Schade
MARTIN SCHADE, a former Jesuit, now a lecturer in human sexuality, philosophy and ethics at the University of Technology, will be one of the presenters at Men on a Mission. Mr. Schade will address the topic: The sexual maturity (formation) of male clergy.
Sexual misconduct from time to time surfaces among Christian clergy Protestant and Roman Catholic. There's need for all persons, particularly those entering pastoral and related ministries, to be secure sexually. Where a church leader is immature as a sexual being, then the condition is created for sexual misconduct to become a reality.
He believes that seminaries, especially Roman Catholic seminaries, need to pay greater attention to the sexual formation of its students.
WHO ARE THE SAINTS?
Speaking last year with Mind&Spirit on the issue, Mr. Schade remarked: "Who are the saints in the Roman Catholic Church? Virgins and celibates for the most part. Even though theologically we make a great statement about the gift of sexuality we never promote it in the sense of who we promote and canonise. I think the highest vocation is a married couple with children keeping their harmony together. We say that the celibate life is not a better life but we send that signal by who we canonise and who we 'big up'. We are not incorporating the married life into our structure enough. We have to change that attitude totally. We have to talk about our sexuality. You have to know who you are before you commit yourself to the church and to a particular way of life called celibacy."
Among his many academic attainments, Mr. Schade, 50, holds three graduate degrees from Weston School of Theology in Cambridge, Massachusetts: Master in Divinity (Distinction), Master in Theology, License in Sacred Theology (Distinction). He is also the holder of a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy, from Boston College, also in Massachusetts.
Prior to his arrival at the University of Technology, Mr. Schade taught at Alpha Academy, United Theological College/St. Michael's Seminary, and St. George's College.
PREVIOUS SERVICE
He has served as Assistant Pastor at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church, Seaview Gardens, Kingston; Director of Vocations, for the Society of Jesus in Jamaica; Executive Director, Jesuit Youth Ministry.
His publications include: Christ the Alpha and the Rasta: A Reflection On Christology Within The Emergence of Rastafari; Caribbean Journal of Religious Studies, Vol. 17, No.1, April 1996; Ninguno es Cubano, Cuba: My Reflection; Caribbean Quarterly, Vol. 45. No. 1999; Riddim of Creation: An Incarnational Expression of Caribbean Theology; Caribbean Journal of Religious Studies, Vol. 19 No.1, April 1998; Motherhood of God article in The Gleaner, Saturday, May 8, 1999.
