Program of Priestly Formation raises bar on preparation for theology

Published: 2005-06-20

CHICAGO (CNS) -- After some debate over tougher seminary academic and formation standards, the U.S. bishops June 17 adopted a revised Program of Priestly Formation by an overwhelming margin, 231-3. If approved by the Vatican it will replace the fourth edition of the program, which has set the norms for U.S. seminary programs and seminary admission policies since 1992. Most of the debate centered on language in the new document calling for a minimum of two years of pre-theology studies for new seminarians who got their college degree outside the seminary system. The discussion also drew new attention to a long-expected Vatican document on the admission of homosexually oriented men to seminaries, raising speculation among journalists at the meeting about when that document may appear and what it will say. The discussion arose out of a statement in the new program that U.S. seminaries will follow Vatican guidelines in that area. Bishop John C. Nienstedt of New Ulm, Minn., chairman of the bishops' Committee on Priestly Formation and of the subcommittee that drafted the fifth edition of the Program of Priestly Formation, introduced the proposed new document to the bishops June 16 and guided the debate before the vote the following day.

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