Newark Archbishop John J. Myers joined a growing list of Catholic bishops yesterday to publicly condemn the University of Notre Dame's invitation to President Obama to be principal speaker and recipient of an honorary doctorate at its commencement May 17.
Anonymous
I agree with John. Being a Catholic for 31 years and a pro-life supporter, I would never have anyone speak at an event that I would ever put on that didn't have the same beliefs as the company, instituition or person putting on the event. Notre Dame really dropped the ball on this one.
I wonder if the Pope knows this is happening!!!
j bray
If anybody should get an honary degree ist should be someone who was with patton or in battle of midway or flew bombing runs over germany not a guy who wouldent be where he is except of the guilt of the nation of christians
Anonymous
That guy jon said going against the constitution is unamerican, the constitution was created on the idea of putting wut u believe is right before the law. However, barack obama is our president, he deserves to speak at notre dame, if u wanna protest, do it outside, don't force opinion, just make an effort to persuade.
MJ
Whats with this Anonymous thing. No guts no glory. I hope Fox does a flow chart on how many O fanatics sign up as Anonymous.
Cheerio22
As a Catholic, I believe Notre Dame should never have invited Obama to speak and consider it more appalling that they intend to honor him by bestowing on him an honorary degree. Notre Dame has put aside it's values in order to achieve "fame" as "the prominent Catholic university that dared to invite a president that not only endorses and funds abortion, but voted to deny the rights of a child to survive after a botched late term abortion". I would not have doubted if Obama himself "asked" to be invited just so he could slap Catholics in the face. So many are "charmed" by his quick smile without seeing through the transparant person behind that smile.
John
As a resident of northern Indiana, in the shadows of Notre Dame, I am deeply disappointed with the University's decision to invite president Obama to the great Catholic university. I guess I just don't understand why a Catholic university would invite someone to speak whose views are the complete opposite than those of the university.
Oliver
Perhaps the leaders of the University are more open minded individuals then some of the people in this discussion. Just an idea.
MJ
It is a CATHOLIC University. For NOW Catholics do have a right to our opinion....whether YOU or the O's like it.
Gabby55
I agree and disagree with both of you. It is not uncommon for a university to invite someone of opposing viewpoints. That is how you get students to make an informed decision, if all views are presented. It is another to invite someone of entirely different views and an agenda that adversely opposes the beliefs of the university. ND is not a state university. It is supported by the Catholic Church, its congregations and supporters. They have a profound right that an event as important as a graduation, that the speaker at least have views consistent with the fundamental philosophy and principles established over 100 years ago and held sacred today.
Oliver
The issue of abortion isn't even the question here. Bush was seen as anti-science by many in academia. That doesn't mean that he should be ignored and not allowed to speak somewhere. Obama talks of overcoming our differences to reach and understanding. Maybe some of the people here missed that message.
MJ
Excuse me dearie, Repubs put up with the outragous attacks on Bush and Repubs for 8 years. Sorry, until you put me in a concentration camp I have the right, as a Catholic to say: Don't spit on my Religion.
Anonymous
As an American, I have the right to say: Don't spit on my COUNTRY!
Jon
If you all disagree with a woman's right to choose, then you're disagreeing with the Constitution. That is unAmerican. So therefore, you're all unAmerican.
Think of how you would feel if people were anti-gun because they cause death. Yes, guns are responsible for tens of thousands of deaths in this country, but it's a right to own guns in the Constitution.
Anonymous
Please show me directly where a woman's right to choose is in the Constitution. It was an opinion of the Justices on privacy and one of the reasons it remains an argument today. if anyone was really serious about resolving the controversy, a Constitutional ammendment would be proposed and voted on by the public.
The Famous Mo
Ahhhh no. Roe v Wade is a direct violation of the Constitution. Comparing it to the Second Amendment is like comparing apples and Volvos. Abortion is SPECIFICALLY the destruction of an unborn child. Gun rights were put in the Constitution for the protection of the citizens against their own government, in that a government would be less likely to attempt tyranny against an armed populace.
Nancy
it is not unAmerian to save a life. A woman can choose to abort a viable "thing" so the stem cell reseaches can recognize how valuable their organs are and use them for organ transplant. Catholics that is true catholics are consistent. They believe in life. That is at conception until dealth. Catholics are against abortion and death penilty. Saying it is the constitution is a poor excuse to justy killing. How can somone like Scott Peterson be punihsed to dealth for killing TWO people. His wife was only pregnant. The baby has not rights only the mother carring it can choose to destroy its life. WOW... how ironic.
Carl
Jon this is the Catholic belief. This is not about the Constitution. If you understood that part then you would see why abortion is a sin to us. If you still don't see it then your a lost cause to talk to.
Anonymous
Notre Dame has lost it's credibility and common sense. Obama has cast his spell on the uninformed and weak. The Catholic community should be up in arms, but the weak and silent will do nothing. What a shame.
Catholics
Catholics did it to themselves. So many Catholics voted for Oboma and they didn't care about thier moral religious ethics when they went to the voting booths. So now what... voters remorse. I am Catholic and proudly voted for McCain and Palin. The Catholics who voted for a man who is fundamentally against so much of the Catholic believe... I just wonder what happen to them. Now we have to live with the choices. I am saddended so many Catholics voted for a man that disregards the most vulnerable... the unborn waiting to be strong enough for birth. Sad. just Sad
Oh God!
What we all should do is offer prayers and supplication unto the Lord. Not one of these post have offered up prayer for our President. It just amazes me how many people out there that are without sin. I say we give all the children in this nation a bucket full of stones and let them throw them at each and every one of us. After all they will be our judges. Is the Catholic church without sin? Are they not partial in their judgments and laws. Haven't they profaned the temple of God with their transgressions. How can they have child molesters amongst them and condemn abortion? Do they not know that their sins are uncovered and not hid from our Father? They have hidden the truth and spoken lies yet they think that they are the true church. They have murdered and raped countless peoples, they have oppressed and enslaved and did they not destroy Jerusalem and carry away captives into slavery? God isn't slack on His promises whether it be for good or bad. What did our Father say He was going to do against any nation that comes against Jerusalem? Destroy them!
They have taken the candle and hid it under a bush and Jesus said He knows their works and if they don't repent He will take the candle from the church and put out the light forever. One church, one God and One Body Of Christ. Repnt for the kingdom of God is near, even at your front door.
Sharon
If Obama had "any class" at all, he'd decline the invitation to speak at Notre Dame due to the controversey going on at this time. He's absolutely clueless or doesn't care about how strong Catholics feel about abortions. Shame on him!
Andrea
Maybe someday Obama will become a Catholic, who knows?
Terminator
There is nothing he can say as president that will disguise his unapologetic intent as a committed promoter, funder and distributor of abortion. Next will be legislation that forces Catholic hospitals and all pro-life doctors to facilitate abortions -- any legalized form of it -- and eventually infanticide. Are we ready for that????
Chris in Fort Wayne
Let the man speak at Notre Dame. Maybe he will tick off one of the nuns and she can crack him over the head with one of those "clickers" (remember those?) and pull him off the stage by his ear!
Anonymous
I can certainly understand why Catholics are deeply disturbed at President Obama's invitation to speak at the the commencement exercises for Notre Dame. The strongly held beliefs of Catholics and all Christians seem to be easily dismissed by this administration. And Catholics are not likely to be fooled by this eloquent speaker into accepting his policies. However, in fairness, we should remember President Obama was invited by Notre Dame. While protesters should continue to voice their opposition, to President Obama's policies, the University president should be held accountable for extending the invitation.
Anonymous
This is absurd. Every practicing Catholic should have the same morals. This also means that every Catholic should also see abortion and embryonic stem cell research as MURDER. I understand that some people, "Liberals", and other people, who see morality as being relative, don't care or possibly don't understand that these acts are, in fact, evil. But to Invite someone, Obama, who not only supports these evils but is causing these plagues in our country to become even more rampid is an outrage. Notre Dame, You should be ashamed! God forbid that he should, in some way, influence the minds of the weak.
Eileen
The two priests that were interviewed on FOX had two opposing views on whether Obama should speak at Notre Dame. One priest put his faith first while the other priest put American education first. Education without Religion becomes a mindless game of achievement where people are bent on 'getting more' than the other person. This is why so many liberals believe they need to take from others so that they can 'get' more. Our Catholoc principles need to come before the popularity and success of the instution of Notre Dame school. It is time Catholics start to stand up for the faith and stop these people who have the language of an 'educated person' to infiltrate the church with all their 'colorful language' that misleads many in the flock. It is good to be educated but not at the expense of our faith! The whole world revolves around the nucleus of creation - which is God. It does not revolve around educational institutions!
Anonymous
There is a problem with America. We tend to be too excepting of people and their beliefs even if it rubs against the grain of our core convictions. By the acceptance in the name of “change, equality…political correctness” we weakened our foundation as a nation.
Gene
Bama Dama looks like The Joker in Batman with that phony grin. that's why he is a joke. He and his cronies will take my country to scary heights with no end in sight down the road.
Anonymous
If Obama showed up....it means he has no feelings, no understanding, no empathy, or No love in his heart. As a leader like Obama.....wouldn't you have shown an ounce of common sense???? and if you did use common sense it probably means your careless, thoughtless and cold. You would think he'd carefully, respectfully think about this whole situation.
P Jared Lechner
Having a politician in a church of any kind is risking damnation on the building. All know that the only thing worshiped by politicians are politicans. but if the president was invited to speak let him speak. The worst that can happen is that his teleprompter will fail and he will just stand there.
Robert J.
One should be careful where one draws a target, it could come back to bite you!
Anonymous
I wounder how much that will cost the tax payers for the flight out there on air farce uno someone to play BBall with and the three tele-prompters and yes someone to write the speach or all the will get is a bunch of ums and uhs you know
Anonymous
Those priests who invited O'Bama to speak knowing his propensity towards abortion and partial birth abortion are to blame for this debochle however, if O'bama had any sense of courtesy, he would excuse himself. Nope, I'm inclined to think he would rather tweek the nose of Catholics or anyone who disagrees with him in any way.
JaneK
I hope the students of Notre Dame have more integrity than their university president. If they walk out when Obama comes in, they will make the point that "Life is the first of the inalienable rights endowed by our creator. "
I am heartsick over what is happening at what used to be one of the most respected Catholic universities. Not only has this brought shame to Notre Dame, it has ruined what should be a wonderful commencement day for the graduates and their families.
jerseygrown
Christina: I couldn't agree with you more. My sister-in-law is a nurse and this troubles her greatly. I don't see the govt. telling Muslims in this country to go against their moral beliefs. It does make one question Obama's "Christianity"? His mother was a self proclaimed atheist, so how much Christian teaching could he have received?
Anonymous
Obama administration is messing with the Constitutional rights for Americans. He is not out to lead America, only to put us under his rules, taxes, laws. He should not be speaking at Notre Dame, not with his thoughts on abortion, he should not be given the privilege of speaking there.
CP3UMD
Anyone who is a real Christian and puts their faith first can't vote for someone like Obama, He is grossly pro choice, and ruining our country.
mrrobertbuenger
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/treason
traitor
Main Entry: trai·tor
Pronunciation: \ˈtrÄ-tÉ™r\
Function: noun
Etymology:
Middle English traytour, from Anglo-French traitre, from Latin traditor, from tradere to hand over, deliver, betray, from trans-, tra- trans- + dare to give — more at date
Date:
13th century
1 : one who betrays another's trust or is false to an obligation or duty 2 : one who commits treason
Treason
2 entries found.
1.treason
2.high treason
Main Entry: trea-son
Pronunciation: \ˈtrē-zən\
Function: noun
Etymology:
Middle English tresoun, from Anglo-French traisun, from Latin tradition-, traditio act of handing over, from tradere to hand over, betray — more at traitor
Date:
13th century
1 : the betrayal of a trust : treachery 2 : the offense of attempting by overt acts to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance or to kill or personally injure the sovereign or the sovereign's family
I submitt the President and the his appointies have commited treason against the United States of America. President Barrack H. Obama has just suplanted the U.S. Constitution with an international agreement which says the international community laws are the highest laws of this land. The President has violated his oath of office, and stepped beyond the power of his office. A call for Impeechment must be made now! What say you? What say others? Ask and find out!
Dorothy in NC
The lack of courage shown by the church's hierarchy is very disappointing... again. How we can honor the Abortion President in this way is beyond comprehension. Is it just me, or is the whole world crazy with fawning over him? Will nobody hold him accountable for his total lack of respect for ALL humans?
ddland45
Second attempt to post.
WOW!!!!!!
WHEN did PRESIDENT OBAMA say he was for abortion?? WHERE is his "lack of respect for ALL humans"??
WHAT laws did PRESIDENT OBAMA put us under that weren't already laws for years??
WHO among you can honestly condemn people that are Pro-Choice, when you sat in silence while your Catholic leaders, from your Pope to your parrish, were committing sodomy and rape on your young children?
WHY can't you understand that the United States of America isn't a THEOCRASY. I am personally against abortion, but I'm not going to tell some 14 year-old rape victim that they have to carry the product of that rape for 9 months just because someone else believes its wrong not to do so.
PRESIDENT OBAMA is not going to Notre Dame to convert the "faithful" He's not bashing your church or its followers. If you disagree with him being invited, fine. Turn FOXNEWS off IF they broadcast his speech and mind your business.
Stephanie
While debating whether a second doctor must be present to confirm tht an aborted child was actually born alive (This is in the Illinois Senate transcript...you can look it up), an Obama question was "did it come out limp and dead?" Repulsive! He should not have a place of honor at a Catholic University, POTUS or not.
Anonymous
You go guys, you should also invite the Rev. Wright while your at it. So disappointed in your decision.
Paul E
As a Catholic I am appalled by Notre Dame's invitation to President Obama. Our belief in the Right to Life is fundamental to our beliefs and is basic to the condition of all other personal rights. Inviting this president to speak at this instition is indeed an afront to all Catholic christians. This being said, I take issue with some of our hierarchy in the church who have made rather hollow statements concerning this issue but who did not even make the faintest objection in Oct. of 2008 when the then presidential hopeful, Obama, was invited by Cardinal Egan to speak at the Al Smith dinner when his views on abortion were already widely known. I don't recall an outrage then, by anyone, but there should have been. We, as individual Catholics, must continue to make our voices heard because we can't always rely on most of the bishops and cardinals who sometimes caught up in there own pomp and circumstance.
Robert Laity
"NOTRE SHAME" (on a T-shirt I recently saw)
Midwest Patriot
I think Obama's acceptance is an "in your face" to all Catholics and people who are pro-life. His massive ego obliterates any sensitive feelings he might have.
Anonymous
It is heart warming to see that unborn children still have people fighting for them.
Oliver
I disagree. Just because people have differing opinions doesn't mean that we have to ostracize each other. That is part of the message that Obama ran under. Also it is not very Christian to do so. The Bishop ought to follow his savior's lead and not be the one to cast the first stone.
Dave in Springfield MO
I asure you, the Bishop never advocated the death of a child before it was given a chance to see the light of day. Let's stay on point, our Lord would never give public attention and positive attention to Pontius Pilate.
Lefty in PA
You forget that Christ cleaned the moneychangers from the temple.
Catholics do not believe in abortion. The local bishop is correct not to attend. Too bad ND doesn't have the stones to tell the president, thank you but no thank you.