Secretary's Report: The fifty-eighth annual convention
The Catholic Theological Society of America held its fifty-eighth annual convention June 5-8, 2003 at the Westin Hotel in Cincinnati, Ohio. The theme of the convention was "The Vocation of the Theologian." Registration took place from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. and from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. on June 5. The program group, Women's Seminar in Constructive Theology, held its session from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.
At the opening session, the Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk welcomed the convention participants to Cincinnati and offered the opening prayer. The first plenary address followed. The evening concluded with a reception. CTSA gratefully acknowledges the Athenaeum of Ohio, Thomas More College, the University of Dayton, Xavier University and Ohio Dominican University for subsidizing this event and for their gracious hospitality and generous support throughout the convention.
On Friday, June 6, two resolutions were accepted at the Hearing of the Resolutions Committee session to be presented to the membership at the annual business meeting. The business meeting took place in the late afternoon of Friday. The president's reception for new and "newer" members followed the business meeting. Receptions were also sponsored by the Catholic University of America Alumni/ae, Continuum Publishing, Georgetown University Press, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven Alumni/ae, and the Women's Seminar in Constructive Theology.
The convention's eucharistic liturgy was celebrated in the late afternoon of Saturday June 7, at St. Francis the Seraph Church. CTSA Treasurer Roger McGrath presided and CTSA President Jon Nilson gave the homily. Following the liturgy, a reception and the convention banquet were held at the Westin Hotel. Toward the end of the meal, President Nilson read the citation for the John Courtney Murray Award and presented the plaque and medal to Michael A. Fahey, S.J. President Nilson also presented Mary Ann Hinsdale, I.H.M., the outgoing Secretary of the CTSA, with a gift certificate and a plaque and expressed the Society's gratitude for her seven years of service in this office. Following dessert, President-elect M. Shawn Copeland introduced Cincinnati's Peace and Serenity Choir who provided the members with an opportunity to participate in an exhuberant program of song of praise and petition for racial harmony.
Morning prayer, facilitated by Florence Bourg and Marguerite Kloos, S.C., was held from 8:30 to 8:45 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. On various days throughout the convention there were special receptions, breakfasts, or other meetings, for such groups as the Karl Rahner Society, Theological Studies Board of Editorial Consultants, the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, the International Network of Societies for Catholic Theology (INSeCT) and the conveners of program and research groups. A tour of historic religious sites in Cincinnati and northern Kentucky was held following the convention on Sunday afternoon, June 8.
Convention Program
Thursday, June 5
3:30 - 6:30 Women's Seminar in Constructive Theology. Program Group.
Topic: "Sexual Ethics: Here and Now"
Conveners: Gaile Pohlhaus, Villanova University, Jane Carol Redmont, Graduate Theological Union, Moderator: Jane Russell, O.S.F, Belmont Abbey College, Presenter: Christine Gudorf, Florida International University
7:30 - 9:30 Opening and First Plenary Session
Presiding: Jon Nilson, Loyola University Chicago, President, CTSA
Welcome & Prayer: Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of Cincinnati
Address: Francis Xavier Clooney, S.J., Boston College: "Learning to See: Comparative Practice and the Widening of Theological Vision"
Response: Jamie T. Phelps, O.P., Loyola University Chicago
9:30 Reception
Friday Morning, June 6
9:00 - 10:30 Group Sessions
1. Black Catholic Theology. Program Group.
The Vocation of the Black Scholar and the Struggle of the Black Catholic Community
Convener: Bryan Massingale, St Francis Seminary
Moderator: Stephanie Mitchem, University of Detroit-Mercy
Presenter: Bryan Massingale, St Francis Seminary
2. Vocation and Modern Science. Selected Session.
The Vocation of the Theologian and the Encounter with Modern Science
Convener: James R. Pambrun, Saint Paul University (Ottawa)
Moderator: Carolyn Sharp, Saint Paul University (Ottawa)
Presenters: Paul Allen, Concordia University (Montréal), Christine Jamieson, Concordia University (Montréal), James R. Pambrun, Saint Paul University (Ottawa)
3. Method in Theology. Program Group.
The Foundations of the Theologian's Vocation
Conveners: Richard M. Liddy, Seton Hall University, J. Michael Stebbins, Gonzaga University
Moderator: Catherine T. Nerney, S.S.J., Chestnut Hill College
Presenter: John C. Haughey, S.J., Loyola University Chicago
"Lonergan's Transcendental Notions as Callings"
4. Theological Interpretation of Scripture. Selected Session.
Faith and Historicity: The Theological Interpretation of Scripture
Convener: Michael T. McLaughlin, Saint Leo University
Presenters: Michael T. McLaughlin, Saint Leo University, James Keating, Providence College
Respondent: Gary Culpepper, Providence College
5. The Changing Vocations of Theologians. Selected Session
From Cleric to Laity: Redefining the Vocation to Theology
Convener: Thomas M. Kelly, Creighton University
Presenters: Anna Bonta Moreland, Boston College, "Theology in the Contemporary University: Contextualized Theology in the 21st Century",
Florence Bourg, Mount St. Joseph, "Family Economics and the Lay Theologian"
Thomas M. Kelly, Creighton University, "The Unique Contribution of the Lay Theologian"
Respondents: Michael J. Himes, Boston College, Thomas Rausch, Loyola Marymount University
6. Medieval Theology. Program Group.
Vocation and Theology
Convener: Michael Gorman, The Catholic University of America, Moderator: David Williams, Belmont Abbey College
Presenters: Joan Mueller, Creighton University, "Vocation as Ultimate Authority: Clare of Assisi and Gregory IX"
Ralph Norman, Canterbury Christ Church University College, "Abelard's Legacy: Disputation and Negative Theology"
7. Early Christian Theology. Program Group.
The Theologian in the Early Church
Convener: Alexis Doval, Saint Mary's College of California, Moderator: Lee Bacchi, Saints Mary and Joseph Church (Illinois)
Presenters: Mary Ann Donovan, Graduate Theological Union, "From Deed Through Word to Reflection: Early Patristic Theology"
Daniel Van Slyke, The Liturgical Institute of St. Mary of the Lake, "Patristic Theology as Liturgical Theology: The Fifth Century Bishop and His Theological Context"
8. John Henry Newman. Program Group.
Newman as Theologian
Conveners: Edward Jeremy Miller, Gwynedd-Mercy College, Kevin Godfrey, Alvernia College
Presenters: John T. Ford, Catholic University of America, "Newman as a Contextual Theologian"
James Keating, Pontifical College Josephinum, "Newman as a Theologian of Prayer"
Edward Jeremy Miller, Gwynedd-Mercy College, "Newman's Portrayal in the Beatification Inquiry"
Robert C. Christie, DeVry Institute, "Brief Report on Avery Dulles's book on Newman"
9. Constructive Theology and Contemporary Theory. Developing Group (Year 1 of 3).
Theology, Postmodernity and Particularity
Conveners: Vincent J. Miller, Georgetown University, Michele Saracino, Manhattan
Moderator: Michele Saracino, Manhattan College
Presenters: Anthony J. Godzieba, Villanova University, "Incarnation, Theory, and Catholic Bodies: What Should Post-Postmodern Theology Look Like?"
Laurence Paul Hemming, Heythrop College, University of London, "Why Catholic Theologians Have Much to Learn from Radical Orthodoxy: Why Radical Orthodoxy Has Much to Learn from Catholicism"
Respondent: Lieven Boeve, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
10. Vocation of University Theologians - Selected Session
The Vocation of University Theologians
Convener: Terrence W. Tilley, University of Dayton, Moderator: Terrence W. Tilley, University of Dayton
Presenters: Susan A. Ross, Loyola University Chicago, Barbara Hilkert Andolsen, Monmouth University, Margaret A. Farley, Yale University
11. Communication Theology. Research Group (Year 2 of 3).
Publishing Project in Communication Theology
Convener: Bernard Bonnot, Hallmark Channel and Deeper Dimensions
Moderator: Fran Plude, Notre Dame College
Presenters: David Robinson, University of San Francisco, "Moving Theology Beyond the ?Gutenberg Hologram' "
Thomas Hughson, Marquette University, "Communio in the Context of Lonergan's Functional Specialty Communication"
11:00 - 12:00 Second Plenary Session
Presiding: Peter Phan, Georgetown University, Past President, CTSA
Address: Jill Raitt, University of Missouri-Columbia, "The Vocation of the Theologian: Crossing Boundaries"
Response: Nancy Dallavalle, Fairfield University
Friday Afternoon, June 6
1:15 - 2:15 Hearing of the Resolutions Committee
Presiding: Roberto S. Goizueta, Boston College, Vice President, CTSA
2:30 - 4:15 Group Sessions
1. Theology and Ecology. Developing Group (Year 2 of 3).
The Vocation of Theologians in Response to Ecological Degradation
Convener: Jame Schaefer, Marquette University, Presenters: William French, Loyola University of Chicago, Elizabeth Johnson, Fordham University, Kevin Irwin, Catholic University of America
2. Congar Ecumenical Colloquium. Program Group.
Congar on the Vocation of the Theologian
Convener: Mark E. Ginter, Saint Meinrad School of Theology
Moderator: Richard K. Eckley, Houghton College
Presenters: Elizabeth Groppe, Xavier University, Sarah Melcher, Xavier University, Steven Kostoff, Xavier University
3. Teaching Undergraduates. Selected Session
Teaching Undergraduates: What is the Theologian Doing?
Convener: Paul Lakeland, Fairfield University
Moderator: Paul Lakeland, Fairfield University
Presenters: Mary Gerhart, Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Michelle Gonzalez, Loyola Marymount University
Mary Hines, Emmanuel College
Vincent J. Miller, Georgetown University
4. Trinitarian Theology. Program Group.
Trinitarian Theology and the Communion of Persons
Convener: Anthony Keaty, St. John's Seminary (Brighton, Massachusetts)
Moderator: Nancy Hawkins, I.H.M., St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry
Presenters: Aristotle Papanikolaou, Fordham University: " ?Person' and the Grammar of Divine-Human Communion",
Robert Imbelli, Boston College: "The Holy Spirit as Communion ?Person' of the Trinity"
5. Religious Pluralism and the Vocation of The Theologian. Selected Session.
Dialogue and Doctrine
Convener: Catherine Cornille, Jesuit Institute, Boston College
Presenters: Paul J. Griffiths, University of Illinois at Chicago
David B. Burrell, University of Notre Dame
John Keenan, Middlebury College
Monika K. Hellwig, Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities
6. Moral Theology. Program Group.
The Vocation of the Moral Theologian: A Critical Analysis of Charles E. Curran's Writings
Conveners: Thomas B. Leininger, University of San Diego, James Incardona, College of St. Elizabeth
Moderator: James J. Walter, Loyola Marymount University
Presenters: Lisa Sowle Cahill, Boston College
Kevin T. Kelly, St. Basil and All Saints Church (Widnes, England
Respondent: Charles E. Curran, Southern Methodist University
7. Experience and Theological Vocation. Selected Session.
Eastern European Catholicism Emerging from Silence: The Role of Memory and Narrative
Convener: Sally Ann McReynolds, Saint Mary College
Moderator: Sally Ann McReynolds, Saint Mary College
Presenters: Margot Patterson, The National Catholic Reporter
Margaret Nacke, St. Louis Parish (Kansas)
Mary Savoie, St. Louis Parish (Kansas)
8. Hans Urs von Balthasar. Program Group.
Adrienne Von Speyr as Theologian
Conveners: David L. Schindler, John Paul II Institute for Studies of Marriage and the Family, Peter Casarella, The Catholic University of America
Moderator: Peter Casarella, The Catholic University of America
Presenter: Johann G. Roten, S.M., International Marian Research Institute, "The Theology of Adrienne von Speyr"
9. World Church Theology. Research Group (Year 1 of 3).
Theologians and the World Church: Research Plans of World, Church Theology Group
Convener: Gerald M. Boodoo, Xavier University of Louisiana
Presenters: Gideon Goosen, Australian Catholic University
Phillip Linden, Xavier University of Louisiana
10. Theologians in the Order of Preachers. Selected Session.
Theologians in the Order of Preachers: The Dominican Vocations of Chenu, Congar, and Schillebeeckx
Convener: Kathleen McManus, O.P., University of Portland
Moderator: Patricia Benson, O.P., Marygrove College
Presenters: Colleen Mary Mallon, O.P., St. John's University (Jamaica, New York)
Kathleen McManus, O.P., University of Portland
John Markey, O.P., Barry University
4:30 - 6:00 CTSA Business Meeting
6:15 President's Reception for New and "Newer" Members
8:30 - 10:00 Special Session
"The Current Crisis in the Church: How Can Theologians Help?"
Moderator: Daniel R. Finn, Saint John's University (Collegeville, Minnesota)
Presenters:
Ecclesiology: Robert Imbelli, Boston College
Moral Theology: Richard Gula, Franciscan School of Theology
Christian Anthropology: Mary Catherine Hilkert, University of Notre Dame
Spirituality: Cynthia Crysdale, Catholic University of America
Pastoral Theology: Gary Riebe-Estrella, Catholic Theological Union
A Bishop's Perspective: Most Rev. Richard Sklba, Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Saturday Morning, June 7
7:15 ? 8:45
Convener: Howard Ebert, Saint Norbert College
Presenter: Terrence W. Klein, St. John's University (Jamaica, New York), "Vocation of the Theologian Proposal"
9:00 - 10:30 THIRD PLENARY SESSION
Presiding: M. Shawn Copeland, Marquette University, President-Elect, CTSA
Address: Kenneth Melchin, St Paul's University (Ottawa), "Stretching Towards Democracy: Theology and Theory when Talk Becomes War"
Respondent: Maura Ryan, University of Notre Dame
11:00 - 12:30 Group Sessions
1. Missiology and Mission Theology. Program Group.
Theology and the "Missiological Imagination"
Conveners: Stephen Bevans, S.V.D., Catholic Theological Union, Lou McNeil, Georgian Court College
Moderator: Jeanne Evans, Marymount Manhattan College
Presenters: M. Shawn Copeland, Marquette University
Roger Haight, Weston Jesuit School of Theology
2. Analyzing White Privilege. Selected Session.
Theological Vocation and the Dismantling of White Privilege
Convener: Laurie Cassidy, Loyola University Chicago
Moderator: Alex Mikulich, St. Joseph College (Hartford, Connecticut)
Presenters: Laurie Cassidy, Loyola University Chicago
Margaret Pfeil, St. Joseph's University (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
3. Christology. Program Group.
Thinking About Christ: Theologians Talk about Their Work
Convener: Tatha Wiley, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
Moderator: Elena Procario-Foley, Iona College
Presenters: Contributors to Thinking of Christ (Continuum 2004) will participate in Round-table Discussion - How Their Thinking about Christology Has Changed
4. Comparative Theology. Program Group.
Seeking Buddhist Gold: A Theological Response to Santideva's Bodhicaryavatara (Part Two)
Convener: Paul J. Griffiths, University of Illinois at Chicago
Moderator: Paul J. Griffiths, University of Illinois at Chicago
Presenter: Terrence W. Tilley, University of Dayton, "A Theological Response to Santideva's Bodhicaryavatara (Part Two)"
Respondent: Daniel Arnold, University of Chicago
5. Sacramental and Liturgical Theology. Program Group.
Practicing Liturgical Scholarship: Liturgical Theology as Vocation
Convener: Bruce Morrill, Boston College
Presenters: Martin Connell, Saint John's University (Collegeville, Minnesota)
Judith M. Kubicki, Fordham University
Richard McCarron, Catholic Theological Union
Susan K. Roll, Christ the King Seminary
6. Theology and the Natural Sciences. Program Group.
Theology and the Natural Sciences
Convener: William R. Stoeger, University of Arizona
Moderator: William R. Stoeger, University of Arizona
Presenter: Stephen J. Duffy, Loyola University of New Orleans, "Genes, Original Sin, and the Human Proclivity to Evil"
Jame Schaefer, Marquette University, "A Method for Reformulating Catholic Doctrine"
7. Karl Rahner. Program Group.
A Discussion of Miguel Diaz's On Being Human: U.S. Hispanic and Rahnerian Perspectives
Convener: Howard Ebert, St. Norbert College
Presenters: Susan Abraham, St. Bonaventure University, "The Caress of the Doer of the Word: A Postcolonial Critique"
Michael H. Barnes, University of Dayton, "A Critical Evaluation"
Conrad Gromada, Ursuline College, "An Appreciation and a Critique"
Respondent: Miguel H. Diaz, St. Vincent De Paul Regional Seminary
8. Catholic Social Teaching. Program Group.
Social Transformation and the Vocation of the Theologian: Learning from Personal Experience
Convener: Brian D. Berry, College of Notre Dame of Maryland
Moderator: Brian D. Berry, College of Notre Dame of Maryland
Presenters: Drew Christiansen, S.J., America, A Jesuit Magazine, "Once Born?: Reflections on War and Nonviolence" (paper read)
Lee Cormie, St. Michael's College/Toronto School of Theology, "Witnessing to Hope in Global Justice Movements"
Daniel R. Finn, Saint John's University (Collegeville, Minnesota), "So Do You Want More Power?"
Christine E. Gudorf, Florida International University, "A Different Kind of Hope"
9. Theology and Philosophy. Developing Group (Year 2 of 3).
Philosophical Wisdom and the Wisdom of the Theologian
Convener: James Le Grys, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Moderator: Robert Schreiter, Catholic Theological Union
Presenters: Mark Johnson, Marquette University, "Aquinas and the Theologian's Vision"
Gregory La Nave, Catholic University of America Press, "Bonaventure and the Possibility of Philosophical Wisdom"
Respondent: Robert Barron, University of Saint Mary of the Lake
10. A Catholic Response to Faith and Order's The Nature and Purpose of Church. Research Group (Year 1 of 3)
Catholic Ecclesiology and The Nature and Purpose of Church
Convener: Michael Fahey, S.J., Marquette University
Moderator: Ann K. Riggs, National Council of Churches, Faith and Order
Presenters: Catherine Clifford, St. Paul University (Ottawa)
Francis Sullivan, S. J., Boston College
Saturday Afternoon, June 7
2:30 - 4:15 Group Sessions
1. Listening to the Struggle of Cincinnati. Solicited Session.
Convener: M. Shawn Copeland, Marquette University
Moderator: Jamie T. Phelps, O.P., Loyola University Chicago
Panelists: Angela Leisure, Cincinnati, Ohio, Monica McGloin, O.P., Intercommunity Center for Justice and Peace (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Respondents: Christine Firer Hinze, Marquette University
Bryan N. Massingale, St. Francis Seminary
2. North American Contextual Theologies. Program Group.
Autobiography as Theology
Convener: Nancy Pineda-Madrid, St. Mary's College of California
Moderator: Nancy Pineda-Madrid, St. Mary's College of California
Presenter: Donald L. Gelpi, S.J., Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, "Autobiography as Theology"
Respondent: Alejandro Garcia-Rivera, Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley
3. Bioethics and Healthcare. Program Group.
The Vocation of the Moral Theologian: Theory and Practice
Convener: Mark Miller, C.Ss.R., Redemptorist Bioethics Consultancy for Western Canada
Presenter: Thomas Shannon, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
4. Spirituality. Program Group.
The Virtue of Humility and the Spirituality of the Theologian
Convener: Diana L. Villegas, Acton, Massachusetts
Presenter: Lisa Fullam, Quincy University, "The Humble Theologian: Retrieving Aquinas' View of Humility for
Contemporary Theologians"
Respondent: Angela Senander, Boston College
5. Practical Theology. Program Group.
Roman Catholic Approaches to Practical Theology
Conveners: Kathleen A. Cahalan, Saint John's University, School of Theology. Seminary
Raymond J. Webb, University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary
Presenters: Robert Schreiter, Catholic Theological Union, "Catholic Practical Theology: A Contextual Perspective"
Raymond J. Webb, University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, "Catholic Practical Theology: Challenge and Opportunity"
Respondent: Mary Carter Waren, St. Thomas University (Miami, Florida)
6. Latino/a Theology. Program Group.
The Vocation of the Latino/a Theologian: Speaking for Whom? Speaking To Whom?
Convener: Gary Riebe-Estrella, Catholic Theological Union
Presenters: Jean-Pierre Ruiz, St. John's University (Jamaica, New York), "The Bible Tells Us So? Biblical Scholars and Telogia de Conjunto"
Carmen Nanko, Trinity College (Washington, D. C.), "A Marginalized Majority? Hispanic Theologians and the Latino/a Presence in the U. S. Catholic Church?"
7. The Vocation of the Interreligious Theologian. Selected Session.
Paul Knitter's Retrospective on 40 Years in Dialogue
Convener: Francis Xavier Clooney, S.J., Boston College
Moderator: Francis Xavier Clooney, S.J., Boston College
Presenter: Paul Knitter, Xavier University
Respondents: Leo Lefebure, Fordham University, Pham T. Van, Xavier University
8. Theological Anthropology. Developing Group (Year 1 of 3).
Responses to Kathryn Tanner's Jesus, Humanity and the Trinity
Convener: Anne M. Clifford, Duquesne University
Moderator: Jean Donovan, Duquesne University
Presenters: Mary Catherine Hilkert, University of Notre Dame
John R. Sachs, Weston Jesuit School of Theology
Phyllis H. Kaminski, Saint Mary's College
9. Ecclesiology. Program Group
What Does the Scandal in the Church Teach Us?
Convener: Susan K. Wood, Saint John's University (Collegeville, Minnesota)
Moderator: Eileen Burke-Sullivan, Weston Jesuit School of Theology
Presenter: Susan K. Wood, Saint John's University (Collegeville, Minnesota), "What Does Scandal in the Church Teach Us?"
Respondents: Nicholas Healy, St. John's University (Jamaica, New York), James Coriden, Washington Theological Union
10. Teaching and Learning Moral Theology. Selected Session.
Teaching and Learning Moral Theology in a Cross-Cultural Context - the Philippines and the USA
Convener: James T. Bretzke, S.J., Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley
Moderator: William C. Spohn, Santa Clara University
Presenters: James T. Bretzke, S.J., Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, "Doing Moral Theology in the Philippines and America: Paradigms, Principles, and Cross-Cultural Challenges"
Respondent: James Keenan, S.J., Weston Jesuit School of Theology
5:15 Eucharist
6:30 Reception
7:30 John Courtney Murray Award Banquet
Sunday Morning, June 8
9:00 - 10:30 Follow-up Seminars
1. Discussion of Francis Xavier Clooney's Address
Moderator: Donna McKenzie, Fordham University
2. Discussion of Jill Raitt's Address
Moderator: Paul Wadell, Saint Norbert College
3. Discussion of Kenneth Melchin's Address
Moderator: Brian Stiltner, Sacred Heart University
11:00 - 12:00 Fourth Plenary Session: Presidential Address
Presiding: Roberto S. Goizueta, Boston College, Vice-President, CTSA
Address: Jon Nilson, Loyola University Chicago, President, CTSA
12:00 Appointment of the New President
JOHN COURTNEY MURRAY AWARD, 2003
The theologian whom we honor tonight is not only a significant and enduring voice and presence within North American Catholic theology but also within the Society, having served as our President in 1983-84 and having missed only two conventions since he first began coming in 1971.
His clear and elegant prose reflects his broad educational background: degrees in Classics from Boston College, philosophy from Louvain, Romance languages and literature from Fordham, and theology from Weston. He received his doctorate in theology from Tübingen, where he studied under both Joseph Ratzinger and Hans Küng. This may go far to explain his concern over divisions within the Church and his enduring commitment to the cause of its unity. Not only was he active in the Canadian Centre for Ecumenism in Montreal but he has also served as Executive Secretary of the Orthodox-Roman Catholic Consultation in the United States for over twenty-five years.
He is truly a North American theologian, since roughly two-thirds of his career has been spent in Montreal and Toronto. In addition to his teaching, he has shaped our field by his administrative work, most notably as Dean of the Faculty of the University of St. Michael's College in Toronto. He has published over 200 reviews, articles, and books since completing his doctorate, including Catholic Perspectives on Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry and Orthodox and Catholic Sister Churches.
In 1997, he returned to the United States to become the first Emmett Doerr Professor of Catholic Systematic Theology at Marquette University and settle into his new responsibilities as Editor in Chief of Theological Studies. Under his leadership, Theological Studies has solidified its reputation as the premier English-language journal of Roman Catholic systematic theology. Its readers look forward to his columns, "From the Editor's Desk," which invariably provide reliable interpretations on trends and developments in our field.
To detail the rest of his accomplishments - such as the presidency of the American Theological Society; trusteeships at John Carroll, Boston College, and the Graduate Theological Union; his work in the International Congresses of Jesuit Ecumenists - would keep us here for many more hours and delay the joy of expressing our warmest congratulations to a beloved colleague, who has been a calm, learned and supportive presence among us for many years and, we hope, for many more years to come.
In your name, therefore, I am privileged and delighted to confer our highest honor, the John Courtney Murray Award for Distinguished Achievement in Theology, to Michael A. Fahey of the Society of Jesus.