Barbara Reid encourages interfaith cooperation at Joseph Cardinal Bernadin Lecture

Elmhurst University invited Sister Barbara Reid, the first woman president of the Catholic Theological Union (CTU), to speak at the annual Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Lecture on Oct. 27. 

Reid focused heavily on acceptance and tolerance of one another despite differences in belief. She also spoke towards Cardinal Bernadin’s efforts to create tolerance across boundaries. One such effort was a discussion group called ‘The Catholic Common Ground Initiative.’

“His idea … was to bring together Catholics who held firmly opposing views about critical issues in the church and to engage in prayerful dialogue to try to find where the points of agreement, that could bind them together, and build up the communion of the church,” said Reid. 

Reid, a Dominican Sister, has taught at CTU since 1988 and was appointed as president in 2020. During the lecture, she urged listeners to create harmony and unity within our communities. 

Grace Wadsworth, president of the spiritual life council, spoke about their experience at the lecture. 

“The lecture was very informative and brought a very interesting viewpoint to the topic of interfaith cooperation and tolerance,” said Wadsworth. 

Reid spoke largely towards interfaith cooperation, urging one another to allow open communication. 

“What’s your next step in crossing boundaries of difference to create harmony, unity, greater understanding?” Reid asked the audience members. 

Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty Dean Pribbenow spoke about his thoughts on Reid’s lecture and EU’s ever-growing diverse student body.

“I think our campus, particularly our student body, we recognize as becoming increasingly diverse, and that’s diverse in terms of race and ethnicity, and things like that, but it’s also in terms of faith traditions,” said Pribbenow. 

He continued, “I think Chaplain Scott and a number of others have really sort of set the groundwork for ‘all are welcome.’”

EUs strides to become a more interreligious campus have not gone unnoticed in the campus community. 

“I think the religious groups, organizations, and departments at EU have had a very good approach to interfaith and inter-religious tolerance since I have been here,” said Wadsworth. 

They continued, “And all the faculty/staff involved seem to care a lot about promoting tolerance, education, and appreciation for all sorts of different religions and faith.” 

 Pribbenow shared his thoughts on Elmhurst University’s ability to create a sense of community. 

“I think tonight is just a good example of we do well when we come together in community and support one another and are there for one another,” said Pribbenow.