Posted on 04/17/2009 7:34:52 AM PDT by rhema
University of Notre Dame alumni and financial supporters on Thursday launched an online campaign to withhold donations to the Catholic school until the Rev. John Jenkins is replaced as president.
ReplaceJenkins.com is calling for the appointment of a president who “is committed to the authentic identity of Notre Dame” and “grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Church.”
“We feel strongly that the University should not honor President Barack Obama, given his well known commitment to abortion in the broadest possible context,” the Web site says.
Coalition representative Joe DiFranco, a ’57 alumnus, said Rev. Jenkins’ decision to “honor” President Barack Obama by inviting him to speak at Notre Dame’s commencement and awarding him an honorary degree “calls into question Father Jenkins’ judgment and leadership.”
“Alumni and supporters of Notre Dame who for years have proudly donated hundreds of millions of dollars to the University deserve better,” DiFranco said in a news release on Thursday.
During his first 100 days in office, President Obama has signed an order to allow taxpayer funding for stem cell research that kills human embryos; he resumed the use of taxpayer dollars for international groups that support or perform abortions; and his administration has proposed rescinding conscience protections for pro-life medical professionals.
During his campaign, Obama promised the Planned Parenthood Federation of America that “the first thing I’d do as president” would be to sign the Freedom of Choice Act into law. The federal legislation would eliminate state and federal restrictions on abortion, including waiting periods, parental consent, and the ban on partial-birth abortion.
While ReplaceJenkins.com is urging alumni and supporters to withhold contributions to Notre Dame's general fund, the group is urging donors to continue supporting campus pro-life organizations such as the Center for Ethics and Culture or the Notre Dame Fund to Protect Life.
Donations to these University-sanctioned groups will benefit the pro-life cause at Notre Dame, but will not go into the general fund, the alumni said.
ReplaceJenkins.com says its campaign is not personally or politically motivated, but it is opposed to actions that run counter to Catholic teaching:
“ReplaceJenkins.com fully supports academic freedom at the University of Notre Dame, but we believe that the truths revealed by Christ through His Church must be taught and defended by a faithful Catholic University.”
Bishop Sheen has been quoted as recommending attending a good state university with a good Newman Club.It is interesting that Texas A.M. has been a leading source of priestly vocations in recent years.
Students seem to be a tad selective in what they protest.
Ok that's part of being a funded know it all mush brain, be we, the enlightened Alum contributors are demanding a little accountability here.
http://michellemalkin.com/2006/03/29/the-american-flag-comes-second/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/06/AR2009040603581.html
Yeah, alumni are the best!! I signed when this was placed.
Thanks!
Indeed, when attempting to communicate with atheist filth like Jenkins, it is the only thing that talks.
Maybe it will help them decide to attend a real university instead of an abortion mill.
That is a great point.. Perhaps the Catholics can only maintain their traditions outside of their own institutions. That is a sad commentary by Bishop Sheen.
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