Canonical Status ·

Recently, the CNLAP received a cordial letter from Bishop James Murray, Ordinary of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, who expressed his support for the “goal to establish a post-secondary academy” in the diocese and said that he will pray for its success.

In light of his pending retirement, Bishop Murray also wrote, understandably, that he was reluctant to acknowledge the CNLAP as a lay apostolate at this time “in any manner that would restrain my successor.” Consequently, he explained, the CNLAP and the Newman College Project should be viewed as private initiatives until such time as they can comply with Canons 803 and 1265 of Canon Law and be “constituted as a juridical person.”

The Bishop asked, accordingly, that potential contributors to the Newman College Project be advised of this situation and that the CNLAP make clear to donors that “without [the] specific consent of the competent ecclesial authority,” they would not be contributing to an established canonical Catholic organization at this time.

The Scholars, Students, and Directors of the Cardinal Newman Liberal Arts Project are thankful to Bishop Murray and for his interest and support.