Florida bishop hesitates to support for Notre dame ‘on any level’

April 09, 2009

Urging the University of Notre Dame to “alter its present course,” Bishop Gerald Barbarito of Palm Beach has told university president Father John Jenkins that “it will be difficult for me to offer support for the University on any level” because of its decision to honor President Barack Obama. “Other decisions of the University in past years have tarnished the clarity of the University’s Catholic identity,” writes Bishop Barbarito.

However, the present one gives rise to grave concern as to what message the University is giving to the Catholics of our nation when it honors a public figure who, regardless of his office as President and the good work he wishes to accomplish, stands so strongly against and has already acted contrary to the Church's moral teaching on the right to life of the unborn … the invitation to President Obama was not necessary and extremely disappointing.

 

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Further information:

• Notre Dame upsets Diocese of Palm Beach bishop (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
• Bishop Barbarito’s letter to the President of the University of Notre Dame (Diocese of Palm Beach)