The notion
of authority in the Church is contested. In the current cultural climate any
appeal to authority in both the civil and the religious sphere needs
justifying, not proclaiming. The Catholic scholar, rightly, claims the academic
freedom to research without hindrance: is it possible, however, for
scholarship, the work of the free intellect roaming within and across the
disciplines, to be a suitable partner for a teaching office (Magisterium) which
claims authority from God?
Recent
hints from Pope Francis about the desirability of a more synodal model of
Church governance have, rightly, raised further questions about the proper
exercise and locus of authority in the Church. These are important issues for
the life of the Church and for good governance of Catholic educational
institutions.
Without
dealing in depth with the theological ramifications of how authority is
expressed in the Church, we will consider how the proper ordering of the
relationship between Magisterial authority and Catholic scholars can promote
the Church’s shared commitment to promote a social order (culture) “in
accordance with the higher laws of life, which are religion.”[1]
To
appreciate the nuances of how Catholic educational institutions can fruitfully
serve the Church’s cultural goals, it is important at the outset to name and
define the key terms in this debate:
read: ANCHORING AUTORITY
