Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Notre Dame's Bishop Rebukes Jenkins' Defense of Obama Honor
LifeSiteNews ^ | 4/22/09 | Kathleen Gilbert

Posted on 04/22/2009 3:55:45 PM PDT by wagglebee

SOUTH BEND, Indiana, April 22, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Bishop John D'Arcy of Fort Wayne-South Bend, whose diocese includes the University of Notre Dame, has issued a letter refuting University president Fr. John Jenkins' justification of honoring Obama at this year's commencement exercises.

A letter to the school's board of trustees from Fr. Jenkins was obtained exclusively and published by LifeSiteNews.com earlier this month. In the letter the president attempted to justify the school's plan, in light of a statement from the USCCB against honoring pro-abortion politicians, to give a platform and an honorary law degree to President Obama on May 17. 

Jenkins' comment was a response to several bishops who have condemned the invitation by pointing to the 2004 USCCB document "Catholics in Political Life," which states: "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 University president told trustees that he considers the invitation to honor Obama to be faithful to the "letter and the spirit" of the document, because in his opinion the document only forbids honoring pro-abortion politicians who are Catholic.  (http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/apr/09040808.html

In a statement dated yesterday, Bishop D'Arcy wrote that he had a duty to "respond and correct" Fr. Jenkins' letter to the board since it has become public.  "I take up this responsibility with some sadness, but also with the conviction that if I did not do so, I would be remiss in my pastoral responsibility," he added.

In the published summary of his letter to Fr. Jenkins, D'Arcy criticized the president for interpreting the document without consideration for D'Arcy's authority as bishop: "When there is a doubt concerning the meaning of a document of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, where does one find the authentic interpretation? A fundamental, canonical and theological principal states that it is found in the local bishop, who is the teacher and lawgiver in his diocese." 

Bishop D'Arcy informed Fr. Jenkins, who claimed to have consulted canon lawyers on the Obama invitation: "If there was any genuine questions or doubt about the meaning of the relevant sentence in the conference's document, any competent canonist with knowledge of the tradition and love for Christ's church had the responsibility to inform Father Jenkins of the fundamental principle that the diocesan bishop alone bears the responsibility to provide an authoritative interpretation."

The bishop refuted the line held by Fr. Jenkins that the invitation to Obama does not "suggest support" for his actions because Jenkins has expressed his disagreement with Obama on life issues.

"The outpouring of hundreds of thousands who are shocked by the invitation clearly demonstrates, that this invitation has, in fact, scandalized many Catholics and other people of goodwill," said Bishop D'Arcy, who noted he has already received over 3,300 messages of "shock, dismay and outrage" over the invitation.

"It seems that the action in itself speaks so loudly that people have not been able to hear the words of Father Jenkins, and indeed, the action has suggested approval to many," he said.

The bishop also commented on talking points on the controversy that were issued to the Notre Dame board of trustees. The talking points had also been obtained and published exclusively by LSN, before being picked up by the mainstream media.

Bishop D'Arcy asked Fr. Jenkins "to correct, and if possible, withdraw the erroneous talking points," saying they are "simply wrong and give a flawed justification for his actions."

"I consider it now settled - that the USCCB document, 'Catholics in Public Life,' does indeed apply in this matter," said Bishop D'Arcy, who indicated that the invitation would not have happened had he been consulted. 

"Proper consultation could have prevented an action, which has caused such painful division between Notre Dame and many bishops - and a large number of the faithful," he said.

The bishop concluded with a pledge "to work with Father Jenkins and all at Notre Dame to heal the terrible breach, which has taken place between Notre Dame and the church. It cannot be allowed to continue.

"I ask all to pray that this healing will take place in a way that is substantial and true, and not illusory. Notre Dame and Father Jenkins must do their part if this healing is to take place. I will do my part."

To see Bishop D'Arcy's full statement: http://www.diocesefwsb.org/COMMUNICATIONS/statements.htm

Fr. Jenkins recently dug in his heels on the invitation, saying Obama's presence would be a "tremendous event" for Notre Dame despite strong condemnations and calls to revoke the honor from 42 U.S. bishops and hundreds of thousands of petitioning Catholics. (petition: http://www.notredamescandal.com)

See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:

ND President Jenkins: "We Are Tremendously Proud" to Honor Obama at Notre Dame
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/apr/09042104.html

Canon Lawyer: Notre Dame Prez Reasoning "Too Bizarre for Words"
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/apr/09041403.html

Leaked: ND Prez Comment on USCCB Document Prohibiting Honoring Pro-Abortion Politicians
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/apr/09040808.html

Revealed: Obama Commencement Talking Points for University of Notre Dame Trustees
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/apr/09040710.html

Notre Dame's Bishop on Obama's Pro-Abortion Views: "No One Is Allowed to Say Who Sits at Table of Life"
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/apr/09040804.html



TOPICS: Culture/Society; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: abortion; bhoabortion; catholic; moralabsolutes; notredamescandal; prolife
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-4041-6061-8081-85 next last
In the published summary of his letter to Fr. Jenkins, D'Arcy criticized the president for interpreting the document without consideration for D'Arcy's authority as bishop: "When there is a doubt concerning the meaning of a document of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, where does one find the authentic interpretation? A fundamental, canonical and theological principal states that it is found in the local bishop, who is the teacher and lawgiver in his diocese."

Perfect!

1 posted on 04/22/2009 3:55:45 PM PDT by wagglebee
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: cgk; Coleus; cpforlife.org; narses; Salvation; 8mmMauser

Pro-Life Ping


2 posted on 04/22/2009 3:56:30 PM PDT by wagglebee ("A political party cannot be all things to all people." -- Ronald Reagan, 3/1/75)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: NYer; Pyro7480; Mrs. Don-o

Ping for your lists.


3 posted on 04/22/2009 3:56:51 PM PDT by wagglebee ("A political party cannot be all things to all people." -- Ronald Reagan, 3/1/75)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: 185JHP; 230FMJ; 50mm; 69ConvertibleFirebird; Aleighanne; Alexander Rubin; ...
Moral Absolutes Ping!

Freepmail wagglebee or DirtyHarryY2K to subscribe or unsubscribe from the moral absolutes ping list.

FreeRepublic moral absolutes keyword search
[ Add keyword moral absolutes to flag FR articles to this ping list ]


4 posted on 04/22/2009 3:57:48 PM PDT by wagglebee ("A political party cannot be all things to all people." -- Ronald Reagan, 3/1/75)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: wagglebee

"The bishop concluded with a pledge "to work with Father Jenkins and all at Notre Dame to heal the terrible breach, which has taken place between Notre Dame and the church. It cannot be allowed to continue. "I ask all to pray that this healing will take place in a way that is substantial and true, and not illusory. Notre Dame and Father Jenkins must do their part if this healing is to take place. I will do my part."

Woh!

5 posted on 04/22/2009 4:02:27 PM PDT by HowlinglyMind-BendingAbsurdity
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: wagglebee

I wonder who Fr. Jenkins “consulted” with before issuing his invitation to Obama? Fr. Richard McBrien?

Good for Bishop D’Arcy.


6 posted on 04/22/2009 4:04:21 PM PDT by Cicero (Marcus Tullius)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: wagglebee

7 posted on 04/22/2009 4:10:18 PM PDT by Zakeet (Thou Shalt Not Steal -- Unless thou art the government)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: wagglebee

Go Bishop D’Arcy!


8 posted on 04/22/2009 4:16:33 PM PDT by Right Wing Assault ( Obama, you're off the island!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: wagglebee
The President of Notre Dame suggests that Catholic moral standards apply only to Catholics.

WOW!!!!

Where'd you find that guy? I thought the Catholic Church had abandoned that standard just about the end of the Thirty Years War.

It's probably best the President of the school be removed and sent back to the GDR or something where he belongs.

9 posted on 04/22/2009 4:17:49 PM PDT by muawiyah
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: wagglebee

I am not a Catholic, but have become a staunch ally and friend of the Catholic church. I fully intend on going to Notre Dame on April 29 to protest if this farce is still going on.

Make no mistake, we are at war with evil...it is everywhere we look right now. Consider Miss California and her trial by fire so to speak, may we all do as well as she did.


10 posted on 04/22/2009 4:19:28 PM PDT by Wpin (I do not regret my admiration for W)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: wagglebee
Fr. Jenkins recently dug in his heels on the invitation, saying Obama's presence would be a "tremendous event" for Notre Dame...

Oh, I'm sure Father Jenkins believes it would be wonderful for Notre Dame because it would make the school look SO sophisticated, to the folks, both Catholic and non-Catholic, who get annoyed with anyone who truly LIVES their faith. Sadly, many families who have kids at ND belong in that category.

11 posted on 04/22/2009 4:38:03 PM PDT by SuziQ
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SuziQ
Mr. Jenkins is getting what he wants:

Ave Maria University is now Our Lady's University

CINO Jenkins apparently finds it embarassing to steadfastly and inconveniently try to uphold authentic Catholic principles and exemplify Catholic doctrines in all situations.

12 posted on 04/22/2009 4:53:56 PM PDT by Notwithstanding (Member of the Long Grey Line)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: wagglebee; Salvation; narses; SMEDLEYBUTLER; redhead; Notwithstanding; nickcarraway; Romulus; ...
Catholic Ping List
Please freepmail me if you want on/off this list


13 posted on 04/22/2009 4:54:35 PM PDT by NYer ("Run from places of sin as from a plague." - St. John Climacus)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: wagglebee

Obama has no honor.


14 posted on 04/22/2009 4:54:55 PM PDT by freekitty (Give me back my conservative vote.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Notwithstanding
Ave Maria University is now Our Lady's University

True that!

15 posted on 04/22/2009 5:01:47 PM PDT by SuziQ
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: freekitty
The University president told trustees that he considers the invitation to honor Obama to be faithful to the "letter and the spirit" of the document, because in his opinion the document only forbids honoring pro-abortion politicians who are Catholic..

Wonder how Jenkins words this to the Lord when he is praying.

What a worm.

16 posted on 04/22/2009 5:03:54 PM PDT by Republic (Jedem das Seine)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: All
Pinged from Terri Dailies


17 posted on 04/22/2009 5:07:06 PM PDT by wagglebee ("A political party cannot be all things to all people." -- Ronald Reagan, 3/1/75)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: wagglebee

I don’t want to hear it.

The bishops in general have had more than enough dialogues with these subversives of the Faith. It’s time for them to act, or shut up.


18 posted on 04/22/2009 5:13:09 PM PDT by m4629
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: m4629
Agreed.

Notre Dame needs to get rid of this scumbag Jenkins like yesterday. There is not a doubt in my mind that Jenkins voted for the man who proudly voted FOR infanticide while an Illinois state senator.

19 posted on 04/22/2009 5:25:58 PM PDT by Lancey Howard
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]

To: Republic

Oh Geez. What a little hole this worm is crawling through.


20 posted on 04/22/2009 5:28:05 PM PDT by freekitty (Give me back my conservative vote.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-4041-6061-8081-85 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson