Seattle Prep's Father Shea Resigns -- Health Complications From Aids Prompt Departure From School

Asking for "prayers and understanding" the Rev. Terry Shea, president of Seattle Preparatory School in Seattle, announced yesterday that he will resign due to health complications from AIDS.

"I recognize that news of my illness comes as a surprise and shock to many people. But with the support of my family and friends I have been able to face the consequences of living with AIDS," Shea said in a statement.

Shea, 57, did not say how he contracted the HIV virus, which causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

The virus destroys the body's immune system. It is transmitted through sexual intercourse, through shared hypodermic needles, from mother to child before or during birth and can be transmitted through blood transfusions.

Brad Reynolds, spokesman for Seattle Preparatory School, said Shea spoke to the faculty about his illness yesterday and that the gathering was very supportive. He said the school has sent out nearly 1,000 notices about Shea's resignation, including a letter from Shea, to students' families.

Shea also has prepared a personal letter to be read to students in class on Monday, Reynolds said.

Shea's resignation did not come as a complete surprise to the faculty and staff of the school, Reynolds said, because Father Shea had recently lost weight and appeared ill.

"I think there were probably some speculations and rumors going around and I think Terry realized that given his own lack of strength and energy that he had to make an explanation," Reynolds said.

Shea, who was ordained in 1968, will continue to function as president of the school until June 30. The school's board of trustees is expected to name an acting president later this month.

Shea is believed to be the first Jesuit priest in Seattle diagnosed as having AIDS.

A Jesuit pastor in Portland, the Rev. Peter Davis, died in 1988 after earlier announcing he had acquired AIDS. Davis was a Seattle native.

Shea became president of Seattle Preparatory School in June, 1992.

Prior to that he taught in the political-science department at Seattle University, where he specialized in political economy.