US Bishops President Among 10 Bishops Opposing Notre Dame University's Appointment of a Pro-Abortion Professor
Bishops and Faculty Protest Notre Dame Appointment
A growing coalition of U.S. Catholic leaders is demanding that the University of Notre Dame rescind the appointment of Susan Ostermann as director of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies. The opposition, led by Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, centers on Ostermann’s public advocacy for legal abortion and her ties to the Population Council.
Notably, the president of the U.S.C.C.B. (United States Catholic Conference of Bishops) voiced his opposition saying on X:
“I fully support Bishop Kevin Rhoades in his challenge to Notre Dame to rectify its poor judgement in hiring a professor who openly stands against Catholic teaching when it comes to the sanctity of life, in this case protection of the unborn,” Archbishop Coakley Feb. 13.
Key Criticisms from Church Leadership
At least nine bishops have voiced their "dismay," arguing that the appointment contradicts the university’s Catholic mission. Key statements include:
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley (USCCB President): Criticized the university's "poor judgment" in hiring someone who stands against the sanctity of life.
Bishop Robert Barron: He posted Bishop Rhoades’ full statement on X. Barron gave “strong support” for the message and describing Ostermann as “not simply ‘pro-choice'” but “a sharp critic of the pro-life position and those who advocate it.” “I believe that going ahead with this appointment is repugnant to the identity and mission” of the university
Bishop Donald J. Hying: Praised Bishop Rhoades’ stance as a necessary defense of human dignity and Catholic teaching. “I stand in solidarity with Bishop Rhoades and his letter,” which Bishop Hying described as “a profound reflection on human dignity and the culture of life." “We pray that all of our educational institutions support Catholic teaching, especially regarding human life,” he added.
Other supporters of the protest retired Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila of Denver, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco, Bishop James D. Conley of Lincoln, Nebraska; Bishop Michael F. Olson of Fort Worth, Texas; Bishop David L. Ricken of Green Bay, Wisconsin; and Bishop James S. Wall of Gallup, New Mexico.
In addition, two Notre Dame faculty cut their affiliation with the Liu Institute upon news of Ostermann’s appointment.Diane Desierto, professor of law and global affairs, relinquished her role as a Liu faculty fellow, highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s statements on abortion and wrote in a LinkedIn post that “in my work of teaching, scholarship and service at our preeminent Catholic university, I take and reflect on Pope Leo XIV’s words seriously.”
The other Liu fellow, professor emeritus of theology Robert Gimello also walked away from the institute due to the Ostermann’s appointment.
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