Bishop of Phoenix accuses Notre Dame president of disobeying U.S. bishops

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Comments: 49

Bishop Olmsted / Fr. Jenkins

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Phoenix, Ariz., Mar 26, 2009 / 04:49 pm (CNA).- The outcry over the invitation of President Obama to deliver the Notre Dame’s commencement address and receive an honorary law degree has now drawn Bishop Thomas Olmsted of Phoenix into the fray. In a strongly worded email to Fr. John Jenkins obtained by CNA, Bishop Olmsted accuses the university’s president of committing "a public act of disobedience to the Bishops of the United States."

"I am saddened and heavy of heart about your decision to invite President Obama to speak at Notre Dame University and even to receive an honorary degree," began Bishop Olmsted.

But the prelate went further, charging that Fr. John Jenkins, the university’s president, has committed "a public act of disobedience to the Bishops of the United States" by inviting Obama to the May 17 Commencement.

The grounds for the bishop’s charge are found in a 2004 statement from the U.S. bishops which calls on the Catholic community and Catholic institutions not to "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 actions."

The Bishop of Phoenix also said that Fr. Jenkins could not have invited President Obama out of ignorance. "No one could not know of the public stands and actions of the president on key issues opposed to the most vulnerable human beings," he said in his email.

After quoting Pope John Paul II to say that all other human rights are meaningless if the right to life is not respected, Bishop Olmsted said he hoped that Fr. Jenkins would realize he has made an error.

"I pray that you come to see the grave mistake of your decision, and the way that it undercuts the Church’s proclamation of the Gospel of Life in our day."

The University of Notre Dame and Fr. Jenkins have also come under fire from Bishop John D’Arcy, in whose diocese they are located.

Bishop D’Arcy said on Tuesday that he will not be attending the commencement ceremony and suggested that Notre Dame "has chosen prestige over truth."

An online petition calling for Fr. Jenkins to cancel the invitation to President Obama had reached over 170,000 signatures as of Thursday afternoon.

Comments: 49

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Mary Carolyn Perry
Poway,Ca.US 04/12/2009 08:55 PM EST

Hey, all you upset pro-lifers who agree with these bishops who kept pedophiles moving around in their dioceses..and thought it was fine to praise and give honors to Bush and Reagan...killers of thousands of innocent babies and adults in central America and Iraq? That was torture and horrid death and you say you care about life! As a life-long Catholic, I embrace Obama for trying to help the world and stop wars and torture. You all make me sick.

Published by: John Gonser
Grand Rapids/MI/USA 04/02/2009 11:47 PM EST

The university has it wrong. The elected leader of this nation is not an imperial magesty: he goes by the title, "Mister." Notre Dame is not honored by Obama's speaking there, but rather Obama is honored by Notre Dame's invitation. He is not smart enough to realize that he should have politely refused the invitation, just as the Notre Dame administration is apparently not smart enough to realize how hypocritical the offer is. How sad. I shall carefully select the destinations of my donation money, and none will find its way to Indiana, if I have my way.

Published by: Christian
Frankfort/KY/USA 04/01/2009 01:42 PM EST

Uhhhh guys and gals, the US bishops are in schism and have excommunicated themselves when we were given a new "Mass", new "Sacraments", and a new ecumenical religion with Vatican II...just a symptom of a greater problem of mass apostasy and Modernism.

Published by: Gerry Waring
Saluda, VA USA 03/30/2009 09:48 AM EST

If the words expressed by the U.S.Bishops in 2004 mean nothing to the President of Notre Dame,then who can believe ANYTHING? Shame on you for bowing to political pressure! G. Waring

Published by: Rod S Nord
Carrolltion 03/29/2009 11:23 AM EST

In an equal action of difance, I shall withhold my donation on Sunday May 17,2009. I am a Catholic in good standing and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Fr Jenkins wants to uphold their traditions, I want to uphold my principles.

Published by: bichmao
Tustin, CA, USA 03/28/2009 08:18 PM EST

Would 170,000 signatures enough to impeach the university’s president?

Published by: John J
Washington, D.C. 03/28/2009 11:10 AM EST

John Jenkins is not only disobeying U.S. Bishops, he provokes a direct confrontation among the Catholics. His motive is to break up the Catholic Church.

Published by: Cyril Offiong.
Randallstown, MD, USA 03/27/2009 07:38 PM EST

I wish to thank all the people who have voiced their sincere opposition to the decision of the Notre Dame president, to invite Obama to speak in the institution. I just wonder what role the US Bishops have to play in some of these institutions. If Notre Dame or I should say its president cannot preserve the teachings of the church, why is he there? or why is the school called a Catholic institution. I strongly agree with the Bishop, that Fr. Jenkins has choosen prestige over truth. I am calling on all people of good will, to speak out against this travesty of truth. Yes we would be naturally proud to host the President of the USA (especially given his land mark victory)in a Catholic environment, but as chriistians and moreover, Catholics, we cannot and should not compromise our faith and beliefs because of This. To Fr. Jenkins, I say, you are a priest and for God's sake, live up to your calling. Whether you host a president or not, that would not make you a better person. God bless our efforts.

Published by: Sue E. Goessling
Bowling Greeen, Ky. 42103 03/27/2009 07:20 PM EST

In the name of THE FATHER~~THE SON ~~and HOLY SPIRIT I pray Father Jenkins will cancel the invitation to President Obama which is causing a scandal of our Catholic Religion beliefs in the right to life

Published by: PATRICK T. WHITE
PISGAH FOREST NC USA 03/27/2009 06:02 PM EST

FR. JENKINS HAS NOT ONLY DISOBEYED THE BISHOPS OF OUR CHURCH BUT HAS CREATED AN AUROA OF CONFUSION AMONGST THE LAITY INCREASING THE BELIEF THAT THE LAW OF GOD APPLIES ONLY TO A FEW.

Published by: Theresa Wilson
Cincinnati, Ohio USA 03/27/2009 04:03 PM EST

Yes!!! I am acstatic that the church hierarchy is finally leading. We have had far too many years of wishy-washy religion and leadership. We are to stand apart from the secular and lead to the truth, the way and the light. I fully support Bishop D'Arcy and Bishop Olmsted.

Published by: Snookums
New Bedford, Ma. U.S.A. 03/27/2009 03:59 PM EST

Thank you Bishop Olmsted for pointing out Father Jenkins lapse in judgement. I pray that he rescinds the invitation to President Obama

Published by: Rick Crain
Mesquite, NV 03/27/2009 03:37 PM EST

I applaude Bishop Olmstead and would like to see all of the Bishops in the United Sataes to also join Bishop Olmstead. I am contacting my Bishop in Las Vegas and ask his to also post his feelings on this issue.

Published by: Francis Xavier T
Washington, D.C. 03/27/2009 03:17 PM EST

Mr. John Jenkins, C.S.C and Mr. Thomas Reese, Lucifer never stole the fruits from the tree of knowledge himself, Eve and Adam did. The sins of the doers are forgiven when they repent. American Saint Dorothy Day had an abortion too. She was forgiven, but the evil advocates to murder those innocent voiceless defenseless God's children are not. Please note that Hitler himself never take a Jew to the gas chamber himself. He ordered it. Nortre Dame is a Catholic institute, the dean should be inviting Cardinals, not evil powerful politicians who upset all the students. Prophet Elijah and Prophet Moses never bowed to those evil powerful politicians and distorted God's truth. Mr. John Jenkins and Mr. Thomas Reese, both of you should be fired from Catholic institute, from your holy orders and from the priesthood. Shame on you! Shame on those bishops who tripped over each other to invite president Hussein Obama to dinner and to speak. Salute to Bishop D'Arcy and Bishop Olmsted with my highest respect

Published by: HENRY ZIELINSKI, MD
EL PASO, TEXAS 03/27/2009 02:08 PM EST

The decision by Notre Dame to publicly bestow honor upon an individual leading the vanguard of the "culture of death" sends a troubling and most confusing message to American Catholics and to our nation as a whole. Although an argument could be made in support of my alma mater having the president speak on campus in an open forum during which his policies (especially those supporting the taking of human life at any stage during pregnancy and the creation of human life in the laboratory for the expressed purpose of experimentation and subsequent destruction) could be subject to question and reasoned disagreement, to honor President Obama with a Law Degree "Honoris Causa" from this high profile Catholic institution will, to the public mind, place the imprimatur of Our Lady's University upon the evils which the current president so enthusiastically espouses. While retaining the honor which we all should hold as Americans for Mr. Obama and the office of president it is essential that we continue to stand for eternal truth in communion with the "One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church" as clearly and unequivocally espoused by those who have presided from the Chair of Peter. The prestige engendered by having the President on the dais during the upcoming graduation pales in comparison to the devastating effects that will follow from this betrayal of bedrock Catholic moral doctrine in the long run "FOR WHAT WILL IT PROFIT THEM IF THEY GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD BUT FORFEIT THEIR SOUL?

Published by: Barbara Foley
Wichita,KS USA 03/27/2009 01:42 PM EST

I am heart broken that a Catholic University wounld invite a man who believes in infantcide to not only speak but to receive a honorary degree. It gives cause for the faithful to think that they don't have to be true to the basic tenants of the Church.

Published by: Ruth Richards
Ganado, TX. USA 03/27/2009 01:41 PM EST

Jesus says your either for me or against me.
There is no middle road. This sounds like a cafeteria catholic. I'll pray for you.

Published by: Diane
Massachusetts 03/27/2009 01:33 PM EST

Bishop D'Arcy NEEDS to remove Fr. Jenkins from his post. Thank God for the Bishops that truly lead! It's absolutely astounding that Fr. Jenkins can witness this amount of outrage and fury about this absurd decision he made, and not have the humility to rescind that invitation! That is exactly what this is all about. Pride has gotten hold of Fr. Jenkins. He needs a massive infusion of humility to be able to do the right thing. With God's help he could do what he absolutely MUST do. I say massive amount of humility because he has allowed this to go on for too long!

Published by: Rafael de Cardenas
Oklahoma city, Ok-USA 03/27/2009 01:01 PM EST

As a Catholic and an American of Cuban heritage is appaling to me that the invitation has even was extende. I pray you see the errors of your ways and recind theinvitation and honors. What next are we going to invite the Castro brothers?
Rafael de Cardenas

Published by: Mary Ann
Moulton, TX 03/27/2009 12:36 PM EST

I hope that Fr. Jenkins catches more "hell" from the bishops.

This is an outright scandal, yet it's good to see so many practicing Catholics stand up for the honor of Our Lady and for the Truth.

Published by: steve
Indiandapolis 03/27/2009 11:42 AM EST

Fr Jenkins needs to be removed as president of ND. His invitation is a scandal for any
Catholic and he should be disciplined by Church leaders. The Bishops are not going far enough in their public outcry!

Published by: Barb
Indiana 03/27/2009 11:30 AM EST

The bad catholics in academia are going to be the hardest to reconvert to the faith because they have drunk far more deeply from the well of hubris. Prayers alone won't suffice for them, we need to fast as well and make many many sacrifices to bring them back to their senses.

Fiat Voluntas Tua

Published by: John Lyons
Spokane, WA, U.S.A. 03/27/2009 11:12 AM EST

I am not surprised by their actions because the have shown that they feel superior to Catholic Church. They brought radicals there before.

Published by: gerry boos
branchville, NJ,USA 03/27/2009 10:56 AM EST

I welcome the voice of Bishop Olmsted decrying the horrific invitation to Pres. Obama to speak at Our Lady's University. I as a Catholic am deeply saddened by Fr. Jenkins turning his back on our Faith. I have been a stalward supporter of a Community founded by our dear St. Ignatius, however, I do wonder why the voice of their Superior - General has remained silent. May Fr. Jenkins remember what he so proudly should represent.

Published by: R. Cooper
St. Lucia, West Indies 03/27/2009 10:07 AM EST

Can't the U.S. Bishops
sack Fr. Jenkins from his post at ND, for this outrageous act of insubordination? What are they waiting for!

Published by: Robert Ferrara
New York,NY USA 03/27/2009 09:51 AM EST

I think this ouycry against Notre Dame has gotten out of hand. Is everyone Catholic or non Catholic not agreeing with the Bishops of the US be condemned out of hand. Some of the rhetoric has become almost rabid in its language. It seems to be serving more of a political purpose. I wish some of the US Bishops who oppose such an uproar would let their voices be heard

Published by: knobron
knob noster mo. usa 03/27/2009 09:39 AM EST

This is the last straw in a long list of the church's unwillingness to deny a platform for politicians who undermine everything we hold sacred.
Our family will not support financialy ANY funding request which sends money outside our parish.

Published by: Mike Malone
Glenwood, Iowa 03/27/2009 09:22 AM EST

It's wonderful that Bishop Olmsted has spoken out. But, where in the world are the rest of our bishops? Where is the USCCB? Why hasn't Bishop D'Arcy taken stronger pastoral action besides not attending the graduation? Why do are our U.S. bishops failing to defend and uphold the tenants of our Faith?

Disgusting!

Published by: Fr. Reginald Sander OSB
Tarkio, MO USA 03/27/2009 09:00 AM EST

Frankly, I am not surprised. Universal Catholic Truth and Notre Dame haven't had much in common for a long time.

Published by: Paul G
Minneapolis, MN 03/27/2009 01:29 AM EST

Why are "Catholic" universities so eager to show "openness" and "encouraging dialogue" with people who don't share our intellectual and moral outlook? Catholics arguably started the educational system (i.e. in the monasteries). Others should be looking to ingratiate themselves to Catholic culture and intellectual life! Catholic universities shouldn't be trying to conform to the cultural and spiritual decadence we live in!

Published by: Bernardo A. Buela
Davao City, Philippines 03/27/2009 01:07 AM EST

It's puzzling that those who hold key positions in Catholic universities like Fr. Jerkins and numerous others, including here in the Philippines, by Jesuit and Dominican Fathers, would, indeed, choose "prestige over truth," or more precisely, profit over morals, not carelessly but recklessly. No wonder in our country of a great majority Catholics, we rank among top ten most corrupt all over the world! Regardless of this scandal, I as a Catholic stand pat in my faith and take this as a challenge and opportunity to seek God's help and mercy.

Published by: NIles
San Francisco CA 03/27/2009 12:45 AM EST

Father Jenkins is a member
of a religious congregation
& therefore through his
vows of obedience does not
"report" to a bishop, but rather to the superior of his order. I believe that a few bishops
such a Chaput, Olmted & Martino are using the abortion
issue as a "smoke-screen"
to have us all forget about
the lingering clergy sex-abuse scandal.

Published by: Sharon
Australia 03/27/2009 12:20 AM EST

In a strongly worded email to Fr. John Jenkins obtained by CNA,

1. How was the email obtained by CNA?
2. This email was presumably, a private communication between Bishop Olmstead and Fr Jenkins. Did either or both men consent to the content of the email being released publically?
3. Was either Bishop Olmstead's or Fr Jenkins' privacy violated?

Published by: Michael Ruther
Peoria Az 03/27/2009 12:17 AM EST

This not the first time an pro-choice president visited Notre Dame. I think abortion is murder, Maybe we can show the world how evil abortion realy is, as if they did not know

Published by: Irene Wallace
Bella Vista, AR 03/26/2009 11:07 PM EST

I totally concur with the opinion of Bishop D'Arcy and Bishop Olmstead. For Notre Dame, a prestigious Catholic University to grant an honorary law degree to President Obama, is disrespectful of the opinion of the US Bishops and disobedient of the tenets of the Catholic Church.

Published by: Saskia
Granite, UT 03/26/2009 09:26 PM EST

I find that I am becoming physically ill from distraught at the thought of Obama receiving an honorary law degree from Notre Dame. This is so wrong, so morally repugnant to a thinking Catholic. It is as if Mengele, Hess, Himmler, Goebbles, or some other bigwig in the Third Reich was honored at an illustrious European University more than a half century ago--unthinkable. I fear for American Catholicism--it is in a total shambles. We are a people divided--holding wildly different views on the sanctity of life and having wildly different views on how this should be upheld. My prayers are desperate for justice for the unborn and their mothers, and for embryoes dissected daily, and it seems things are spiraling out of control by the hour.

Published by: catholic hermit
xx 03/26/2009 09:09 PM EST

Am prayerfully thankful for Bishop D'Arcy's stance, and statement to Fr. Jenkins by Bishop Olmsted. May there be more to come, as this is a turning point for Catholics. Shine clear lights upon what the Church IS, to be clear lights through, with, in Christ, not only for the world but for foggy Catholics, as well. We must continue to work hard to be heard, harder to be seen witnessing, and most of all to be assured and to assure that prayers will be answered.

What clear-light Catholics can count on are prayer and the Sacraments, unimpeded by disobedience, dissent, and confused contortions of the Faith. Lest we forget that the Most Holy Trinity and the Virgin Mary, angels and saints feel our pain, Christ will have victory in this.

Part of that victory is the very fact that clear-light Catholics are willing to lay all else aside and stand firm for the Truth of the Church, to defend Her, and to be media-politic-culturally martyred if necessary.

There is a supernatural reality, and this is spiritual warfare being finally brought out into the temporal scene. It is more than Lenten Penance. Passion week is coming soon. Who is the victor, always, in this world and for all eternity?

Let us lay our lives down for Christ and His Church: turn away from cunning deceptions of politicians--even of foggy Catholics. Be not afraid to be clear lights of Christ and His Church: obedient, prayerful, and sacrificial. Offer all for God, for what remains worthy if we do not have the Truth

Published by: Joseph T M
Sierra Vista 03/26/2009 08:25 PM EST

Thank God I live in Southern AZ!

Published by: Ed
Phila/Pa/USA 03/26/2009 08:03 PM EST

Thank God someone in Authority is speaking out against this priest. Where did he get his ordination, Did they not discuss abortion there. A bishop or cardinal need to use thrir authority and make him rescind the invite. Hope he would be obedient to them

Published by: Rachel
Sacramento/California 03/26/2009 07:57 PM EST

The public and ugly response of the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, including Bishop Olmsted, to the invitation for the President to speak at Notre Dame epitomizes the reasons I am not Catholic anymore. I miss the rituals, the community and history, but the unexamined dogmatism is so uncomfortable, I could not associate myself with it.

Published by: DELIA MILLANES-QUINAIN
CHICAGO 03/26/2009 07:35 PM EST

What a shame. I was even taking into consideration Notre Dame Univ. for my 15 yr-old son's college, but because of this, I definitely will NOT support him, financially and otherwise for a higher education at Notre Dame. Is this a Roman Catholic university or just another highly and notoriously secular university? under the guise of "open mindedness for higher learning?" What is going on with these priests?

Published by: john dangtran
san jose/CA/USA 03/26/2009 07:05 PM EST

Do not hesitate to remove the defiant president of Notre Dame from the office. His disobedience of the Bishops can not be tolerated.

Published by: Joseph
Philippines 03/26/2009 07:03 PM EST

what is the link to that online petition?

Published by: Ron Henderson
Alberta, Canada 03/26/2009 06:45 PM EST

Mr. Jenkins should be sacked immediately if he does not retract the invitation; this will show whether there is catholic duplicity here. After sacking the invitation should be revoked.

Published by: marie cogswell
sattelite beach, fla usa 03/26/2009 06:38 PM EST

AMEN, AMEN, AMEN!
As a 64 yr old who has spent 30 years in the univ system and living life thoroughly, I have been sickened countless times, both professionally and privately, by the kind of incident that is happening at Notre Dame. I have stood alone and done all I could, mostly to no avail. I'm looking for an email address to thank the bishop personally.
Blessings,
Marie M. Cogswell

Published by: George Weber
Concord/NH/USA 03/26/2009 06:07 PM EST

My complaint is that the ND President and his advisers had to realize that President Obama's staff would leap at the opportunity to appear at a Catholic university in this capacity. What Were You Thinking!!!???

Published by: +Romulo T. De La Cruz
Kidapawan City/Philippines 03/26/2009 06:02 PM EST

I agree with the bishop's reaction. He is to be commended for speaking out. More US bishops should say something in defence of their 2004 statement.

Published by: Fran Marsom
Blanchard, OK. USA 03/26/2009 05:44 PM EST

Thank you, Your Excelency! It is great to have the hirearchy of the Church speak out against the immorality of the administration.

Published by: Kathleen Smith
Rumson, NJ 03/26/2009 05:18 PM EST

Thank you for speaking out Bishop Olmstead. All of us against abortion need to be united against this evil. We are praying that Fr. Jenkins reconsider.

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