Bishop Listecki’s Statement on Notre Dame Invitation to President Obama
May 1, 2009
Bishop Jerome Edward Listecki
Bishop of La Crosse, Wisconsin
The University of Notre Dame recently invited President Obama
to give this spring’s commencement address and to receive an honorary degree in
law. This invitation was extended in spite of President Obama’s continual
offenses against the sanctity of human life through his executive actions and
appointments since taking office. In 2004 the U.S. Bishops established an
important principle: “The Catholic community and Catholic institutions should
not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They
should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for
their actions.” The decision of the President of Notre Dame to ignore the
Bishops and to give both a platform and an honor to President Obama is
indefensible. And so I raise my voice along with many of my brother Bishops, as
well as the faithful who have been deeply scandalized. I ask Fr. John Jenkins,
President of Notre Dame, to rescind the invitation. Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Rev. Jerome E. Listecki, Bishop of La Crosse
Faithful in the Diocese of La Crosse can express their
opposition to Notre Dame’s decision through an online petition sponsored by the
Cardinal Newman Society.
www.notredamescandal.com
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