"As a result of this commitment and at the request of University President John I.
Jenkins, C.S.C., the Division of Student Affairs, during the Fall Semester of
2012, undertook a comprehensive review of the structures and services currently
provided to GLBTQ students and their allies by the University. This process
included a careful review of Catholic doctrine and teaching, listening sessions
with members of the Notre Dame community, and consideration of structures
present at peer Catholic institutions. The extensive conversations involved Core
Council members, student leaders, and other undergraduate and graduate
students."
"In order to respond to the various expressed
needs of members of the student body who identify as GLBTQ and simultaneously
to cultivate deeper understanding and support for its Catholic Christian
ideals, Student Affairs envisions a comprehensive, multifaceted pastoral plan. Such a plan includes attention
to the training of appropriate student leaders, staff and faculty, and the
education of all students, so as to create and sustain a safe and supportive
environment for all members of the Notre Dame community."
“Because the University values LGBTQ students in the Notre Dame community, as indeed it values all of its students, the University is committed to fostering an environment of welcome and mutual respect that is grounded in its Catholic mission.”
“The University calls all Notre Dame students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, to the disciplined development of the theological virtue of charity, the cardinal virtue of justice, and the moral virtue of chastity in lives of self‐giving love.”
“With the Catholic Church, Notre Dame defends the inviolable dignity of every human person as the beloved of God. As a result, the University deplores any offenses against that fundamental human dignity and calls for an abiding spirit of inclusion within the Notre Dame community…”
“…the University calls all Notre Dame students to cultivate chaste and loving friendships, particularly across lines of difference and division that threaten to undermine the Notre Dame community. In short, Notre Dame calls all students to be friends and allies of one another.”
“All must grow and develop over time into persons characterized by mature lives of charity, justice, and chastity. Thus, without drawing back from teaching others of the Catholic Christian ideals of the life of virtue, Student Affairs commits itself to extending the tender love of God to all who are striving with sincerity to live their calls to chaste friendship.”
Read the full "Beloved Friends and Allies Pastoral Plan"
