Program of Priestly Formation 6th edition

SEMINARIES | 183

Doctrinal Responsibility

485. Professors must have a firm foundation in the teaching of the Church. A fundamental task of the professor is to present Catholic doctrine as formulated by the authoritative teaching office of the Church. 528 The freedom of expression required by the exigencies of theo logical science must be respected, as well as the ability to do the research required for its progress. 529 Seminary statutes are to provide for appro priate freedom of inquiry that allows and encourages study and reflec tion in teaching and publishing. This freedom must be understood in the context of the purpose of the seminary and balanced by the rights of the seminarians, the institution, and the Church. “The freedom proper to theological research is exercised within the Church’s faith. . . . In theology this freedom of inquiry is the hallmark of a rational discipline whose object is given by Revelation, handed on and interpreted in the Church under the authority of the Magisterium, and received by faith.” 530 Professors must be mindful of the varying degrees of theological certainty and must carefully distinguish between their own insights and other theological developments or opinions on the one hand and Catholic doctrine on the other. Professors’ handbooks should contain clear procedures for the resolution of conflicts regarding the correctness of theological expression on the part of professors in accord with existing ecclesiastical norms. 531 486. 487. 488.

528 See Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 67. 529 See CIC, c. 218; CCEO, c. 21. 530 Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Donum Veritatis , nos. 11-12. 531 See USCCB, Doctrinal Responsibilities: Approaches to Promoting Cooperation and ResolvingMisunderstandings Between Bishops and Theologians (1989); Pastores Dabo Vobis , no. 67.