May 17, 2009:

Ponderings of a Pilgrim PASTOR

“Cheer, Cheer, For Poor Notre Dame”

            Every year, Presidents of the United States receive dozens of invitations to speak at college commencement exercises.  Indeed, it is fair to say that if a President expressed the slightest interest in speaking at any college or university, an invitation would be in the mail immediately.

            Which makes the current situation with this afternoon’s commencement at the University of Notre Dame all the more unusual.  Some months ago President Obama accepted the invitation of the President of Notre Dame to speak.  Then the firestorm erupted.  Various Roman Catholic officials and Notre Dame students and alumni are outraged.  Many do not plan to attend and an “alternative” commencement is planned elsewhere on the campus.

            What’s the problem?  President Obama does not adhere to the hardline “right to life” policy of the Roman Catholic Church.  Never mind that former Presidents Reagan and Bush thumbed their noses at the clear teaching of the Church on such matters as opposition to capital punishment, war, and concern for the poor.  Nobody protested having them speak.

            Sadly, the Roman Catholic Church has more and more become a single-issue denomination.  One’s stand on abortion is all that matters.  The noble tradition of enlightened social concern by the Roman Catholic Church is ignored, not to mention the opportunity for freedom of dialogue which should mark any place of higher learning.  Insulting a man of sincere moral principles such as President Obama only reveals the lack of moral consistency in those who oppose him speaking.

Love,

Pastor Dave