Tribute to Father Thomas M. King, S. J. (1929-2009).

It is with great sadness that University Faculty for Life (UFL) marks the death of Father Thomas M. King S. J.

Father King (1929-2009) was the founding president of UFL and he led the organization for 15 years. Even after he stepped down as president, Father King was the heart of UFL. He was a distinguished scholar who always retained his intellectual curiosity. He also retained his great love for the Catholic Church and the priesthood and it was privilege for UFL members to have the opportunity to attend the Masses he celebrated during our meetings.

His commitment to the dignity and value of every human life was evident. Father King had a wonderful sense of humor and a great capacity for friendship. He inspired his students and professional colleagues to follow his example in courageously defending human life.

He will be sorely missed. Our annual meetings wil not be the same without him. 

We hope and pray that we will be able to carry on his work with the same faithfulness. 

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let the perpetual light shine upon him.  

Professor Nora O'Callaghan (a member of UFL’s Board) delivered remarks at Father King's funeral and she has graciously allowed us to post those remarks here:

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=94933672373&topic=9043

We also have provided links to other items that describe Father King's life and work.

Tribute by Francis Beckwith
http://www.firstthings.com/blogs/firstthoughts/2009/06/24/fr-thomas-king-s-j-1929-2009/

Tribute by Joseph Bottum
http://www.firstthings.com/blogs/firstthoughts/2009/06/25/re-fr-thomas-king-s-j-1929%e2%80%932009/

Tribute by Susan Wills
http://www.nrlc.org/news/2009/NRL07-08/RevKing.html

Tribute by Tim Kelleher
http://www.firstthings.com/blogs/firstthoughts/2009/06/25/thomas-king-s-j-%E2%80%93-an-enchantment/

Remarks by John J. DeGioia (President of Georgetown University)
http://president.georgetown.edu/sections/speeches/75487.html

Tribute from the Georgetown Hoya
http://www.thehoya.com/news/longtime-jesuit-professor-fr-thomas-king-dies-heart-attack-80/

Tribute from the Georgetown Voice
http://www.georgetownvoice.com/2009/01/29/40-years-of-1115-pm-mass/

Tribute from the Georgetown Alumni Online
http://alumni.georgetown.edu/default.aspx?page=NewsEventsFatherKing20090624

Tribute by Joseph K. Grieboski
http://amdg44.blogspot.com/2009/07/saintly-main-returns-home-thomas-king.html

Funeral Homily by Father Steve Spahn
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=94933672373&topic=9042

Obituary from the Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/27/AR2009062702307.html

Welcome to University Faculty for Life!

Who we are
University Faculty for Life was founded in 1989 to promote research, dialogue and publication by faculty who respect the value of human life from inception to natural death. Abortion, infanticide and euthanasia are highly controversial topics, but we believe they should not be resolved by the shouting, newsbites and slogans that have dominated popular presentations. Because we believe the evidence is on our side, we would like to assure a hearing for our views in the academic community.
 
Our three basic issues (abortion, infanticide and euthanasia) have many dimensions -- political, social, legal, medical, biological, psychological, ethical and religious. We do not have a detailed statement of orthodoxy; rather we have provided an interdisciplinary forum in which scholars can discuss these issues.
 
Since 1990 the UFL has published a quarterly newsletter named Pro Vita. Beginning in 1991 it has held an annual Conference at various university campuses, and, since 1992 the Conference proceedings have been published in book form and distributed to UFL members and hundreds of university libraries. We have sent letters to public figures who misstate biological facts and submitted several amicus curiae briefs on the life issues to the Supreme Court.
 
The media regularly show pro-life people as mindless zealots. We hope our presence will change that image. We also believe that academicians united on these issues can encourage others to speak out in their own schools and communities.
 
Goals of UFL
  • To provide a forum to foster multidisciplinary dialogue and collaboration among professors concerned about human life. This includes a newsletter, an annual conference and published proceedings.
  • To educate the community about life issues and the reasons behind pro-life positions. To this end we encourage and disseminate scholarly research by means of conferences, symposia, published proceedings, newsletters, book notices and reviews.
  • To make available academic materials and resources for pro-life groups, including a web site, bibliographies and videotapes of conferences and lectures. A directory of members will indicate those prepared to speak on these life issues.