Well… apparently the Reformation is not over, neither are the strong-arm tactics of some institutions associated with the Roman Catholic Church. According to a Christianity Today update, Georgetown University, via its “Protestant Chaplaincy,” has decided to terminate operation of all Protestant campus ministries in favor of university-run groups.
First came a “ban on prosyletizing.” Then came the expulsion of parachurch ministries aimed at meeting the students’ spiritual needs. Now comes reconstitution of the chaplaincy to oversee and run student spiritual organizations to “ensure that their spiritual needs are being met.” And the kick in the head… “According to Inside Higher Ed, group leaders also had to sign a statement ‘expressing respect for the Catholic faith as a legitimate path to God’.”
So much for freedom of conscience and religious expression–including the freedom to disagree or reject a religious idea. Religious freedom is the most fundamental and basic of all freedoms, and the freedom that most touches upon eternity and salvation. Whatever else Georgetown University is as a Catholic institution, it should not be allowed to impinge upon such an essential freedom.
Yep… same old Rome. Someone had better check the student handbook for the section on burning heretics.