What happens when a Catholic professor goes to work for the government?

Chad Pecknold, a tenured theology professor at The Catholic University of America, will take a leave of absence from 2026 to 2028 to serve as the head of cultural outreach for the Department for Homeland Security’s Office for Partnership and Engagement.

The university announced the move, which involves Pecknold stepping away from his position at the Catholic School of Theology and Religious Studies. While faculty members at the university often take leaves of absence for government service, Pecknold's role places him within a department responsible for immigration enforcement, detention, and deportation policies. These specific government actions have previously faced criticism from various bishops.