He taught theology at Woodstock College (1960-1974) and the Catholic University of America (1974-1988), and was a visiting professor at numerous other institutions. The author of 23 books and over 750 articles, he was President of the Catholic Theological Society of America and the American Theological Society. He was also a member of the International Theological Commission and the U.S. Lutheran/Roman Catholic Dialogue, and a consultor to the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Doctrine. Hewas the Laurence J. McGinley Professor of Religion and Society at Fordham University, New York (1988-2008).
Created and proclaimed Cardinal by John Paul II in the consistory of 21 February 2001, of the Deaconry of SS. Nomi di Gesù e Maria in Via Lata (the Most Holy Names of Jesus and Mary in Via Lata).
Cardinal Avery Dulles, S.J. died on 12 December 2008.