In
2004, the United States of Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved a policy statement called "Catholics in Political
Life," which says, with reference to pro-abortion politicians, "They should not be given awards, honors or platforms
which would suggest support for their actions."
[Barack] Obama has been called the "abortion president"
by pro-life activists, and his appearance at the university would appear to violate the USCCB's policy against honoring pro-abortion
politicians.
William Newton, a D.C. area attorney, wrote, "As an alumnus of Notre Dame Law School, I am deeply
offended that you would invite [Barack Obama] to speak at Commencement this year."
Newton then lists the numerous
pro-abortion decisions that Obama has made since assuming the office of the presidency. "This is the person that you
feel is worthy to address the students and faculty of Notre Dame...", writes Newton.
"Father Sorin must be
wringing his hands in heaven, that his successor would approve this disgrace. Shame on Notre Dame for choosing to scandalize
the faithful who continue to support the Catholic identity and mission of the University."
Conservative commentator
Kathryn Jean Lopez said on The Corner that the arrangement was "shameful."
"Last week the president
of the United States perpetrated an assault on human dignity. No statements or press releases will undo what Notre Dame's
position in the eyes of the world is in response: 'Doesn't matter,'" wrote Lopez. "We've got THE ONE. So much
for the One the school's namesake gave birth to."
"I've been optimistic that the radicalism of this administration
on life could be a real catalyst for renewal in many churches. At Notre Dame, the administration there just made a choice.
They took a giant step away from their identity as 'Catholic.' They [sic] rather be of this world than the one they supposedly
exist to bring people toward."
To contact Notre Dame:
Phone: (574) 631-5000
email form: http://president.nd.edu/contact-us
To contact the USCCB:
Cardinal Francis George, President
Archdiocese of Chicago
phone: 312-751-
8200
email: mfox@archchicago.org
Most Rev. Robert J. McManus, Chairman, Committee on Education
Diocese of Worcester
phone: 508-791-7171
committee email: catholiceducation@usccb.org
To contact Notre Dame's bishop:
Bishop John D'Arcy, Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese
Fort Wayne Chancery
phone: (260) 422-4611
Notre Dame Fellows:
Rev. E. William Beauchamp, C.S.C., President, U. of Portland
(503) 943-7101
Patrick F. McCartan, Senior partner,
Jones Day
(216) 586-7272
Email: pmccartan@jonesday.com
William M. Goodyear, CEO, Navigant Consulting
main: (312) 583-5700
list of all Notre Dame Fellows: http://www.nd.edu/leadership/fellows/
>> Back to Call for Jenkins to Resign
www.LifeSiteNews.com
