Richard M. Gula, S.S.

  • Professor of Moral Theology

Degrees

  • Th.M. St. Mary's Seminary and University
  • Ph.D. University of St. Michael's College, Toronto
  • S.T.L. St. Mary's Seminary and University
  • S.T.M. St. Mary's Seminary and University
  • B.A. St. Mary's Seminary and University

"My aim in teaching moral theology is to challenge students to think critically about the practical implications of our faith so that we can live in a discordant and ambiguous world with our hearts in harmony with the spirit and life of Jesus."

 

As a Sulpician priest, Rich has dedicated his life to the education and formation of ministers in the Church. After teaching in diocesan seminaries for twenty-three years, Rich came to FST in 1996 to participate in a more diverse and ecumenical effort in preparing ministers for the Church. As a moral theologian, Rich has tried to be a bridge between the community of academic theologians and the community of pastoral ministers. Besides teaching, Rich is on the workshop circuit lecturing to clerical and lay ministers on topics in moral theology, medical ethics, and professional ethics. He is also involved in the world of health care as an ethics consultant to hospitals. His several books and many articles have addressed a variety of moral issues which pastoral ministers have to face today.

Selected Course Descriptions

Fundamental Moral Theology

A course to introduce students to the concepts of moral theology and moral methods in order for them to participate in discussions of moral issues and assess positions in a critical manner. Particular attention is given to the character of the moral agent, sin, conscience, the role of the Magisterium, the use of Scripture, Jesus as the norm of the moral life, natural law, moral norms and the discernment of spirits.

 

Professional Ethics in Ministry

Drawing on theological and professional ethics, this course constructs a framework for assessing the moral responsibilities of the minister as a professional. Examining the theological foundations for ethics in ministry, the nature of the professions, the moral duties entailed in being a professional minister and the dynamics of power, it address two critical boundary issues -- sexuality and confidentiality -- with the aim of developing a personal "code of ethics" which can serve as a guide for one's role as a minister.