These quotes are excerpted from critical comments made by some of the 30 U.S. bishops who publicly have denounced the University of Notre Dame’s decision to honor President Barack Obama:

“Whatever else is clear, it is clear that Notre Dame didn’t understand what it means to be Catholic when they issued this invitation.” — Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

“Indeed, as a Catholic University, Notre Dame must ask itself, if by this decision it has chosen prestige over truth.” — Bishop John D’Arcy of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Ind., diocesan bishop for the University of Notre Dame

“The Bishops of the United States published a document a few years ago asking all Catholic universities to avoid giving a platform or an award to those politicians or public figures who promote the taking of unborn human life. Even given the dignity of the Office of the President, this offer is still providing a platform and an award to a public figure who has been candid on his pro-abortion views.” — Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Houston

“They made a big mistake. There’s a lot of things that President Obama does that we can find ourselves allied with and working with him on, and we have profound respect for him and pray with him and for him. But in an issue that is very close to the heart of Catholic world view, namely, the protection of innocent life in the womb, he has unfortunately taken a position very much at odds with the Church.” — Archbishop Timothy Dolan, who will be installed April 15 as the new Archbishop of New York

“(I) regret that (Bishop D’Arcy) must bear this personal affront from a university which he has so consistently and ardently supported this last quarter century.” — Archbishop Edward O’Brien of Baltimore

“It is a travesty that the University of Notre Dame, considered by many to be a Catholic University, should give its public support to such an anti-Catholic politician. I hope that you are able to reconsider this decision. If not, please do not expect me to support your University in the future.” — Archbishop John Nienstedt of St. Paul-Minneapolis, Minn.

“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.” — Archbishop Eusebius Beltran of Oklahoma City, Okla.

“When we extend honors to people who do not share our respect and reverence for life in all stages, and give them a prominent stage in our parishes, schools and other institutions, we unfortunately create the perception that we endorse their public positions on these issues. We cannot justify such actions, and the Bishops have stated so clearly and strongly.” — Archbishop John Myers of Newark, N.J.

“The University of Notre Dame used to be the flagship Catholic university in the United States. I regret we are not experiencing that leadership and integrity.” — Archbishop Alfred Hughes of New Orleans

“There isn’t a single reason that would justify Catholic sponsorship of the president of our country, who is blatantly opposed to the Catholic Church’s doctrine on abortion and embryonic stem-cell research. You dishonor the reputation of the University of Notre Dame and, in effect, abdicate your prestigious reputation among Catholic universities everywhere.” — Archbishop Daniel Buechlein of Indianapolis, Ind.

“President Obama has made it clear that his policies on abortion and the general protection of innocent life are in dramatic opposition to the teachings of the Catholic Church. At this critical time we cannot afford to send an ambiguous message to our leaders or our people.” — Archbishop José Gomez and Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantú of San Antonio, Texas

“I would ask that you rescind this unfortunate decision and so avoid dishonoring the practicing Catholics of the United States, including those of this Diocese. Failing that, please have the decency to change the name of the University to something like, ‘The Fighting Irish College’ or ‘Northwestern Indiana Humanist University.’” — Bishop Thomas Doran of Rockford, Ill.

And while they aren’t bishops, we think that the remarks contained in an April 7 public letter published by ten Holy Cross priests merit inclusion in this post too. That’s because they are members of the same order as is Notre Dame’s president, Holy Cross Father John Jenkins, and because their Holy Cross order founded Notre Dame and continues to oversee the university.

Here is the text of the Holy Cross priests’ letter, as published April 8 by the Notre Dame Observer newspaper:

“We prayerfully request that Fr. Jenkins and the Fellows of the University, who are entrusted with responsibility for maintaining its essential character as a Catholic institution of higher learning, revisit this matter immediately. Failure to do so will damage the integrity of the institution and detract from all the good work that occurs at Notre Dame and from the impressive labors of its many faithful students and professors.

“We offer these views as we enter Holy Week, recalling the triumph of Christ’s holy cross. As ‘men with hope to bring’ we are confident that Notre Dame may yet give true honor to its patroness, and witness to Her Son, through its commitment to the sanctity of life.”

Wilson D. Miscamble, C.S.C.
Stephen M. Koeth, C.S.C.
Gregory P. Haake, C.S.C.
Daniel J. Parrish, C.S.C.
Michael B. Wurtz, C.S.C.
Mark R. Ghyselink, C.S.C.
Terrence P. Ehrman, C.S.C.
John A. Herman, C.S.C.
Ronald J. Wasowski, C.S.C.
Vincent A. Kuna, C.S.C.
Holy Cross Priests