The U.S. bishops have issued a statement of collective support for Bishop John D’Arcy of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Ind., with respect to the University of Notre Dame’s honoring of Barack Obama at its commencement last month.

Bishop D’Arcy denounced Notre Dame’s actions in a pair of public statements, and he did not attend the commencement to protest against the honoring of the pro-abortion president.

Here’s the text of today’s USCCB press release supporting Bishop D’Arcy:

U.S. Bishops Express Support for Bishop D’arcy and His Pastoral Concern for the University of Notre Dame

SAN ANTONIO — During their spring General Assembly, June 17-19, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed their solidarity for Bishop John M. D’Arcy of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Ind., in particular for his care and concern for the University of Notre Dame, which resides in his diocese.

The bishops made this show of support during executive session, but released the following statement:

The bishops of the United States express our appreciation and support for our brother bishop, the Most Reverend John D’Arcy. We affirm his pastoral concern for Notre Dame University, his solicitude for its Catholic identity, and his loving care for all those the Lord has given him to sanctify, to teach and to shepherd.