Rev. focuses on faith
Greeley to present campus’ first Roman Catholic lecture
By Jacque Nguyen
Staff Reporter

Just knowing the credentials of someone who is a best-selling author, Catholic priest, sociologist, professor and journalist, it could be difficult to determine what he would be speaking about at a university lecture.

But tonight, Rev. Andrew Greeley will present TCU’s first Roman Catholic lecture co-sponsored by Brite Divinity School and the Amon G. Carter Foundation on the present condition of Catholicism, said Diane Cooper, director of annual funds and special events at Brite Divinity School.

Greeley said he intends to focus his lecture on Catholicism from a sociological standpoint.

“I won’t be speaking as a theologian,” he said. “I’ll talk sociology.”

Greeley said he will compare Catholicism and Protestantism and also explain the strong appeal of his faith.

“With my lecture I hope (TCU) will accomplish a better understanding of Catholicism and of other denominations of Christianity.”

Toni Craven, chairwoman of the Roman Catholic program at Brite Divinity School, said she and a committee chose to invite Greeley to speak as one of the initiatives to enhance the graduate theological program at TCU and foster an understanding of the Roman Catholic faith, which is the most represented religion among TCU students.

“He is an enormously popular author and of great interest of the community,” Craven said.

According to the Brite Divinity School’s Web site, Greeley is the author of more than 30 best-selling novels and many scholarly articles on various issues in sociology, education and religion.

TCU Catholic Community sponsor Rev. Charles Calabrese, said TCU will benefit from the lecture because Greeley will bring his personal insight on Catholicism.

Nadia Lahutsky, religion professor, said Greeley’s current research focuses on the issues facing the Catholic Church, including celibacy of priests, ordination of women and the sexual behavior of Catholics.

“I will be very surprised if he doesn’t touch on the teaching authority of the (Catholic) Church,” Lahutsky said.

Lahutsky said Greeley is the most well known public representative for Catholics.

“He is a public face, a very lively character with lively opinions,” Lahutsky said.

J.T. Williams, a Brite Divinity student, said the Brite Divinity school is devoted to bringing in diverse speakers.

“(Greeley) is another voice who brings a different perspective not often seen,” Williams said. “(Brite Divinity School) likes to have a diversity of voices.”

Cooper said Greeley’s lecture will show that TCU and Brite Divinity School are not two separate entities but that they work together to help students and the surrounding community better understand religious studies.

“Father Greeley is of interest to all people, not just to the Catholic Church,” Cooper said.

Lahutsky said she hopes non-Catholics will attend the lecture and learn about the Catholic Church and that Catholics will attend to hear a critical inside perspective.

Sandy Stafford, a sophomore theater/TV major, said the lecture will be a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about Catholicism.

“I hope (the lecture) will offer some educated insight into Catholicism so that non-Catholics can have a better understanding of it and Catholics can consider the present condition of our faith,” Stafford said. “Maybe we can learn something about ourselves.

“It’s important to question, explore and understand your faith,” she said.

Jacque Nguyen