Response from the Diocese of Arlington to the changes at Marymount University 

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington was informed of Marymount University's decision to eliminate various majors including theology just prior to the public announcement, but his counsel was not requested.

Bishop Burbidge has the responsibility to ensure the Catholic identity and theological instruction at any Catholic university in the Diocese conforms to the truths of the Catholic faith. Marymount is an independent Catholic university and as such, Bishop Burbidge has no authority over its operating governance. Since the proposal and any subsequent decision is an exercise of operational governance, Bishop Burbidge will accept  the final decision of the university. 

It is our understanding that, despite not having a major or minor program for theology, there would still be required theology classes in the curriculum. Bishop Burbidge will continue to work with the leadership of Marymount in matters related to the Catholic identity of the university.