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Archbishop Beltran: 'Notre Dame has certainly turned against the Catholic Church'
 Archbishop Eusebius Beltran speaking at a press conference in 2006. (Credit: The Sooner Catholic)
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.- Archbishop Eusebius J. Beltran of Oklahoma City has sent a letter to University of Notre Dame President John Jenkins in which he says that “Notre Dame University has certainly turned against the Catholic Church,” and that he is “appalled, disappointed, and scandalized” by the school's honoring of President Obama. The letter from Archbishop Beltran is as follows: Reverend John I. Jenkins, CSC, President Dear Father Jenkins: I am appalled, disappointed and scandalized! Notre Dame University has certainly turned against the Catholic Church. I believe you have a moral responsibility to withdraw the invitation to President Barack Obama to be your commencement speaker in May. I also ask that you refrain from giving him any award whatsoever. President Obama has publicly and ruthlessly affronted the Catholic Church of America during the short time of his presidency. His single-handed actions have totally reversed decades of successes of the Church in the prolife cause. Needless to say, he deserves no honor or recognition from Notre Dame or any other Catholic institution. Please have the courage to take this extraordinary stand in view of the extraordinary scandal you have generated. May Our Lord and Savior and Giver of Life bless you during this penitential season of Lent. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Eusebius J. Beltran Archbishop of Oklahoma City Subscriber comments:
Published by: Maria
Oklahoma City, OK, USA 02/21/2010 04:04 PM EST
It has been said here and in other situations that "the intention is the only thing that is important". The road to Hell is paved with "good intenetions" as the old saying goes. And even if an intention of having a person honored who does not support pro-life may be purported as "good", it does not change the BAD REALITY for unborn victims of abortions...the best intentions in the world just don't matter when a holocaust has been allowed. There were all kind of "good intentions" in Nazi Germany---and their were millions of victims of the Holocause because people with "good intentions" said: "Oh Well!" It is high time the people of this country regain the practice of scrutinizing what goes on in our national political life! The Archbishop marched in Selma for Civil Rights---He is doing the same now for the unborn...................Thank God that He acts in obedience to Christ and His Apostles.
Published by: H.J.D'Cruz
Karachi 04/21/2009 01:26 AM EST
The anti- christ or fake cultural christians cannot be real role models to attend any inaugration of any christian institutions.They only damage the image as is being done now and the impact on students is negative.
Published by: Colleen Barry
Great Neck,NY,USA 04/12/2009 09:35 PM EST
Thank You to all the Bishops and Cardinals that are sticking by the catholic churches teaching’s, logic and nature defending LIFE and speaking out against Notre Dame inviting the President to speak. It is more than sad that the commencement speech, a time to inspire students supposedly educated in the catholic teachings, to move forward into the world as catholics, to hear a speech from a strongly Pro-Abortion president is simply WRONG and DAMAGING to the WORLD.
Thank You, Colleen Elizabeth Barry Proudly Pro-Life
Published by: Larry
New York 04/12/2009 01:17 PM EST
As a practicing Catholic, its discusting to see archbishops leaders such as beltran and other catholics demonstrating chastisement on innocent US president. It is supreme court who allowed abortions to be USA, not the president of USA. The Catholic Church forgots how much blood they have on their hands from helping Nazi war criminals escape through the Vatican. Which killed millions of jewish people, Our President Obama, deserves the respect of USA citizens, and welcome anywhere is USA. Lets give the President the respect he deserves, hes innocent man, not like the Catholic Church history.
Published by: Craig
Australia 04/08/2009 07:55 PM EST
Good comment Vicki - Warwick needs to open his other eye.
"The Church" IS its people. The bishops like Ar. Beltran will learn more when they start to listen. The intention is more important than the action.
Published by: Dick
Huntsville al, USA 04/08/2009 05:26 PM EST
I guess I do not understand all of the hand wringing over his making a speach at Noter Dame. the demographics from the election show that 54% of the catholic voters voted for the "One" Obama. Didn't the realize his position on the Holoucoust of our unborn? A little late to worry now. Maybe next time?
Published by: pat mallory
Cincinnati Ohio 04/07/2009 08:41 PM EST
Where was the outrage when the Church
allowed the Republican party to use the Holy sacrifice of the Mass as a political tool and did nothing to end abortion , even when they controlled all three branches of our government from 2000-2006?
Published by: Regina
Windsor Locks, Ct 04/07/2009 01:34 PM EST
May the Holy Spirit bless Archbishop Beltran and may He guide all the other bishops, priests, and laity of the Catholic Church. Sorrowful Immaculate Heart of Mary, please pray for Fr. Jenkins, NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY, and the president. This university is dedicated to you. OUR LADY, please protect the unborn babies and our Catholic faith.
Published by: Teresa
Dayton Ohio 04/06/2009 01:22 PM EST
Notra Dame should invite Gianna Jessen to speak before President Obamma gives his commencement address at the Notra Dame graduation ceremony.
Published by: Max Shinty
Springfield/MO/USA 04/06/2009 08:56 AM EST
With the USCCB and much of catholic media giving the green light to vote for the pro-abortionist, how can anyone now blame Notre Dame for merely giving him an honorary degree?
The far worse thing - electing the pro-abortion president into office - has already been given tacit approval by the USCCB.
Published by: Evelyn Martinez
Hillsboro, Texas, USA 04/05/2009 11:38 PM EST
The President of the United States, although a minority himself, has refused to grant basic Civil Rights to a segment of our society who have no voice of their own. Through no fault of their own choosing, they find themselves fighting for the right to live in our great country. As it stands now, they have not been heard by any government subcommittees or committees in our country and are never asked if they want to live or die. Have the human compassion and just ask them if they want to live. What right do you have to decided that they are not "Human enough", and like the "slaves" of old, deny them a voice? Instead you are considering that they are a commodity. We (Americans) were wrong about slavery and we are wrong now when we turn our backs on these individuals. Because your invitation and subsequent honors for Mr. Obama and holds him in great esteem, you are declaring his policies are acceptable and worth emulating. I ask you to please extend Civil Rights to all stages of human life. If you think they have no voice to speak up...think again. Their reaction to the pain of being pulled apart in their mother’s womb is profound. Your are complacent in this sin, if you do not resend your invitation and support restoring basic Civil Rights to the unborn.
God’s Peace
Published by: RICHARD E. DUMONT OCDS
CINCINNATI, OHIO, USA 04/04/2009 04:46 PM EST
THE FOLLOWING CLARION CLEAR STATEMENT CHAMPIONED BY FR. HESBURG, CSC, THEN PRESIDENT OF NOTRE DAME WHEN THIS DECLARATION WAS DRAFTED AND ENDORSED BY A CONTINGENT OF CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATORS CONVENED IN THE "LAND O'LAKE CONVENTION...THIS STATEMENT ANNOUNCES THE DEMISE OF THE "CATHOLIC" UNIVERSITY AS IT IS IDENTIFIED AND AUTHORIZED BY THE MAGISTERIUM IN HER OFFICIAL DOCUMENT "EX CORDE ECCLESIAE."
The Catholic University today must be a university in the full modern sense of the word, with a strong commitment to and concern for academic excellence. To perform its teaching and research functions effectively the Catholic university must have a true autonomy and academic freedom in the face of authority of whatever kind, lay or clerical, external to the academic community itself. To say this is simply to assert that institutional autonomy and academic freedom are essential conditions of life and growth and indeed of survival for Catholic universities as for all universities. (Emphasis added) IN POINT OF MATTER A CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY CANNOT BE "MODERN" IN THE SENSE STIPULATED BY THIS DECLARATION O
Published by: John
ann arbor mi usa 04/04/2009 03:29 AM EST
I agree with the Bishop how could Norte Dame let some like him come in speak and get a degree even if it's honorary. Does he deserve it NO!!!
Published by: Kathy S.
Piscataway, NJ 04/03/2009 08:31 PM EST  Rate: Regular
What piddle!!
A university is, or is supposed to be, a seat of learning. And learning requires one to listen, to think, to discuss and to debate. But the clerics say No!, Obama is the great evil and must be rejected. Well, that didn't work for the election. In spite of a full court press from the church hierarchy, catholics voted for Obama in a larger percentage than the general public. And that, my friends, is why the fuss over ND. The Bishops are pi**ed that catholics ignored them and voted for Obama. And they are pi**ed that Fr. Jenkens invited Obama to ND. Tough on the bishops. Maybe they should spend more time managing the pedophile priests and less time working on their political power and connections. Kathy
Published by: Mary Ann Kerkvliet
Hutchinson, MN USA 04/03/2009 07:56 PM EST
God Bless You, Bishop. You are indeed a faithful follower of Our Lord Jesus Christ! Shame on the powers that be if they allow Obama to speak there. I will pray for Notre Dame and it's leaders.
Published by: Kathleen
Bronx, NY 04/03/2009 07:09 PM EST
An honest university changes its name openly when it secularizes, to alert students & benefactors to its new identity. Notre Dame values its football "brand name" over honesty, & over God.
Published by: Carla Lomax
Cottage Grove/MN/USA 04/03/2009 05:29 PM EST
In response to Vicki's post: Yes, as Christians we are to love the sinner and hate the sin. We are all sinners whether we admit it or not. But this does not diminish the responsibility we have as Christians (especially the leaders of our Church) to hold each other accountable for our actions. In this case, that would be the scenario of Archbishop Beltran writing a respectful letter to Fr. Jenkins, the president of a reknowned Catholic teaching institution, who by its very nature and identity, is supposed to affirm, defend, and uphold the Catholic teaching on the sanctity of life, but instead chooses to go out of its way to praise and bestow honors onto the person sitting in the highest office in our United States government who unfortunately not only publicly affirms and supports the culture of death, but has used his power to drastically further the abortion cause not only in our country but in the world. As author James Drummey explains so clearly in his book "Catholic Replies": "It is not up to us to judge the motives of those we perceive to be sinners; that prerogative belongs to God alone. This does not mean however, that we cannot label certain actions (adultery, abortion, fornication, murder) as being contrary to the clearly stated law of God. This isn't being self-righteous or judgemental; it is letting others know what the moral teachings of Christ and His Church are and the obligation we have to follow those teachings if we wish to be saved."
Published by: jackie
South Dakota 04/03/2009 05:06 PM EST
President Obama is not only for abortion, funded by american taxpayers world wide,but he also believes that a baby that survives a botched abortion has to be left to die. He fought to have this passed when in the Illinois Legislature. It is on tape.
He takes abortion to a depth that most americans would find apalling. Jackie
Published by: Jeff Patrick
Mechanicsburg, PA USA 04/03/2009 04:57 PM EST
God Bless Archbishop Beltran and send us more Shepherds like him!!!
Published by: Maryanne Linkes
Pittsburgh, PA 04/03/2009 04:05 PM EST
May God continue to give this wonderful Archbishop the strength to preach the truth. Please pray for our Bishops, especially those who are so faithful in continually speaking out against these abuses. And let them know by an email or phone call that you appreciate what they are doing to save our souls.
Published by: Charles Stodolka
Appleton, NY 04/03/2009 03:51 PM EST
My dear sister in Christ, Vicki of Venice, Florida. You are correct we are supposed to love the sinner and hate the sin. But certainly the church is not hating both. There is no evidence of that.
I think you are confusing moral judgement with obediance. As Catholics, Father Jenkins and Notre Dame are obligated to be obedient to the church majesterium. The pope and the bishops are clear about how Catholic politicians that publicaly support abortion are to be handled. Any one, you, me and so on, can judge an action as bad with out judging the soul's degree of guilt in God's eyes. We judge actions every day. Fr. Jenkins actions are being judged not just by the bishops but by Catholics every where who are scandalized by the disobedience. Regarding moral judgement of a soul, lay people should not do that. It is best left to God, and his priests and bishops who are trained and called by Christ to make moral judgements in the confessional and from the Episcopate. Lastly all of us make mistakes. Most of the time they are small but sometimes as in this case they are big, and effect a lot of people. The church wants what Christ wants, the salvation of all souls, especially those at Notra Dame which now seem to be in danger. Let us correct with Christian love and charity our brothers the priests of Notra Dame, during this season of Lent. Christ purchased at enormous cost their salvation and ours. They deserve our love for the sacrifice they make to their vocations
Published by: Rita
Morrisville, NC 04/03/2009 02:58 PM EST
We need some leadership in the Catholic Church. It is lacking in most areas. Rome seems to let this type of thing go on over and over again. Do not tell me they can not stop it when Priest Bishops etc. do not stand up and make clear that we will not put up with leading our young people into sin. No wonder the precentage of Catholics voted for this man. No one said NO.........
Published by: John
ann arbor mi usa 04/03/2009 02:28 PM EST
I agree with the Bishop and what He said about Norte Dame! How could they do such a EVIL thing like this!!
Published by: HGP
Lindenhurst, IL. 04/03/2009 01:38 PM EST Rate: Excellent
We need to pray that our Bishops and Cardinals will continue to speak out. We need to support them and offer any help they need. The Chicago Tribune today attacked Cardinal George in an editorial and an op-ed piece. Please pray for Cardinal George.
Published by: Francis Xavier T
Washington, D.C. 04/03/2009 01:23 PM EST
Thank You, dear Archbishop Beltran, I will pray for you and for the innocent baby victims who grieved in silence during the holiest week of the year. Please pray for us too. Thank you for the Psalm 139, Dan.
Published by: Ellen Perry
Galveston, Texas 04/03/2009 01:14 PM EST
When we feel that we are sheep without a shepherd, Christ sends the voice of one of His Holy Shepherds to reassure His flock. God Bless Bishop Beltran. Cannot one of the hierarchy remove Rev. Jenkins from his position and save that once great Catholic University?
Published by: L.
warwick, ri usa 04/03/2009 01:04 PM EST
Bravo! The Church must stand up against the likes of obama! All the other comments thus made are "right on' except for vicki, who obviously got sucked in by the obama magic boy! Obama is evil incarnate.
Published by: Kathy B.
Cary 04/03/2009 12:54 PM EST
If any good thing can come out of the election of this person to the office of President of the US, it is that this scandal has arisen, and our bishops are standing up for the Church and its teaching.
I wish a stronger Catholic voice had been heard prior to the election, but this is in some ways better. I causes us as faithful Catholics, priests, Bishops, and laity alike to feel courage in our convictions regarding the sanctity of life and the evil of abortion, euthanasia, the destruction of embryos for stem cell research, and all other issues which the Catholic church holds as intrinsically evil. Thank you, Bishop, for your courage. Let us pray to Our Lady to intercede for the Catholic Church in America.
Published by: Mary Garcia
Big Spring, TX 04/03/2009 12:06 PM EST
BRAVO ARCHBISHOP BELTRAN!
THANK YOU FOR DEFENDING THE CATHOLIC FAITH-
Published by: Sam
Woodbury,CT.,U.S.A. 04/03/2009 11:51 AM EST
Maybe the Superior of Fr. Jenkins should remove him from the office of President of Notre Dame and put a faithful Catholic in his place. But, would that be the answer? Let us pray to Pope John Paul who was very clear and adamant about removing the title 'Catholic' from any University that was not in compliance with the teachings of the Church. This lack of compliance seriously hurts young students who are not yet formed in or clear about their faith. I pray that all faithful students, not only from Notre Dame, but from all universities, will show up on May 17th for a peaceful, prayerful protest...and perhaps Notre Dame students could walk out of the assembly before Obama talks, or at least before the honorary degree is bestowed upon him. Perhaps this is not the way to go, so let us pray that it will be as the Lord wills it to be and just keep praying...
Published by: susan stanton
dunnellon florida 04/03/2009 11:26 AM EST
obama promotes a culture of death while smiling at us from his public forums. he spits on the face of Christ. how dare notre dame give this man an invitation!! i feel they should loose their catholic status if invite is not recinded.
Published by: JoAnn
Utica/NY/USA 04/03/2009 11:17 AM EST
Dear Most Reverend eusebius Beltran,
Thank you for your courage, example and holy leadership. We hear your voice. I pray the University hears Signed One of your sheep
Published by: Barbara O'Reilly
Saugerties 04/03/2009 10:57 AM EST
It's a joy to see Catholic's finally showing their outrage over such a moral issue. We should never award evil. Proudly we stand.
Published by: Rose-Anne Orr
Canada 04/03/2009 10:51 AM EST
Father Jenkins,
The very state of your own soul, is at stake here. To scandalize the entire Catholic Church, when you know what is right, is a most horrendous sin. Reverse your decision and be forgiven and saved by God.
Published by: esiter
wilmington,de 04/03/2009 10:50 AM EST
Praise The Lord for you,Archbishop Beltran.Thank You for saying the TRUTH we know it will set us free.See you at the finish line.
Published by: Katharine h Kernan
Utica,NY, USA 04/03/2009 10:46 AM EST
Thank You!
Published by: Larry
Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA 04/03/2009 10:22 AM EST
While I appreciate and respect the criticism the bishops are giving ND for this horrible decision, I would like to see them take some real action such as advising ND that it can no longer call itself a Catholic institution. This is the vatican's right and I think that action should be taken to bring a stop to those within the church who clearly seek to bring it down. It is clear the Jenkins is an enemy from within and should be dealt with accordingly.
Published by: Suzanne
New York 04/03/2009 09:01 AM EST
Bravo, Archbishop Beltran!!! I'm so proud of all the bishops and archbishops that have publicly denounced the actions of Fr. Jenkins! I believe he should be removed from his position asap! He sets a bad example for all Catholics everywhere.
Published by: Bill Sr.
Jacksonville, Fl 04/03/2009 08:41 AM EST
"You are either with me or against me." "Don't be lukewarm or I will spit you out." That's pretty clear to me.
Does anyone think that Obama will go to South Bend intending to "listen" to what Notre Dame may have to say to him? Both have agendas but Obama has shown he has no intention of changing his brutal attack on the culture of life. So this is an example of "sleeping with the enemy" and there is no doubt as to who will be benefiting from the embrace. Archbishop Darcy nailed it when he said this is prestige trampling all over principle. When it’s over Obama will return to the Oval Office with his “honors” and Fr. Jenkins will need to visit the confessional if they still have those at Notre Dame.
Published by: vicki
venice florida 04/03/2009 08:26 AM EST Rate: Regular
I think the church is making a big deal over this for nothing!!! I thought as catholics or christians we were supposed to love the sinner but hate the sin? Seems the church hates BOTH!!! Who are these priests and bishops that are so perfect and without sin that they can judge Obama like this?
Published by: b
ny 04/03/2009 08:19 AM EST
I think praying on little boys, is an embarrasment.
Published by: Janet Pankhurst
Oklahoma City, OK 04/03/2009 08:17 AM EST
This man is my archbishop and he is a true shepherd.
Published by: Myles Keogh
Fort Riley Kansas 04/03/2009 08:01 AM EST
I applaud and thank those bishops who have stood up and defended Our Lord by defending His Church. I hope the rest of the bishops do the same.
Published by: Dan
Santa Fe/NM/US 04/03/2009 07:11 AM EST
"You formed my inmost being;
You knit me in my mother's womb. Wonderfully You made me; wonderful are Your works!" "When I was being made in secret, fashioned as in the depths of the earth, Your eyes foresaw my actions; my days were shaped before even one of them came to be." Given modern societal competing interests thos words are as 'hard' a saying as those that instituted The Eurcharist at the Last Supper. Nevertheless, anyone who denies the Truth of Psalm 139 in word or deed must be a liar and cannot be honored by a Catholic University no matter what good they produced.
Published by: SL Jaki
Princeton NJ 04/03/2009 04:54 AM EST
It is a thing of wonder to see the Church shed the shackles of doctrinaire liberalism and exercize Her primary mission of saving souls. That this is happening through the Bishops only adds to the joy of being a part of history's One True Fold.
Thank God for the Church!
Published by: Dr. W. Luckey
Front Royal, VA 04/02/2009 10:38 PM EST
I applaude Bishop Beltrand for his courage. Hopefully the bishops will get into the habit of standing up for the truth now.
Published by: Andrew Nelson
Columbia, SC USA 04/02/2009 09:41 PM EST
The fallacious arguement that Obama would work to reduce the number of abortions is a joke. He keeps appointing the most radical pro-abortion people to his administration. These same Catholics have no problem with Obama at Norte Dame. I pray for the conversion of hearts of these pro-abortion Catholics. You can not be Catholic and pro-choice at the same time.
Published by: dick brennan
monroe, new york-usa 04/02/2009 06:00 PM EST
God Bless archbishop beltran unfortunately,he may not realise that notre dame has not been Catholic for many
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