McGinley Chair History

The Laurence J. McGinley Chair in Religion and Society was established in 1985 to attract distinguished scholars interested in the interaction of religion with the legal, political and cultural forces in our pluralistic American society.

The chair, first held by Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J., from 1988 until his death in December 2008, is named in honor of Laurence J. McGinley, S.J., who attained distinction as a professor of theology before becoming the 26th president of Fordham University.

Thomas Massaro, S.J.

Laurence J. McGinley Professor of Religion and Society
September 2024 – Present
Father Massaro's Biography

Past McGinley Chairs

Patrick J. Ryan, S.J.

Laurence J. McGinley Professor of Religion and Society
2009 – 2022
Father Ryan’s Biography
McGinley Chair Citation (PDF)

Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J.

Laurence J. McGinley Professor of Religion and Society
1988-2008
Avery Cardinal Dulles Biography