In a significant reversal, the Vatican has approved the appointment of a new dean at a seminary in northern Italy, nearly a year after blocking the appointment due to the candidate's published views on sexual morality.
The Philosophical-Theological College of Bressanone (PTH Brixen) announced "with great joy" that Father Martin Lintner has been confirmed as dean and will assume his duties on September 1.
The appointment of Lintner, who teaches moral and spiritual theology at the seminary, faced opposition from the Vatican's Dicastery for Culture and Education in mid-2023 due to his publications on Catholic sexual morality, particularly his views on blessings for same-sex couples.
In a 2020 article published by New Ways Ministry titled "Theologian Suggests Papal Support for Civil Unions Could Lead to Church Blessings," Father Lintner is quoted as stating:
"A homosexual relationship does not lose its dignity due to the absence of fertility."
Lintner also authored a chapter proposing "theological-ethical reflections on a blessing ceremony for same-sex couples" in a book titled "The Benediction of Same-Sex Partnerships."
Rome's position on Father Lintner's appointment was reversed after the Vatican's controversial declaration, Fiducia Supplicans, approved non-liturgical blessings for same-sex couples in December 2023.
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Upon the announcement of his appointment, Father Lintner indicated to German media that the designation of the new Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Victor Fernández, had been a determining factor. He also argued that his case—the overturning of such an appointment—constituted a form of "precedent."
Lintner also expressed relief at his victory:
"It is very much in my interest to close this chapter, which has been stressful for all involved, and to focus again on theological work. I approach the new challenges as dean with joy and confidence," CNA Deutsch reported.
The Bishop of Bolzano-Bressanone, Bishop Ivo Muser, welcomed the Vatican's decision and wished the new dean a good start.
"I would also like to thank the officials of the Vatican's Dicastery for Education for all the personal and telephone conversations and for the decision that was made."
The PTH Brixen, located in the South Tyrol (Alto Adige) region of northern Italy, is a significant institution in this predominantly German-speaking area, offering courses in philosophy and theology. It is the academic training center of the Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone for priests and deacons, pastoral assistants, religion teachers, and other pastoral vocations.
This article is sourced from Catholic News Agency (Article Link).