‘Constructive dialogue’ on Obama invite no longer possible, ND president tells students

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Fr. John Jenkins CSC

Meeting with a group of disadvantaged young people of the rehabilitation community of the University of Notre Dame in the Church of the Sacred Heart in Sydney
Address of His Holiness Benedict XVI during his meeting with organizations for inter-religious dialogue
Vespers Address to Priests, Seminarians, and Deacons at Notre Dame
Interpreting the Constitution and Voting for President

South Bend, Ind., Apr 15, 2009 / 07:50 pm (CNA).- University of Notre Dame President Fr. John I. Jenkins, CSC, has denied a student coalition’s request for wider dialogue concerning the school’s invitation to President Barack Obama, saying “conditions for constructive dialogue simply do not exist.”Fr. Jenkins had initially offered to participate in a closed-door meeting with 25 members of the Notre Dame Response Student Coalition (ND Response), formed in reaction to Notre Dame’s invitation to the president to deliver the commencement address and to receive an honorary law degree.

The invitation of the president has sparked massive protests from Catholics and other pro-life advocates who thought Obama should not be honored.

Mary K. Daly, spokeswoman of ND Response, wrote an April 6 letter to Fr. Jenkins, saying his offer was not an adequate option. The coalition asked that the meeting include all student members of ND Response and some of the group’s faculty and staff supporters. ND Response said it would guarantee fewer than ten students would speak or engage with Fr. Jenkins and suggested two large auditoriums be considered as meeting places.

“The content of this meeting will be available to the public following its event in the form of a transcript and live video recording: True dialogue only comes with accountability,” Daly’s letter added.

According to an April 14 statement from ND Response, Fr. Jenkins replied that “conditions for constructive dialogue simply do not exist” and informed the students that they could disregard his earlier invitations to meet with him.

The student coalition’s April 6 letter asked that Fr. Jenkins take “concrete steps” to demonstrate that the university is “firm and unwavering” in its commitment to defending human life.

“We ask that you promise now and going forward to use the moral authority of your office and the prestige of Our Lady's University to speak out on behalf of the cause of life in a meaningful, concrete and sustained way.”

ND Response also specifically requested that Fr. Jenkins promise that the university publicly commit to never engage in, promote, or allow “practices offensive to life” such as “research involving human embryos in any way” or the use of biological materials derived from embryo- or fetal-destructive techniques.

The coalition also requested that the university “formally support” pro-life initiatives on campus through financial and personnel resources, suggesting that a pro-life ombudsperson be appointed with the rank of associate provost to ensure that “appropriate attention” is paid to life issues in teaching and research at the school.

“The appointee should be a person who has a deep and demonstrated commitment to the cause of unborn life,” the coalition recommended.

ND Response expressed hopes that Fr. Jenkins would consider taking up “the cause of life” by speaking out against “injustices against the unborn” through other methods. The coalition suggested he could speak out through Notre Dame commercials aired during football season, by leading students in the annual March for Life, and by designating the topic of the school’s fall forum as “a celebration of life in its earliest stages.”

ND Response spokeswoman Mary Daly said the coalition “remains open to true and transparent dialogue with Fr. Jenkins on this issue.”

The coalition includes student groups such as Notre Dame Right to Life, Notre Dame Law School’s pro-life group Jus Vitae, Notre Dame Knights of Columbus Council 1477, the Irish Rover independent student newspaper, Notre Dame College Republicans, The University of Notre Dame Anscombe Society, The Identity Project of Notre Dame, Notre Dame Knights of the Immaculata, Notre Dame Children of Mary, the Orestes Brownson Council, and the Notre Dame Law St. Thomas More Society.

Its website is at www.NDResponse.com.

Comments: 66

Subscriber comments:

Published by: mike
mt ephraim / nj / usa 05/17/2009 02:25 PM EST

random thoughts: i'm pretty upset. as i write president obama's gving nd's commencement address. shame on fr. jenkins. i think his game may be to wangle himself an appointment to a cabinet position. while no authority on the subject, i guess he'll be given the choice (no pun intended) to step down or be fired. this incident is an icepick in the back of the catholic church, and jenkins introductory remarks at the commencement were outrageous and ironic -portraying himself as victim. i don't understand why the anti-abortion graduates didn't just get up and quietly leave the building. hopefully he'll be forgotten and his ill-advised decision will inspire renewal of the fight agianst the murder of innocents.

Published by: James Joseph
Virginia USA 04/23/2009 12:41 PM EST

Did anyone think that a New Springtime, Advent or Pentecost which JPII constantly talked about would be preceeded by anything but a crucifixion of the Mystical Body of Chirst under the power umbrellas of Herod, Pilate, Caiphas and an assist from Judas? Same roles different actors!

Published by: Cindy
Sharpsburg, GA 04/20/2009 11:49 AM EST

Joseph from Louisville needs to have his nose examined. This is not about party affiliation, this is about upholding Catholic moral teaching and principles in a Catholic university. The only skunk I smell wears a collar and is beyond arrogant. Corporate Catholics need to go.

Published by: CHRISTINE
SOUTH AFRICA 04/20/2009 04:19 AM EST

**PLEASE!!! HELP ME UNDERSTAND WHY THE SO-CALLED EDUCATED OF AMERICA VOTED IN A """NEW HEROD""" [BABY-KILLER] WHO SAYS A BABY THAT SURVIVES AN ABORTION ATTEMPTON ITS LIFE..MUST..STILL..BE..'PUT..TO..DEATH'!!!..AS ACCORDING TO HIS ??MENTALITY?? IF BABY NOT LEFT TO DIE ACCORDING TO PRO-DEATH CONSTITION..IT WILL""UNRAVEL ROEvWADE!!!"""..AND ON TOP OF THAT ,,THEY ALSO VOTED IN AS THE RUNNING 'MATE' THE NEW ""PONTIUS PILATE"".[SPINELESS COWARD] WHO "ADMITS" ABORTION IS WRONG BUT IS AFRAID OF LOSING HIS 'CHEAP POPULARITY' WITH THE SCREAMING "DEMONCRATS" !! AND NOW !!! WITH THE NOTRE DAME SCANDAL.. THE "TRIO" IS COMPLETE..!!!! SEEMS THEIR PRESIDENT HAS BETRAYED *OUR LORD JESUS* AND JUST HAS TO BE THE NEW "JUDAS" !!!!!!.. ALL THAT IS LEFT TO DO IS TO PRAY..."HOLY GOD" "HOLY MIGHTY ONE" "HOLY IMMORTAL ONE" PLEASE HAVE MERCY ON AMERICA AND ONTHE WHOLE WORLD* * * !!! FROM A VERY CONCERNED CITIZEN OF THE WORLD WHO KNOWS THAT WHAT HAPPENS IN AMERICA AFFECTS THE REST OF US EVENTUALLY .. MAY GOD BLESS ALWAYS THE ""TRUE AND UNWAVERING FAITHFUL CATHOLICS AND THEIR CLERGY"" AM PRAYING FOR YOU ALL... AS WELL AS FOR THE 'PSUEDO CATHOLICS' TO COME CLEAN !!! from Christine { South Africa} and my email is..XINE@IBURST.CO.ZA..should anyone need it. GOD BLESS * * * * * * *

Published by: Charles
tiburon ca. 04/19/2009 02:12 PM EST

Fr. Jenkins ego has clouded his concept of responsibility. Cease and desist padre and cancel this increasingly pro abortionist from visiting your campus.

Published by: T. Murphy
Utica,NY 04/19/2009 10:03 AM EST

I understand totally the pain many feel about this invitation. At age 5 I had an ND banner on my wall. In my late teens I was a student at ND. At age 72 I was shocked to see this development at Our Lady's school. It still hurts. But one thought occurred to me...despite people like Jenkins, McBrien, etc. what other campus would generate such opposition to this evil(funny how the word "evil" pops into my head when Obama is discussed) politician. There is still hope!

Published by: Frank Enderle
Beaumont, CA, USA 04/18/2009 09:02 PM EST

Enrique, The reason that Jesus dined with sinners is because they were repentant sinners. His dialogues were with those who accepted HIS authority and followed HIS teaching, with those who sought HIM out not because it was politically expedient to do so but because they were truly willing to repent and "Choose life."

Published by: Christopher Boegel
Sykesville 04/18/2009 07:53 PM EST

ND, like many so-called Catholic colleges and universities, is indifferent to the murder of 10's of millions of unborn children. What does ND care? After all, ND is esteemed by the secular world - that's what matters to ND - that Newsweek and the NY Times hold ND in high esteem. Congress is already casting your Medal of Freedom Fr. Jenkins...better make sure "BO" guarantees that to you before you give him the honorary JD.

Published by: Al
The Villages, Fl 04/18/2009 12:04 PM EST

Sadly, Father Jenkins's response has been anything but rational and Catholic. Partly, I suppose, because there is no rationale for giving President obama an honorary degree. I feel that the CSC should reassign the good Father, preferably to return to catechism class. It is easy to say you are pro-life but when you give someone as pro abortion as President Obama an honor, it says more than any words can say. That is the scandal of this event. His answers to the public and students is extremely unsatisfactory and the University would be better served by replacing Fr. Jenkins.

Published by: Enrique Woll
Lima, PERU 04/17/2009 01:25 PM EST

The appropriateness of the invitation by University of Notre Dame President Fr. John I. Jenkins to U.S. President Barack Obama, to deliver this year's Commencement Address and receive an Honorary Law Degree, appears to have become more of an emotional issue than an issue of faith, values, or conduct. I believe that Our Lord Jesus Christ had no problem in inviting himself to dinner with the much hated Tax-Collector, at his very home, much to the distress of his Disciples and followers. Why did Jesus do this? Because the True is not disqualified by the False, and the Supreme Truth that He is, was not intimidated by the Tax Collector or his views. Why did His Disciples cease to object? Because they submitted to His authority. Dialogue between parties who mostly agree, reinforces their mutuality, and that is good, if they agree on the truly good. But shunning those who disagree with us on the truly evil, precludes the possibility of their Conversion, perhaps that of those who need it most!

Published by: Enrique Woll
Lima, PERU 04/17/2009 01:06 PM EST

The appropiateness of the invitation by University of Notre Dame President Fr. John I. Jenkins to U.S. President Barack Obama, to deliver this year's Commencement Address and receive an Honorary Law Degree, appears to have become more of an emotional issue than an issue of faith, values, or conduct. I believe that Our Lord Jesus Christ had no problem in inviting himself to dinner with the much hated Tax-Collector, at his very home, much to the distress of his Disciples and followers. Why did Jesus do this? Because the True is not disqualified by the False, and the Supreme Truth that He is, was not intimidated by the Tax Collector or his views. Why did His Disciples cease to object? Because they submitted to His authority. Dialogue between parties who agree, reinforces their mutuality, and that is good, if they agree on the truly good. Shunning dialogue with those who disagree with us the most, precludes the possibility of their Conversion, perhaps that of those who need it the most!

Published by: Joseph Jaglowicz
Louisville/KY/USA 04/17/2009 12:56 PM EST

Rate: Bad

This "protest" is merely another attempt by Republican, rightwing folks to make political hay. I've always been staunchly pro-life, but even I can smell a skunk --- and I smell a skunk!!!

Published by: karen
pepperell,ma,USA 04/17/2009 07:55 AM EST

I am deeply sadden that our beautiful Catholic University with Our Lady's great name is reduced to this. How disgraceful. This Mr. Jenkins, (I will not use Father as I feel he has lost the right to that great title when he took the stance to have one of the most pro death men speak at this great university), should be ousted asap. He should no be allowed to run any Catholic institution in this country. It is time our church and people took a stance for Jesus and what is right. I am sick of these few radical morons running our church and beliefs into the ground. We need to take back what is ours and run it the way God wants it run. This man should be fired. As for obama let him speak elsewhere in some other liberal institution, God knows there are a lot of them out there. He wouldn't even speak with the symbol IHS in the background. His lack of respect for our religion just shows his ignorance. We must pray for his hardened heart to change. In the meantime, let him go speak somewhere else. We need to speak up and make changes of our own for God's sake as well as our Blessed Mother. God help this nation.

Published by: Myrla
Bloomfield, NJ 04/17/2009 01:47 AM EST

Indeed, Satan exists and has taken hold of Fr. Jenkins.What a great insult to our catholic faith, for a man of great standing in a prestigious catholic university to invite Obama who connives with the devil himself in the murders of innocent unborn babies.Let us storm heaven with our prayers during the feast of the Divine Mercy this Sunday that our Good Lord will enlighten him and withdraw his invitation.

Published by: Craig - Australia
Australia 04/17/2009 01:38 AM EST

"A pro-death President as Obama is totally contrary to our precious Roman Catholic Faith." Olga Hibl

A'pro-death' President?
You need to pray a lot more Olga. Yes, your Faith is precious - so is tolerance, restraint and seeking the truth. Find out EVERYTHING you can about this man -particularly his views on the issues you are so quick to condemn.
One of two things will happen: you will understand the reasons behind his point of view and begin to delve deeper into the reasons for your own position.
OR - you may still vehemently disagree with him and have a better position to attack his flawed view - NOT HIM. I could dismiss you as 'a wacky Catholic'for this: "I encourage everyone reading this comment to take up your rosary and beg Jesus and Mother Mary to intercede for all of us who love our Catholic Faith to help us in our hour of need. Call upon St. Michael the ARCHANGEL to help us defeat Satan from our midst." This parayer would have taken puppet Bush out of office years ago and let thousands of innocent people live.
Keep it for when the real Satan arrives. Until then,sleep well.

Published by: Craig - Australia
Australia 04/17/2009 01:24 AM EST

Right on Father Jenkins! - we can all smell an inquisition in the wind.
How hard is it?
54% Catholics voted for Obama. Huge numbers ignore the Papal edict on the Pill worldwide. Where was the outrage over Bush? People aren't puppets. They ARE 'The Church'.
Some righteous men in a back room (not God not the Bible)decided the Catholic view on when life begins. This is the entire crux of this hysterical dilemma. When the Vatican decrees it will sell the gold dripping from its very arches and send Priests and Bishops out to help the people unable to cope with yet 'another mouth to feed' in the name of Pro-life THEN we will see 'Faith in Action'. At the moment all this hoohaa isn't worth the paper it's written on.
Contraception is the solution to abortion. Again - the 'men in the back room' made this decision - NOT God not the Bible. If every aghast protestor was prepared to take one child saved from an abortion there would be a huge impact based on the furore this 'theological crisis' has generated.
Fr Jenkins must be wondering if there's a place reserved for him next to Joan of Arc!
Think for yourself - stand up for what is true - not what you are told to think - not what you are told is true. Pray about it - pray long and hard. Have Faith in GOD - no-one else. Do what he wants you to do.
You are the Church. The Church is its people.

Published by: Delia Millanes Quinain
Chicago/IL/USA 04/16/2009 09:41 PM EST

So, I bet like Georgetown, ND spearheaded by Fr. Jenkins, will also cover all signs, images, and photos of Jesus, just to please his president. Here's the truth ND is erased from the list of my sophomore son's university prospect.

Published by: Alberto
Knoxville, TN 04/16/2009 08:13 PM EST

Fr. Jenkins is akin to the Judases over the centuries who have come and gone. Where are they now?

To those who are genuine Christians, rejoice for we have already won the battle. Read the Book of Revelation. But we must enter into the mystical Body of Christ to share in that final victory.

Pray for the Judases of today's world who try to destroy the Church from within and without. The lot that awaits them is beyond horrifying. Case closed.

Do not be discouraged fellow Catholics. Christ was persecuted too.

God alone. Forever.

Published by: G. P. Curran
Washington, DC, USA 04/16/2009 08:12 PM EST

A honorary law degree for someone from one of the most lawless parts of the world?
'When you see the abomination of desolation in the holy place...'

Published by: mary bernadette
trenton, nj 04/16/2009 07:32 PM EST

Obama attended an Episcopal (Christian)service on Easter Sunday and the news media had no problem showing this. So can someone please tell me why a symbol representing Jesus have to be covered up at Georgetown?

Published by: Frank Gladysz
Washington, Pa 04/16/2009 07:12 PM EST

My children will never attend Notre Dame as long as Father Jenkins ant those like him are in charge

Published by: Wayne Tedeschi
Sydney NSW Australia 04/16/2009 07:09 PM EST

No wonder its so hard to bring people to the True Church. Obama is a mass murderer of the unborn, and he gets glorified in a Catholic Institution. Don't worry cause when he takes over the world, he will take over our Church. True Catholics will be killed in the name of the Lord, and the Church will go underground. Illuminati!

Published by: Sue
Hawthorne, CA USA 04/16/2009 06:42 PM EST

PLEASE Catholics, do not turn your back on your FAITH! Please pray for Father Jenkins, that his soul may be spared. In Luke's gospel, 9:26, Jesus says that those who do not recognize His Father or His word will not be recognized by the Father either. If Fr. Jenkins, by allowing himself to become affected by the secular humanism running this country, doesn't recognize the Father and Jesus in the unborn, then his afterlife is in serious peril. We, as Catholic Christians, must pray and not throw stones. Let's show him what it REALLY means to be followers of Christ. But most of all, please don't let his poor judgment be a cause of YOU losing your precious faith.

Published by: Kaye
Tahlequah OK USA 04/16/2009 06:09 PM EST

Don't blame Fr. Jenkins for being who he is. It is his lavender mafia training kicking in. Jenkins is not exceptional in any way other than that his dissent is public. Unless you have stayed away from diocesan priets for the past 40 years, you have encountered a priest just like him, a well-spoken, politically-correct modernist, i.e. Church/Faith destroyer. It amazes me that any of this suprises anyone. On the contrary, Fr. Jenkins and his ilk are to be expected.

Published by: Rose
Sherburne/NY 04/16/2009 05:59 PM EST

My heart aches. I hold a BA from Notre Dame and now will be giving my financial support to local, proven Catholic causes such as my parish or my local Catholic elementary school instead of sending it to ND as I have for the past 28 years. Shame on you Fr. Jenkins for not listening to YOUR students. What are you teaching them by your sorry example?

Published by: Bill
Los Angeles, CA 04/16/2009 05:01 PM EST

Let us always be respectful of Fr. Jenkins as a priest and representative of Jesus. Likewise, let Fr. Jenkins be respectful of his position...and his responsibilities. If he cannot defend Our Lady's and and that of her Son, he should step aside. We'll see if he's up to the job.

Published by: GK
Rockford, Il 04/16/2009 04:27 PM EST

What is with this priest. He completely ignores arch bishops, bishops, many other clergy and his own students. We is he even in the office he holds? Whoever has the authority, please; GET HIM OUT OF THERE. We don't need a guy like this poisoning the minds of our college sturdents.

Published by: Olga Hibl
Modesto,Ca.USA 04/16/2009 03:56 PM EST

Truth and justice will prevail. This is a time of Divine Mercy when each of us Catholics stand up and say enough is enough. We are all in dire need of the Truth Project according to Jesus Christ. The summit of our Faith is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass! A pro-death President as Obama is totally contrary to our precious Roman Catholic Faith. I encourage everyone reading this comment to take up your rosary and beg Jesus and Mother Mary to intercede for all of us who love our Catholic Faith to help us in our hour of need. Call upon St. Michael the ARCHANGEL to help us defeat Satan from our midst.
JMJ Olga Hibl

Published by: Jo (Jocille Daniel)
Yachats, OR, USA 04/16/2009 03:53 PM EST

Alumni should vote with their pocketbook on the obama issue. And instead of June grads not attending - why not attend, then walk out when obama is introduced. jenkins needs to be replaced. He's just another puppet of the pro-abortionists. In case anyone wonders - I do not capitalize names of people I do not respect.

Published by: Ed Fulkerson
Frankfort, KY USA 04/16/2009 03:17 PM EST

Why has the Church not responded? Obama in fact and actions is anti-christian and pro-abortion. What kind of NUT (ND president) invites someone that espouses beliefs that are so odious. This platform will let people assume that we Catholics support his policies. At Georgetown he covered all Catholic symbols that could be seen by his press corp. Remember: Evil will use good people to meet its goals,it will lie or do anything else required. "The true Hypocrite is the one who ceases to perceive their deception, the one who lies with sincerity" Andre' Gide, Counterfeiters, 1921

Published by: Zita Fiori
Deltona, Fl. 04/16/2009 02:57 PM EST

The Bishop of the Priest in question should have this Priest defrocked for his outrages behavior to the unborn.

Published by: Jim Fiori
Deltona, Fl. 04/16/2009 02:53 PM EST

This is a terrible scandle. A Priest no less in charge causing this. He should be ousted from his post asap. Not only that, but apologise to the public for this outrages display of a Priest in the Roman Cathic Church.

Published by: Mary
Huntington Beach/ Ca/USA 04/16/2009 02:22 PM EST

The horror has been done
The response MUST be carefully considered.
Homeland Security is already targeting pro-life A hostile display will increase HHS deprivation of freedom and become a media circus.
If no one showed up -The campus empty - Those involved attending a Mass and prayer - IT would make a much larger statement that the media could not use for their own agenda Consider carefully the response to this outrage - M K MD

Published by: Dan
Santa Fe/NM/US 04/16/2009 01:58 PM EST

Before President Barack Obama spoke on Tuesday, April 14, at Georgetown University, the White House asked that all signs and symbols be covered up at the Gaston Hall venue, CNSNews.com reports. In compliance with the request, the university covered over the monogram “IHS,” an ancient Christian symbol of the name of Jesus Christ.

“It is such a sad commentary that Catholic universities are willingly hiding the most visible signs of their Catholic identity when hosting secular leaders,” said Patrick Reilly, president of The Cardinal Newman Society. “What’s next, will Notre Dame cover images of Jesus and Mary and ban rosaries when they honor President Obama next month

Published by: Dan
Santa Fe/NM/US 04/16/2009 01:28 PM EST

Former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo, whose infamous 1984 speech at the University of Notre Dame defended Catholic politicians who support abortion rights, has now declined an offer to return to Notre Dame for a debate over the university’s planned honor to President Barack Obama on May 17.

The news immediately followed complaints from Notre Dame students that university president Rev. John Jenkins, C.S.C. refused to meet with them regarding Notre Dame’s plan to provide an honorary law degree and commencement platform to pro-abortion President Obama.
“We are finding that people love the idea of dialogue, but they aren’t really interested in engaging in it,” Notre Dame student John Daly told the South Bend Tribune.
A coalition of student groups called ND Response invited Cuomo to debate Princeton University law professor Robert George. Rather than engage in debate, Cuomo declined the invitation but supported the honor to President Obama in a Tribune interview.
“The Notre Dame students who are fighting for their university’s Catholic identity are finding that no one will engage them in dialogue, because a Catholic university providing an honor to someone with President Obama’s record on life issues is indefensible,” said Patrick J. Reilly, president of The Cardinal Newman Society. “There can no longer be an argument about whether it was appropriate for Notre Dame to provide this honor..."

Published by: nancy ryan
kensington,NH/USA 04/16/2009 01:12 PM EST

What has happened to the people who are supposed to be leaders in our catholic faith? Our leaders are sending our you down the path to hell instead of standing up for our faith as deciples of Our Lord Jesus Christ. I am so angry and upset between ND and Georgetown where we have the peters of this world and the judas's
Become beacons of hope and light not dread, despair and unbelievers.

Published by: cathguy
USA 04/16/2009 12:59 PM EST

I am repulsed at the this presidents arrogant, dismissive, and narcissistic attitude towards these students.

I am so fed up with the arrogance and narcissism of so many of our clergy. I don't know if I can stay in this Church anymore.

Honoring the most pro-death president in history? Repulsive. Refusing to meet with students? Repulsive.

Just disgusting.

Published by: anthony
rochester,ny 04/16/2009 12:51 PM EST

Let's face it, this once great ,proud CATHOLIC University has been reduced to a heap of moral-relativism under the guise of "openness" vis-a vis other points of view on Roman Catholic moral teaching, led by an apostate priest. Sadly, this was all predicted by Our Lady at Fatima ie Priest against priest, bishop against bishop, cardinal against cardinal. Satan is alive and well and living in the once-hallowed halls of catholic universities.

Published by: Steve Holloway
Indianapolis 04/16/2009 12:42 PM EST

Notre Dame is no longer worthy of calling itself a Catholic University. Fr Jenkins need to resign and take his pro-abortion stance else where. He is not qualified to represent or lead any Catholic school or organization.

Published by: Jackie
Lake City, SD 04/16/2009 12:37 PM EST

It is apparent that President Jenkins follows his own path. But his path is not consistent with his Presidency of the most prestigious of Catholic Universities. To me it appears that his goal is the dilution of the Catholic Faith and what it stands for.

Therefore, I suggest that he be removed from his position as President. If he is putting into teaching positions, professors who are not consistent with the Catholic Faith, then you are basically dealing with the devil and continued dilution of the Catholic Faith and what it stands for.

ND Response stand firm and hard.

We are all praying for you.

Jackie

Published by: Richard Stanislawski
Salem 04/16/2009 12:21 PM EST

Our only hope to overturning Roe Vs. Wade lies in our solidarity against the heinous act of abortion and the morally bancrupt cause of embrionic stem cell research which has produced nothing of value. Our Holy Father instructed us to not support politicians who promote these evil doctrines. I then must support those who protest the appearance of President Obama at the University of Notre Dame and bestowing upon him an honoray law degree no less.

Published by: Debra
Geneva, Il, USA 04/16/2009 12:21 PM EST

The president of Notre Dame is arrogant. At best.

Published by: Faithful Catholic
Palm Beach, Florida 04/16/2009 12:20 PM EST

The Great Apostasy is here as you can see.

The US and the world has been given over to the Anti-Christ.

We must pray harder.

Published by: Pat Tormey
Yorba Linda, CA 04/16/2009 12:17 PM EST

Father Jenkins, in ignoring these many faithful groups at Notre Dame University, should be removed from his position. If we continue to ignore and condone this behavior within our Catholic institutions of learning, Christ will eventually ignore us.

Published by: Mrs. Rene O'Riordan
Dublin 16 04/16/2009 12:00 PM EST

Fr. Jenkin's statement that "conditions for constructive dialogue simply do not exist." makes it appear as though he will dialogue with(and honour, and give a platform to) just about anybody else except pro-life people. This is extraordinary thinking from a Catholic University President! It will leave me scratching my head for a long time to come. What a load of muddled thinkig and that from a "trained" mind. I'm just a housewife and don't have a university degree so maybe I'm just stupid, but I'd rather be stupid me when I stand before the Lord of Life and Love than be a smarty like him. God have mercy on him and his ilk. - Rene

Published by: Chris
Allentown 04/16/2009 11:46 AM EST

I find it ironic that Fr. Jenkins cannot see any room for constructive dialogue when it comes to defedning the dignity of life and yet supports open dialogue for things such as the Vagina Monologues on the Campus of ND!

Published by: Bill Bradfield
Ormond Beach, Fl 04/16/2009 11:33 AM EST

Odd that Fr Jenkins' note come in with an ad for ND Executive Certificates in "negotiation". No room for further talks?

Published by: Cyril Methodius
Cutler, Maine, U.S. 04/16/2009 11:19 AM EST

Baby-killers such as self-proclaimed "Catholics" Kennedy, Kerry, Pelosi, Durbin and Obama are -- how else can it be said -- ENABLED by Father Jenkins, who just doesn't get it. Nobody is surprised he will not meet with the students because he is an enabler of baby-killers and baby-killings which causes untold scandal to Catholics around the world who have for years looked up to Notre Dame University. Father Jenkins is causing a "SEA CHANGE" in Catholicism. We practicing Catholics are now coalescing even more intensely around our Holy Father and the message Jesus Christ gave us.

Published by: robert purcell
jackson, n.j. usa 04/16/2009 10:26 AM EST

Congratualtions to Ms Daly. May the Blessed Mother guide our University.

May She give guidance to the illogical President of this University.

God Bless this Country and her unborn citizens.

Robert Purcell

Published by: Barbara Jensen
Syracuse, New York USA 04/16/2009 10:15 AM EST

Father jenkins is afraid to meet openly with the students of Notre Dame, especially with the priviso that all be made public. He has painted himself into a pitiful corner and he shows a serious lack understanding both of the evil of abortion and the polical consequences of his stupid, stupid invite. Why is it that the Bishops, or whomever is the appropriate authoirity, does not remove Notre Dame from the list of Catholic colleges and universities? It is time to draw the line so that all can see the clear demarcation of what it means to be a Catholic institution.

Published by: David
Silbernagel 04/16/2009 09:55 AM EST

I think whoever has the power to should remove Jenkins from his position!!! He either isn't a true Christian or has a defective conscious!

Published by: Bob Ronau '82
Gales Ferry, CT 06335 04/16/2009 09:55 AM EST

So Father Jenkins has stated that his reason to invite President Obama was to promote academic freedom and to encourage open discussion. Then Father Jenkins denies students an opportunity to discuss the issues with him because "conditions for constructive dialogue do not exist." Apparently the invitation of President Obama did not create conditions for constructive dialogue; in fact it seems to have destroyed such conditions. Surely I am missing something. Maybe what Father Jenkins means to say is that he is willing to discuss openly this matter with anyone who agrees with him. Academic freedom, indeed.

Published by: Cindy
Sharpsburg, GA 04/16/2009 09:48 AM EST

It is increasingly apparent that the leadership and faculty of Notre Dame and other Catholic Universities (i.e. Xavier) are publicity seeking, pro-abortion and in defiance of the Bishops. Jenkins, and those of his ilk, needs to hand their collars in.

Published by: Robert
Muncie, IN USA 04/16/2009 09:41 AM EST

WOW!
While we are in the process of changing ND's pronunciation to "Not Our" Dame University, let us add this for Jenkins:
Father "STONEWALL"

Published by: doc brennan
southfields, ny 04/16/2009 09:26 AM EST

everyone should forget the contoversy,
notre dame has not been catholic for over thirty years-God help the jesuits !

Published by: stella trevino
United States 04/16/2009 08:46 AM EST

When? Oh When? Will we be rid of this cursed spot? If Fr. Jenkins is willing to "dialogue" with Obama and the other side, Why on God's green earth will he not dialogue with the very students under his charge? It is incredible. Will Notre Dame also hide Jesus under the table as Georgetown did? My stomach turns over all this denial all that I was taught Catholic universities stood for.

Published by: Dr. Guy Di Spigno
Chicago, Illinois 04/16/2009 08:36 AM EST

By closing off dialogue with student groups and other members of the Notre Dame community Father Jenkins is demonstrating that he as more repressive of open dialague and inquiry than "the powere structure" of the Church and "right wing groups" that he claims are infringing on the free exchange of ideas that a University is dedicated to foster. The problem with Father Jenkins is that he is a publicity seeking buffon who has armed is most ardent right wing opponents with evidence that he is unfit to be a University President, preist or scholar.
It appears the trustees of Notre Dame are either alseep or cast under the spell of this foolish and reckless "leader."

Published by: mark sevelis
germantown wisconsin 04/16/2009 08:06 AM EST

Fr Jenkins' refusal shows that his mind is closed about the "Obama problem." There are liberal priests as well as conservative ones.

If graduating seniors feel strongly, they can refuse to accept their diplomas at the ceremony. Also, a large protest of President Obama could occur.

Published by: Michael
Taylor, PA USA 04/16/2009 07:18 AM EST

Ah....the hypocrisy. This man needs to be removed from his priestly office. He is a mockery.

Published by: steve cherry
oregon ohio 04/16/2009 06:17 AM EST

Notre Dame because of her visability as a Catholic University known by everyone not just Catholics has the greatest chance to send the message that the Catholic Church is Pro-Life and firmly against this deceptive culture of death. It would be a shame if Fr Jenkins does not rescind his invitation. And it would be a terrible black mark against the University. I don't know how it would recover. But it will make us fight even harder in our battle to save the little ones if he doesn't. Mary mother of God, pray for us.

Published by: Mike
New York 04/16/2009 06:15 AM EST

How ironic and even hypocritic that Fr. Jenkins will not dialogue with his own student body, but will invite Obama, who has extreme anti-Catholic views, because as he has indicated it is always better to dialogue with someone who has opposing view points. Am I mssing something here?

Published by: John
Pittsburgh, PA 04/16/2009 06:01 AM EST

If Jenkins can disinvite the faithful pro life students from a meeting, he can disinvite the culture of deat President.

Also, in his last press release he spoke about the importance of dialogue, now he is refusing to do it.

Jenkins is a hypocrit.

Published by: I Johnson
Rochester Hills MI USA 04/16/2009 04:09 AM EST

As a pro-life Catholic and former fan of Notre Dame University, I am shocked at the University inviting pro abortion President Obama to speak at commencement and receive an award.

Published by: Ed Bacher
Chicago, IL 04/15/2009 09:49 PM EST

It's time for June graduates to consider not attending their commencement exercise. Instruct the university to mail your diploma, and go eat a special dinner with your loved ones on that day. Commencement exercises are long and boring anyway.

Let our evil president get his degree from your arrogant president all by themselves. Do the right thing if they can't.

Published by: Joe
Maryland 04/15/2009 08:39 PM EST

Let me get this straight - Obama was invited to facilitate dialogue, but Fr. Jenkins is not open to further dialogue on the issue of the invitation. Is anyone really buying this? For the good of ND, Jenkins must go.

Published by: James
Tampa/FL 04/15/2009 08:01 PM EST

Father Jenkin's- oh really, is that truly a good title for a man that fears to engage in a healthy dialogue with faithful Catholics. Can we call you FATHER WHEN YOU would rather talk AND REWARD the king of abortion Barack Obama THAN we who need good Fathers and leaders. Shame on you Father, shame on you.

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