He acknowledged that man becoming God “was the principal criticism” of the icon.
He said the controversy invited the community to consider the importance of depicting Christ in art, noting that “it should reflect what we believe about God, and our relationship with Him.”
“Despite these setbacks, our intention remains this: we are striving to be a community that makes people of all races, cultures, and nations feel welcome,” he said. “The Catholic University of America is a faithfully Catholic university that is proud of its heritage, and eager to welcome all who seek a Catholic University education.”
After the first painting was stolen on Nov. 23, the next day Garvey sent an email to the university community denouncing the theft but said that the school received a “substantial number of emails and phone calls” criticizing the painting.
Garvey acknowledged some comments were thoughtful and reasonable while he called others offensive and racist. Most complaints came from outside the university, he said.
In that email, he said he would not be ordering the school to take down the painting because of his “no cancellation” policy, a practice he has kept consistent through his tenure as president.
“We hope to continue to build on campus a culture that engages in thoughtful dialogue and debate, not the sort of bully tactics epitomized by this theft,” he added.
After the second painting was stolen in early December, the student government passed a resolution asking that no forms of art titled “Mama” by Kelly Latimore be hung or put on display in any university buildings.
The university is currently investigating both thefts and has asked anyone with information to contact the university’s Department of Public Safety at 202 319-5111.
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