Biographical Overview
Robert Frederick Drinan was born on November 15, 1920, in Boston, Massachusetts, and died on January 28, 2007, in Washington, D.C. A unique figure in American political history, Drinan was both a Catholic priest and a member of Congress, making him one of the few clergy members to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Before entering politics, Drinan had an distinguished academic and religious career. He was ordained as a Jesuit priest in 1953 and earned his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. He served as Dean of Boston College Law School from 1956 to 1970, where he established himself as a progressive voice on civil rights and social justice issues. During his tenure as dean, he transformed the law school into a nationally recognized institution and was an early advocate for increasing diversity in legal education.
Congressional Service
Election and Key Committee Assignments
Drinan was elected to Congress in 1970, defeating incumbent Republican Philip Philbin in Massachusetts's 4th congressional district. His victory was notable as he ran on an anti-Vietnam War platform during a period of significant social upheaval. Throughout his five terms in Congress from 1971 to 1981, he served on several important committees:
- House Judiciary Committee
- House Committee on Government Operations
- Select Committee on Intelligence
Notable Legislative Work and Political Positions
Drinan was a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War and consistently voted against military appropriations for the conflict. He was among the first members of Congress to call for President Nixon's impeachment, introducing articles of impeachment in 1973—even before the Watergate scandal fully unfolded—based on the secret bombing of Cambodia.
As a member of the Judiciary Committee, Drinan played a significant role in the Watergate hearings and the impeachment proceedings against President Nixon. His legal expertise and moral authority as a priest gave weight to his positions on constitutional matters and civil liberties issues.
Drinan was a strong advocate for human rights both domestically and internationally. He supported civil rights legislation, women's rights, and was an early champion of what would later become known as human rights diplomacy in foreign policy.
Historical Significance and Impact
Drinan's congressional career ended in 1981 when Pope John Paul II issued a directive prohibiting priests from holding elected office. This decision forced Drinan to choose between his religious vows and his political career; he chose to remain in the priesthood and did not seek reelection in 1980.
His decade in Congress demonstrated the potential for religious leaders to engage directly in the political process while maintaining their spiritual commitments. Drinan's approach to politics was deeply influenced by Catholic social teaching, particularly regarding peace, justice, and human dignity.
Lesser-Known Contributions and Legacy
After leaving Congress, Drinan continued his advocacy work as a professor at Georgetown University Law Center, where he taught until shortly before his death. He wrote extensively on human rights, constitutional law, and the intersection of religion and politics.
Drinan was instrumental in establishing the legal framework for modern human rights advocacy and helped found several human rights organizations. His book "Honor the Promise: America's Commitment to Israel" reflected his complex views on Middle East policy, while his work "The Mobilization of Shame" examined the effectiveness of human rights advocacy.
His unique position as both priest and politician provided him with a distinctive moral voice in American politics during a turbulent era, influencing discussions about the proper role of religious conviction in public service.