The University of Nebraska-Lincoln issued an apology for a recent campus event called a 'drag Mass'. The university is currently investigating the controversial performance. The event has sparked debate and criticism from various groups.
4 months ago
The University of Nebraska has issued an official apology following a controversial "drag" performance in April that mocked the Catholic Mass 2. The event, led by music doctoral student Joseph Willette, was intended to "bridge the gap between queerness and spirituality" and imitated various parts of the Mass, including the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei 2.
University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Chancellor Rodney Bennett sent a letter expressing deep regret for the disruption caused and sincerely apologizing for the incident 2. This apology came after Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, Nebraska, publicly criticized the performance in June, labeling it "a blatant public display of faith-based discrimination" 2. University President Jeffrey Gold and other leaders met with Bishop Conley, confirming that an investigation into the matter was already underway 2.
Bishop Conley, who had previously condemned the event, expressed hope that the university's apology was for the substance of the incident itself, not merely the controversy it generated 2. He called for a more concrete commitment from the university to provide training and education on why such behavior is offensive to Catholics 2. The bishop emphasized that mocking the Eucharist should be condemned, not rewarded with a degree 2. In addition to the Catholic community's outcry, state lawmakers, including Nebraska Sen. Dan Lonowski, also reportedly criticized the performance and wrote to the university condemning the display 2.
To address sensitive matters and prevent similar incidents, the university is establishing a "President’s Advisory Roundtable on Community Engagement" 2. This advisory group will include representatives from the local Catholic community 2. While the university has confirmed an investigation is ongoing, it remains unclear if it has concluded 2.
What is the Church's stance on liturgical expression?
The Catholic Church values liturgical expression as a vital aspect of worship, emphasizing that it should be both reverent and adaptable to different cultures, while always maintaining fidelity to the Deposit of Faith . The Church's stance is guided by principles found in various documents, particularly those from the Second Vatican Council, which sought to renew and reform the liturgy.
The implementation of these principles can present challenges, as balancing tradition with adaptation requires careful discernment. The Church continually seeks to ensure that liturgical expressions genuinely foster faith and devotion, avoiding both rigid uniformity that stifles legitimate cultural expression and arbitrary innovations that undermine the sacredness or doctrinal integrity of the liturgy.
In summary, the Church's stance on liturgical expression is one of dynamic balance: promoting active and meaningful participation, embracing cultural diversity where appropriate, while always upholding the reverence, dignity, and doctrinal purity of the sacred liturgy .