I share the sad tone of your coverage of the decision to close Heythrop College (The Tablet, News, 4 July 2015). Notwithstanding the damage to the Catholic Church that you describe, the loss of Heythrop’s contribution to the wider world would be even more significant than you suggest. Heythrop currently provides opportunities which exist in no other form for academics of world standing from various faiths, denominations and ideologies to gather whether for short-term conferences and symposia or for longer-term study and research. Of all moments in history, I suggest this is not one at which to dismantle an institution which has done so much to foster mutual appreciation between cultures and faiths and which has the potential to do so much more.
The breadth of Heythrop’s postgraduate programme at Master’s level is remarkable and has served innumerable full- and especially part-time students over the years. The gifted scholarship, talented teaching and caring tutoring available at Heythrop are held in enormously high esteem by former students like myself. I do not believe it is right for future generations of students to be denied opportunities which are simply not available elsewhere.
I understand that Heythrop College will need to change in some ways but I do wonder if all the possibilities were fully explored before the decision was made. You mention the negotiations with St Mary’s University but this was only one avenue. It does not seem from your article that any other possibilities were seriously considered. Surely with some imagination and effort sufficient sponsorship could yet be found to maintain Heythrop’s wide and valuable mission?
Bob Thomas, Southampton
‘Is The Tablet still a Catholic weekly?’ Yes, of course. ‘Are the Jesuits bailing out of Britain?’ No, of course not (The Tablet, News, 4 July 2015). We are however, having to re-examine our ministries and discern our mission for the future in order to serve the Church and the people of God in the light of current circumstances, not least fewer Jesuits. This has involved difficult decisions, especially in relation to Heythrop, and significant losses for us and for others. Regrettably, your front cover last week was misleading and sensationalist.
Fr Roger Dawson SJ, St Asaph, North Wales
As a headteacher of a secondary school in the West Midlands, I can re-assure the readership of The Tablet, that the Society of Jesus are very much alive and kicking in the world of education with “one foot raised” (The Tablet, News, 4 July 2015).
Under the leadership of Father Adrian Porter, the Jesuit Institute, is engaged in challenging catholic school leaders to review their core values and become explicit about their mission within education. I have witnessed a transformation of school leaders, teachers, and support staff who have been re-invigorated as a direct outcome of the impact of the Jesuit Institute and the Society of Jesus.
If the Society of Jesus decides to re-appraise its key areas of focus, I am confident that the decision making process of this most impressive organisation would be considered, relevant, and rooted in its values of heroic leadership.
Michael Burrowes, Cannock, Staffordshire
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