General
CNS article on Ex Corde Ecclesiae 10-year review (2013)
This is a Catholic News Service article (January 10, 2013) titled: “In 'Ex Corde' review, bishops, college leaders cite good collaboration.”
Context
- The article reports on the 10-year review of The Application of 'Ex Corde Ecclesiae' for the United States, which took effect in 2001.
- Ex Corde Ecclesiae (1990) is Pope John Paul II’s apostolic constitution on Catholic higher education, setting norms for Catholic identity and mission in colleges.
- Ex Corde Ecclesiae defines Catholic college identity and includes norms like the mandatum (bishop’s authorization for theology professors).
- U.S. application approved by bishops in 1999, Vatican in 2000, effective in 2001.
Findings of the Review
- Tone and Outcome: Positive overall; bishops and college presidents report greater collaboration and progress in advancing Catholic identity.
- Local Relationships: Characterized as “positive and engaged,” with improved courtesy and cooperation over the past decade.
- Impact: Clarity about Catholic identity has fostered substantive dialogue and mission-driven practices across universities.
Recommendations
- Form a working group of bishops and college presidents under the USCCB Catholic Education Committee to:
- Continue dialogue on strategic subjects nationally.
- Share best practices and develop resources.
- Address topics such as:
- Ongoing bishop-president cooperation.
- Hiring for mission.
- Formation of trustees, faculty, and staff on Catholic identity.
- Improving theological and catechetical knowledge through curriculum and pastoral initiatives.