor, Raymond L. Burke, had a rocky relationship that peaked after men's basketball head coach Rick Majerus attended a political rally for then-Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. Both Biondi and Carlson stressed they will seek a productive and cordial relationship.
"It's my opinion that the relationship between SLU, its students, staff, faculty, deans, and administration and the Archdiocese should be candid, honest and centered on our Catholic and Jesuit mission of education and health care," Biondi said.
Carlson has a message for SLU students: It's time to build bridges. Carlson also said that the University should be a stimulating environment, and that students shouldn't cut each other down over differences.
"Ask the questions and extend the bridge," Carlson said. "The young people who go to SLU are blessed with people who can extend those bridges. That's why I think the university setting can be so stimulating."
Although Carlson is a relatively new face in the St. Louis Catholic community, he has already established SLU connections.
"I've already met President Biondi, and I think that I should and will partake in some of the activities that the University offers and be supportive of the presence of a significant university in the Archdiocese," Carlson said.
Carlson plans to preside over the Mass of the Holy Spirit, Thursday, Aug. 27, at St. Francis-Xavier College Church.
University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., and Carlson's predecessor, Raymond L. Burke, had a rocky relationship that peaked after men's basketball head coach Rick Majerus attended a political rally for then-Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. Both Biondi and Carlson stressed they will seek a productive and cordial relationship.
"It's my opinion that the relationship between SLU, its students, staff, faculty, deans, and administration and the Archdiocese should be candid, honest and centered on our Catholic and Jesuit mission of education and health care," Biondi said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 3
Mike Malone
posted 8/27/09 @ 11:15 PM CST
The Archbishop would like to see more dialogue and less dissent.
I'd like to see all of our bishops engage in less pandering and more authentic teaching. (Continued…)
Yosef
posted 8/28/09 @ 7:03 AM CST
Good comment from Iowa Mike. However, I think the bishops are standing stronger that you give them credit for. For example, 83 bishops publicly condemned Notre Dame University for giving awards and honors to President Obama because of his strident anti-life actions and policies. (Continued…)
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