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The Christ-Centered Seal of Approval |
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OVerus Calls for Resignation of Notre Dame President May 21st, 2009 NEPTUNE, NJ--The OVerus Organization calls for the resignation of Notre Dame University President Fr. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., based on his decision to confer an honorary doctoral degree upon President Barack Obama at the 2009 Notre Dame Commencement ceremony. "President Obama has consistently opposed Catholic teachings regarding respect for life1. Fr. Jenkins's decision to award him an honorary doctoral degree suggests support of his anti-life position," says Keith Miklas, President of The OVerus Organization. "This is inconsistent with a host of Catholic values." Given the position of The Most Reverend John M. D'Arcy2--Fr. Jenkins's bishop--his decision is willful disobedience, and brings his priestly vow of obedience into question. It conflicts with the position of The United States Conference of Bishops (USCCB) statement regarding Catholics in political life, "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 actions3." It is contradicts The Catechism of the Catholic Church, the official position of The Vatican, and public statements of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI. It undermines the work of the pro-life community, and disregards the victims of abortion. It casts doubt upon the credibility of Notre Dame, and misrepresents many of its students, parents, faculty, staff, and affiliates. Most troubling is the mixed message that this decision sends to the Catholic Community. Fr. Jenkins--a Catholic Priest, highly educated, and President of one of the most prestigious Catholic Universities in the world--must have been aware of these points before the invitation was sent. Yet, the honorary doctorate was conferred upon President Obama. Without decisive action, one cannot help but wonder if this is the first step towards a new Catholic ideology, and that the Church is beginning to compromise their position on abortion. "I must also express my personal disappointment," adds Miklas. "I have worked to fight for Catholic values for years. I have walked in and exhibited at The March for Life. I have formed two companies to fight for Christ-centered values in the business world, and trusted in the leaders of the Church. It was disheartening to see this event take place. "Finally, with all the controversy surrounding this issue, many have seemingly forgotten about Our Lord Jesus," Miklas adds. "I asked Him in prayer, 'What do You think of this? If You were president of Notre Dame, would You have invited President Obama to speak? Do You approve of this decision?' The answer came back loud and clear, and the following passage from Luke leapt to mind, 'Woe to you Pharisees! You love the seat of honor in synagogues and greetings in marketplaces.' [Luke 12:43, NAB] An answer that resonates with Bishop D'Arcy's statement, 'Even as I continue to ponder in prayer these events, which many have found shocking, so must Notre Dame. Indeed, as a Catholic University, Notre Dame must ask itself, if by this decision it has chosen prestige over truth.4'" REFERENCES: 1. http://www.lifenews.com/obamaabortionrecord.html 2. http://www.overus.org/DArcy_Letter.php 3. http://www.usccb.org/bishops/catholicsinpoliticallife.shtml 4. http://www.overus.org/DArcy_Letter.php |
Facebook® Group OVerus has created a group on Facebook® to represent this cause. Mail His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI: We need your input as part of a package for His Holiness. Voice your opinion here. Contribute: This effort will be costly. We need your financial support.
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