William E. May, Moral Theologian, Rest In Peace

William E. May, moral theologian who taught at The Catholic University of America  from 1971 through 2008, has died at the age of 87.

Dr. May was the Michael J. McGivney Emeritus Professor of Moral Theology at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at The Catholic University of America.  He had taught at the Institute for 17 years, from 1991 to 2008.  Before that, he taught moral theology at The Catholic University of America from 1971 to 1991.

In September 2008, Dr. May was named senior fellow at the Culture of Life Foundation. He was also appointed by Pope St. John Paul II to serve as part of the International Theological Commission from 1986 to 1997.

Dr. May passed away this morning at 9:o0 a.m. surrounded by his wife Patricia, family and friends.  He  had been in critical condition following complications arising from an infection, according to a report from the Culture of Life Foundation.

Besides his family, Catholics around the world will mourn his passing.

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

*     *     *     *     *

During his lengthy academic career, Dr. William May authored more than a dozen books on Catholic moral theology, including the following:

• Catholic Sexual Ethics: A Summary, Explanation, & Defense (co-authored with Ronald Lawler, OFM Cap, and Joseph Boyle
• Catholic Bioethics and the Gift of Human Life
• Marriage: The Rock on Which the Family Is Built
• An Introduction to Moral Theology