History
Saint Xavier University established the Center for Religion and Public Discourse in August 2001.
Housed in the Mercy Ministry Center and located next to the McDonough Chapel, the Center collaborates with Campus Ministry, the Pastoral Ministry Institute, the American Association of University Professors, the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, and other University departments and programs to provide complementary forums and activities that support the mission of the University.
In establishing the Center, the University recognizes that "a Catholic university is distinguished by its free search for the whole truth" and must, of necessity "engage in a dialogue between faith and reason." (John Paul II, Ex Corde Ecclesiae) Moreover, by providing resources for the Center, the University enhances its position as a "leading Catholic institution of higher learning by strengthening programs and institutes which foster theological reflection, moral discourse, pastoral ministry, and responsible social action" (Saint Xavier University, Strategic Intentions, 1995).
Drawing upon the example of Mother Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy, and her ethos of compassion, service, and hospitality to those professing the Catholic faith, as well as to those professing no or other faith tradition, the Center’s activities complement the University’s teaching, scholarly research, and service mission.
The activities of the Center are funded through University resources, and through grants and donations made to foster the mission of the Center.
