Rome prevents academic appointment of moral theologian

Stumbling block of sexual morality: Rome puts the brakes on moral theologian

Martin Lintner (50) is not allowed to become dean of the Philosophical-Theological University in Bressanone. This was decided by the Vatican - due to Lintner's publications on sexual morality. The South Tyrolean moral theologian will teach as a guest lecturer at the University of Lucerne in autumn.

To be seen in clericals, on a good day

Several media report on the decision from Rome - and refer to a statement from the Philosophical-Theological University (PTH) of Bressanone. According to the statement, the university council has elected Martin Lintner, professor of moral theology and spiritual theology, as dean.

Vatican sanctions publications on sexual morality

But the necessary approval of the Holy See did not come. The responsible dicastery for culture and education had informed Bishop Ivo Muser of Boxen-Brixen "that this approval would not be granted because of Professor Lintner's publications on questions of Catholic sexual morality".

Since Muser has waived an appeal, the university must now elect a new dean. In the interim, the office of the current dean will be extended.

It is unclear what exactly the Vatican does not like about Martin Lintner's statements. An enquiry by kath.ch to the university remained unanswered.

In a short video on Youtube, Lintner explains what he sees as his task as a moral theologian - especially with regard to the Church's sexual morality.

"How can we as a church deal with sexuality and power in such a way that it does not have a destructive effect on people?"

Martin Lintner, moral theologian

"My point is to ask: How can we as a Church, as moral theologians, deal with sexuality and power in such a way that it does not have a destructive effect on people, but on the contrary can be a constructive contribution?"

Participation in God's creative power and love

Specifically, he suggests the following approach: "It is important that we read from the Scriptures a positive understanding of sexuality. Based on the creatureliness of the human being, sexuality is to be understood as participation in the creative power and love of God."

Power, too, must be understood as participation in the creative power of God, Lintner said. "And that is in the sense that it helps to be in the service of people and to support and build people up."

In his own words, the moral theologian wants to combine the questions of sexuality and power into a realistic morality that is close to life. "This is an important basic concern of moral theology, and it must face up to it," says Martin Lintner.

Lintner has taught moral theology and spiritual theology in Brixen since 2009. In 2011 he was appointed Full Professor of Moral Theology and Spiritual Theology at the PTH Brixen.

Source

Cathcon: Finally some good news from Rome on moral issues.