Mortal Sin at Fordham: Theology Professor Enters a Same-Sex "Marriage"
Teachers in Catholic schools educate by example. Indeed, their personal behavior as educators sets the tone in the classroom and forms the character of pupils. It is more persuasive than textbooks, lectures and assignments and students naturally look up to their teachers as models to emulate: Holy teachers uplift; dissolute instructors degrade.
Unfortunately, Fordham University continues to degrade its Catholic identity and poison the culture of Catholic higher education. This time the Jesuit-run institution in New York is supporting the chairman of its theology department, professor J. Patrick Hornbeck II, who entered a same-sex "marriage" on June 17. His "wedding" with another man was announced in The New York Times.
Instead of standing up for the sanctity of true marriage, a Fordham spokesman told John Burger of Aleteia.org that professor Hornbeck had the "right to get married" to another man.
“While Catholic teachings do not support same-sex marriage, we wish Professor Hornbeck and his spouse a rich life filled with many blessings on the occasion of their wedding in the Episcopal Church,” stated Bob Howe, Fordham University's director of communications. “Professor Hornbeck is a member of the Fordham community, and like all University employees, students and alumni, is entitled to human dignity without regard to race, creed, gender, and sexual orientation.”
How can a Catholic university wish "blessings" on a union that constitutes a mortal sin, is contrary to natural law, causes grave scandal, and cries out to Heaven for vengeance? In good conscience, how can Fordham purport to be Catholic and at the same time entrust the teaching of theology to someone who openly promotes sodomy?
Contrary to what Saint Ignatius of Loyola had envisioned, we are witnessing a form of institutional suicide. For years, Fordham University has allowed the rainbow revolution to fester with two campus-approved groups -- Pride and Rainbow -- which promote the homosexual lifestyle. The office of Multicultural Affairs offers "LGBT Resources" dedicated to the "experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, and Ally members of the Fordham community." Fordham's web site also invites students to participate in "LGBT Spirituality retreats."
Professor Hornbeck uses his privileged teaching perch to actively undermine Church teaching. In 2014, he co-authored More Than a Monologue: Sexual Diversity and the Catholic Church. The book attempts to justify what is morally impossible -- the acceptance of homosexual vice within the Holy Catholic Church.
Jesuit Fordham can travel one of two paths moving forward: Follow Saint Ignatius and find a real Catholic theology professor to replace Hornbeck, or surrender its moral heritage to the dictates of the sexual revolution. Which path will Fordham follow?