Archbishop criticizes Xavier’s selection of honorary degree recipients
March 06, 2015
Archbishop Gregory Aymond has expressed disappointment at Xavier University of Louisiana’s selection of honorary degree recipients, among whom are outgoing US Attorney General Eric Holder and former Sen. Mary Landrieu.
“I am saddened to inform you that some of those to be honored do not represent the values and teachings of the Catholic Church,” he said in a letter. “I was not consulted on the proposed candidates and remain disappointed in this decision by the university administration.”
“The university followed its traditional process for selecting honorary degree recipients and firmly believes that our pending honorees are strong leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to humanity,” the university stated in response.
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Further information:
- Archbishop 'disappointed' by Xavier's commencement speakers (New Orleans Times-Picayune)
- Xavier stands ground amid criticism of honorary degree recipients (WVUE-TV)
- Archbishop Criticizes Xavier Univ. (La.) for Choice of Commencement Honorees (Cardinal Newman Society)
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Posted by: james-w-anderson8230 -
Mar. 06, 2015 7:13 PM ET USA
I am sure St. Katharine Drexel is greatly saddened by this action of the university that she founded. It appears that the color of your skin is more important than the teachings of Christ and His Church. The university administration joined the "nuns on the bus", Sr. Keehan and the CHA and many other dissenters in opposing Christ and his Church.
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Posted by: jacquebquique5708 -
Mar. 06, 2015 10:56 AM ET USA
This is a socialist response from the university. Archbishop Aymond is obligated to "preach the Word of God". It is the "values and teachings of the Catholic Church" versus "strong leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to humanity". There are 28 Jesuit colleges and universities of which I am a graduate of one which are united with one voice and with one director who sets policy for all. This is not just the action of Xavier New Orleans.
