What form should the relationship between local bishops and Catholic universities take?
Father O Connell: The answer to this question will depend to a large extent on the nature and purpose of each institution. The Pope has stated that bishops should not be seen as external agents but as participants in the life of the Catholic university. How that participation is worked out in an appropriate manner is, in many cases, yet to be determined. The bishop, however, is regarded by the Church as the authentic teacher of Catholic doctrine. This is his role and responsibility within his region. At the same time, the Catholic college or university plays an important role in the understanding and dissemination of that doctrine. The bishop is encouraged to promote Catholic institutions and to protect Catholic identity. But Ex Corde states that this will be achieved more effectively if close personal and pastoral relationships exist between university and Church authorities, characterized by mutual trust, close and consistent cooperation and continuing dialogue even when the bishop d
