Catholic World News

Archbishop criticizes Creighton for offering same-sex benefits

October 28, 2014

A Jesuit university in Nebraska has announced that it will offer benefits to same-sex spouses of employees who have been legally married in other states.

“I asked myself, what would Jesus do in this case? And I can only imagine Jesus being so welcoming of all people,” said Father Timothy Lannon, SJ, the president of Creighton University, according to an Omaha World-Herald report

“Many other Catholic universities, including 21 of the 28 Jesuit universities in the U.S., have done the same,” Father Lannon said in a letter to the university’s board of trustees. “The extension of benefits is not a statement of approval of same-sex marriages but rather an acknowledgement of our responsibility to serve the needs of faculty and staff who faithfully serve our students and patients every day.”

“This decision not only reflects a commitment to our colleagues, but our ongoing commitment to health and wellness,” he added. “It is important in today’s competitive workplace environment that values fairness and equal treatment and is consistent with our efforts to foster an inclusive, compassionate and respectful campus environment.”

Archbishop George Lucas of Omaha responded:

I am disappointed in Father Lannon's announcement that Creighton University will extend healthcare benefits to same-sex spouses of employees who have attempted marriage in states where this practice is legal. I disagree with the decision.



Despite Father Lannon's claim that this is not a statement of approval of same-sex marriages, this is precisely the message that the University is giving. I am dismayed that the recommendation of the University Benefits Committee is thought to supersede divine law regarding marriage.



There is no tension between Catholic teaching and social justice. Both are grounded in the same truths about the nature of the human person, the complementarity of man and woman and the meaning of human life and love. When we experience tension in ensuring respect and just treatment for all persons, including those with same-sex attraction, we have a right to expect a Catholic university to help us see a just path forward, rooted in faith and founded on the rich Catholic intellectual tradition. Creighton has failed to fulfill this expectation in this expansion of benefits.

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