Notre Dame's Bishop Rebukes Jenkins' Defense of Obama Honor

LifeSiteNews ^ | 4/22/09 | Kathleen Gilbert

[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

[Robwin]

This Jenkinsm, OPP (Order of Pontius Pilate) is just a total sleazebag.

If Obowma had any class he would decline the invitation. Which is another way of saying he won't.

[wagglebee]

OPP (Order of Pontius Pilate)

LMAO!

Perhaps Order of Judas Iscariot?

[Dr. Scarpetta]

bttt

[Paved Paradise]

Bumping for people to pray about the meeting.

[potlatch]

Thanks Mrs.D. Didn’t we also sign a petition on this?

[Road Warrior ‘04]

If, God forbid, (can I say God and not offend ND /s) will Zero have all of the crosses and statues covered up?

[potlatch]

[Bishop John D'Arcy of Fort Wayne-South Bend, whose diocese includes the University of Notre Dame]

I am missing something here. Why doesn't the Bishop just forbid it if it is in his diocese? Reprimands aren't going to work.

[AFreeBird]

I am missing something here. Why doesn't the Bishop just forbid it if it is in his diocese? Reprimands aren't going to work.

The Church may indeed be a Church, but it is, as with any organization of such size, and history; a political animal as well.

Still, IMHO, This is the money quote:

The failure to consult the local bishop who, whatever his unworthiness, is the teacher and lawgiver in the diocese, is a serious mistake. 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.

That division must be addressed through prayer and action, and I 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 this layperson, it sounds as if the Good Bishop is giving Fr. Jenkins the opportunity to correct his mistake. And it should be a substantial correction and not illusory.

If Fr. Jenkins fails to do as he's been told, he will pay the price. Now whether or not this happens, and happens in a substantial way before the scheduled visit by the abortionist in chief, I can't say.

It should happen before, and it should include withdrawing the invitation. And I think perhaps a reading between the lines, might have told Fr. Jenkins exactly that.

[potlatch]

Thank you FreeBird. I am familiar with all that you wrote and it's obvious that Jenkins is defying the Bishops.

There was a time when Priests respected and feared their Bishop. My father was in charge of finances at our local church and had many quarrels with the Priest over financial matters.

Each time my father would simply say, “Let's ask the Bishop” and the Priest would back down, lol.

Being the University president is certainly a much more powerful position. Another case of power corrupting and giving someone a ‘big head’.

Once upon a time Bishops adhered to and enforced the laws of the church.

[dangus]

There’s not much the bishop can do, besides establish truth. Most Catholic universities were handed over to laity in the 1970s. “In the Spirit of Vatican II,” they decided laity (and non-Catholics!) should be on university boards, and the universities should mirror secular academics. Plus, Fr. Jenkins is not a diocesan priest. The most the diocese could do is banish Fr. Jenkins from holding public mass in the diocese, in which case the University would probably appoint a layman to replace him. Then, just like St. John’s and a host of other “Catholic Universities” they would still market their “Catholic heritage” so no-one would ever realize they were in no way a Catholic university.

[devolve]

.

I’m also looking at the Bishop’s last words:

“I’ll work with Jenkins to heal....”

(let us move on and forget this soon)

[dangus]

Thanks, Mrs. Don-o. I hope in some of our minor disagreements, I’ve never failed to show you the respect you deserve. You do good work around here.

[potlatch]

[“I’ll work with Jenkins to heal....”]

He’s taking a page out of Obama’s book...

[dangus]

Not quite his last words. After that, he said:
“...the terrible breach, which has taken place between Notre Dame and the church.” That’s actually very shocking language, since it places Notre Dame outside of the church! You can’t put something between two subjects, unless they are not together!

[AFreeBird]

Agreed that Fr. Jenkins holds a position above that of a mere priest. ND is a flagship Catholic University in this country, and holding the position of it leader carries with it some power and prestige. And it's been obvious he's been defying the Bishops. I mean he has, at last count, 42 Bishops publicly rebuking him, and I think at least one Cardinal.

And while the Pope (whom I would hope has been apprised of the situation) hasn't publicly addressed the matter, having a Cardinal and 42 Bishops coming down on you, ought to tell Fr. Jenkins he's treading on real thin ice.

I'm sure Bishop D'Arcy has been told to clean up this mess, it is his diocese after all, and that leads us back to his most recent, pointed letter.

[hinckley buzzard]

Fr. Jenkins, who claimed to have consulted canon lawyers on the Obama invitation

Compelling evidence that this man Jenkins may in fact be a clinically disturbed psychopath.

[Mrs. Don-o]

We've been back and forth on this on a number of related threads. The problem is that most nominally Catholic Universities, including Note Dame, have been separately incorporated (not belonging to any Diocese or religious order) and under the control of self-perpetuating Boards of Trustees since the late 60's. Most people --- even most Catholics --- even graduates of Catholic Universities! ---don't realize that.

What keeps these Universities sorta-kinda-Catholic is complicated, but it's mostly an old-boys-network institutional tribalism. Most of them have had ongoing, decades-long see-sawing struggles. Some still retain a majority of believing Trustees and/or faculty, most have at least a strong Catholic faction --- and some don't.

And one more thing. A college or university can"officially" call itself Catholic only with a permission from the local bishop, permission which is sometimes revoked.

Some of the university people would be deeply disturbed and troubled by this. Some others would say "No problem: I don't give a flying fig about the Catholic Church anyhow." And many think they could "split the difference" by calling thmselves, ambiguously, "a college in the Catholic tradition" or a "a college with a Catholic heritage" or some such dish of noodles. Nobody can stop them from doing that: "Catholic" isn't a licensed trademark like KFC.

"Officially Being Catholic", however, is still really important when it comes to alumni donors and foundation funders. Especially in a place like Notre Dame.

That's what's in play here. Bishop D'Arcy seems to have gotten to his feet, found his mitre and crozier, cleared his throat, and threatened to pull Notre Dame's permission to be considered a "Catholic University."

That's news.

His backbone has been fortified by a tremendous, even unprecedented groundswell of plain-Joe-Catholic opinion against the Obama thing --- 330,000 people have signed a "disinvite Obama" petition.

That's also news.

And 42 bishops are basically supporting D'Arcy in saying "This would be a good place to draw the line."

If we win one, it'll help scuttle the Obamabots' long-term strategy to divide and then destroy the Church. And it'll put a needed dose of fear-of-the-Lord into all the Catholic colleges --- all the way down the line.

So it's exciting. The Good Guys are finally fighting back.

[don-o]

Very good observation. Thanks for expanding upon the “bishopese.”

[hinckley buzzard]

Make no mistake, we are at war with evil...

and the Churches are under assault from within. Look at the dying embers of the episcopal church, the lame, limping stumble to the cliff's edge by the Lutherans, Presbys, Methodists, UCC, etc. No surprise the RC Church should be fighting off worms in its apple as well.

[hinckley buzzard]

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

Not embarrassing, expensive. Follow the money. ND's big donors are liberal 'rats who won't countenance anything like that old time religion from their football team (That is what ND is, is it not, a great big football team?)