Bishop says Notre Dame is wrong to honor Joe Biden

[jeffrey_erwin]

i am a graduate of notre dame. i am shocked and ashamed of notre dame honoring president obama & vice president biden; two absolute pro-abortion advocates

**The term “pro-abortion” is a misnomer. The only politicians that actually think that it is a good idea for a woman to seek an abortion without a doctor’s advice that it is medically imperative for her to do so are in China where abortion is mandated by law.
That being said, one of the problems with US laws is that some doctors are willing to bend the rules in order to make a buck.
We see that in the so-called pain clinics where anyone can walk in and obtain a prescription for large quantities of narcotics.

I think that our USA politicians acknowledge that an abortion is always a tragedy. **

 

[Path_Finder]

These politicians are responsible for abominable practices like the Democratic Governor of West Virginia vetoing making dismemberment abortions illegal in the last 2 weeks. Thankfully, that veto was overturned in the legislature.

There are plenty of such examples.

 

[Path_Finder]

i am a graduate of notre dame. i am shocked and ashamed of notre dame honoring president obama & vice president biden; two absolute pro-abortion advocates

i root for the sports teams on tv; the administration of that school is dead to me

i don’t give them a dime and i haven’t set foot on the campus in many, many years

Obama of course, has gone beyond abortion in voting against the BAIPA 4 different times, BAIPA meaning the “born alive infant protection act”, some liken that to infanticide, a baby surviving abortion can not be given life support.

It is interesting that like other politicians, I believe Biden was at one point, pro-life.

 

[jeffrey_erwin]

These politicians are responsible for abominable practices like the Democratic Governor of West Virginia vetoing making dismemberment abortions illegal in the last 2 weeks. Thankfully, that veto was overturned in the legislature.

**There are valid medical reasons for performing such a procedure which is actually rare. The refusal of some hospitals to tell a patient the truth about the imperative medical necessity for undergoing this tragic procedure has led to the death of at least one patient. The sensational news in this regard does nothing to help the pro-life movement.

Other avenues are available that would reduce the incidence of abortion. These would cost money and require the suspension of judgment of responsible parties. I never see any support for these ideas here. Why not? **

 

[7_Sorrows]

btw, other than being ordered to attend state events that president obama cares not to show up at, what has vice president biden accomplished to merit any award? he is the sitting vice president behind a physically healthy president who will’ve completed his two terms w/ little or no assist from vp biden

other than collect a healthy salary and made numerous speech gaffes; what exactly has joe biden done to be worthy of any award other than perhaps the attendance and penmanship award??

I don’t understand this either. Certainly there are other Catholics more deserving.
Joe has experienced a lot of tragedy and loss and I think he receives a lot of sympathy because of that. But I certainly don’t see what accomplishments he has done to receive this honor.

 

[JPUSC]

“I believe it is wrong for Notre Dame to honor any ‘pro-choice’ public official with the Laetare Medal, even if he/she has other positive accomplishments in public service, since direct abortion is gravely contrary to the natural law and violates a very fundamental principle of Catholic moral and social teaching: the inalienable right to life of every innocent human being from the moment of conception,” Bishop Kevin Rhoades said in a written statement issued Monday.

True, but never mind. We have to look at people, at what they do.

 

[ProVobis]

There are many of us outside the Roman Catholic Church who see Joe Biden’s faith as something extremely positive. He talks openly about his Catholicism and how during times of personal crisis and grief, it gave him strength and comfort. Do you remember his interview with Stephen Colbert shortly after his son died? Two Catholics sharing what faith means. It was very moving.

IOW, he’s using the Church to suit himself?

 

[LittleFlower378]

**The term “pro-abortion” is a misnomer. The only politicians that actually think that it is a good idea for a woman to seek an abortion without a doctor’s advice that it is medically imperative for her to do so are in China where abortion is mandated by law.
That being said, one of the problems with US laws is that some doctors are willing to bend the rules in order to make a buck.
We see that in the so-called pain clinics where anyone can walk in and obtain a prescription for large quantities of narcotics.

I think that our USA politicians acknowledge that an abortion is always a tragedy. **

Absolutely not. They hid behind this kind of thought last election and scammed the people. Their whole platform is that it is a “womans right” to murder the baby. They call those that dont agree with abortion sexist and woman haters. When laws are brought to their desk they happily choose government over God and sign a death warrant for countless innocent children.

 

[deaconjohnO]

i

i root for the sports teams on tv; the administration of that school is dead to me

I cannot even bring myself to root for their teams. I gave up one year during a last second field goal the TV camera panned the crowed and showed ND fans crossing themselves, as if God is going to help them win a game. BTW they were playing Boston College.

 

[commenter]

There are many of us outside the Roman Catholic Church who see Joe Biden’s faith as something extremely positive. He talks openly about his Catholicism and how during times of personal crisis and grief, it gave him strength and comfort. Do you remember his interview with Stephen Colbert shortly after his son died? Two Catholics sharing what faith means. It was very moving.

I am very happy he is receiving this award; he is a strong symbol of your faith. Look at all the people who DO respect him and think of the positive ways he is representing you.

Suppose a tobacco company executive has consistently defended cigarette advertising. But he also has relied on his faith to comfort him in his personal life.

The fact that he has been able to share some spiritual insights should not mean he should be awarded a prize for public health. Likewise, the fact that Mr. Biden says he is comforted by his faith - which I have no reason to doubt - should not qualify him for this medal.

 

[commenter]

Our local “Catholic” colleges also support abortion rights politicians. Unfortunately they are still listed in the local diocesan directory as “Catholic” institutions. I am not sure if the local diocese still lists Notre Dame as Catholic.

In any event it is not sufficient for bishops to continue criticizing “Catholic” institutions for this or that isolated incident. They have to specifically say “Notre Dame (or whatever) was formerly a Catholic institution, but today it is a secular institution.”

 

[_Abyssinia]

**The term “pro-abortion” is a misnomer. The only politicians that actually think that it is a good idea for a woman to seek an abortion without a doctor’s advice that it is medically imperative for her to do so are in China where abortion is mandated by law.
That being said, one of the problems with US laws is that some doctors are willing to bend the rules in order to make a buck.
We see that in the so-called pain clinics where anyone can walk in and obtain a prescription for large quantities of narcotics.

I think that our USA politicians acknowledge that an abortion is always a tragedy. **

When I searched on Google ‘meaning of pro abortion’ it came up with this definition: in favour of the availability of medically induced abortion.

People may mean ‘pro-abortion’ in different ways but the term can be seen as the above definition.

If you base it on the definition I posted above, isn’t it fair to call somebody pro-abortion who favours medical abortion being available?

 

[_Abyssinia]

**There are valid medical reasons for performing such a procedure which is actually rare. The refusal of some hospitals to tell a patient the truth about the imperative medical necessity for undergoing this tragic procedure has led to the death of at least one patient. The sensational news in this regard does nothing to help the pro-life movement.

Other avenues are available that would reduce the incidence of abortion. These would cost money and require the suspension of judgment of responsible parties. I never see any support for these ideas here. Why not? **

What valid medical reasons for performing dismemberment abortions could their possibly be? This procedure is horrendous and barbaric.

 

[pnewton]

There are many of us outside the Roman Catholic Church who see Joe Biden’s faith as something extremely positive. He talks openly about his Catholicism and how during times of personal crisis and grief, it gave him strength and comfort. Do you remember his interview with Stephen Colbert shortly after his son died? Two Catholics sharing what faith means. It was very moving.

I am very happy he is receiving this award; he is a strong symbol of your faith. Look at all the people who DO respect him and think of the positive ways he is representing you.

I too was moved by what he said. I believe he has a deep faith, but it is not an orthodox faith, and this award is misplaced.

 

[pnewton]

**The term “pro-abortion” is a misnomer. **

It is a far better term than “pro-choice”. Use “pro-legalized-abortion” if you desire more accuracy.

Pro-choice does not work because everyone believes we should all have choices in moral good or morally neutral areas. No one is pro-choice for a rapist, for example, even if they are personally against raping women.

 

[jeffrey_erwin]

What valid medical reasons for performing dismemberment abortions could their possibly be? This procedure is horrendous and barbaric.

**Of course it is, and it is a tragedy whenever it occurs. The medical reason is that the fetus is not viable and, if not removed, will cause the death of the woman that carries it.

**Pregnant Woman Suffers. You Won't Believe Who's to Blame. | American Civil Liberties Union

 

[dans0622]

I am curious. Is the University under the authority of the local Bishop? Or would it be the Congregation of Holy Cross? What is the primary relationship in cases like this?

Hello,

That can be a point of contention/conflict. Both have responsibilities and rights. The University has autonomy in regard to internal management but the bishop(s) can issue directives regarding the general regulation of the university (see, for example, the Code of Canon Law, c. 806). John Paul II’s Apostolic Constitution “Ex corde Ecclesiae” also addressed this relationship.

Dan

 

[zz912]

Except he isn’t a positive representative of Catholicism. Perhaps he represents that fuzzy, don’t offend anyone type of Christianity, but he certainly doesn’t represent the faith.

Bingo

**The term “pro-abortion” is a misnomer. The only politicians that actually think that it is a good idea for a woman to seek an abortion without a doctor’s advice that it is medically imperative for her to do so are in China where abortion is mandated by law.
That being said, one of the problems with US laws is that some doctors are willing to bend the rules in order to make a buck.
We see that in the so-called pain clinics where anyone can walk in and obtain a prescription for large quantities of narcotics.

I think that our USA politicians acknowledge that an abortion is always a tragedy. **

You can keep repeating this myth, but no one is going to believe it. The DNC is rabidly pro-abortion.

These politicians are responsible for abominable practices like the Democratic Governor of West Virginia vetoing making dismemberment abortions illegal in the last 2 weeks. Thankfully, that veto was overturned in the legislature.

There are plenty of such examples.

Perfect example.

**There are valid medical reasons for performing such a procedure which is actually rare. The refusal of some hospitals to tell a patient the truth about the imperative medical necessity for undergoing this tragic procedure has led to the death of at least one patient. The sensational news in this regard does nothing to help the pro-life movement.

Other avenues are available that would reduce the incidence of abortion. These would cost money and require the suspension of judgment of responsible parties. I never see any support for these ideas here. Why not? **

1. No, there are no valid medical reasons to dismember a baby. Deliver the baby is the mother is in danger.
2. I am hesitant to suspend my judgment and give decision-making to you. You have shown a poor grasp on fundamental moral issues in my humble opinion.

True, but never mind. We have to look at people, at what they do.

This may be the best comment ever made on here.

Absolutely not. They hid behind this kind of thought last election and scammed the people. Their whole platform is that it is a “womans right” to murder the baby. They call those that dont agree with abortion sexist and woman haters. When laws are brought to their desk they happily choose government over God and sign a death warrant for countless innocent children.

Bingo.

 

[zz912]

It’s great that the bishop has come out publicly and expressed his views. But more is needed. He needs to clearly denounce this travesty, AND he needs to do something about Notre Dame. They are clearly veering from Church teaching and promoting anti-Christian secularism. He needs to do something about it and not just issue press releases. Souls are at stake.

 

[Joe_5859]

For those who don’t read the articles, I think it’s worth noting that Notre Dame is giving the medal to both Joe Biden and John Boehner. It seems to me that their main goal is to honor a Catholic politician from each side of the aisle who is in the twilight of his career in an effort to build bridges over partisanship.

That said, I can certainly understand the Bishop not being happy about it as it is a bit scandalous to honor politicians who work against Catholic moral teaching, whatever Notre Dame’s motivations may have been. Notre Dame’s goal of healing rifts of polarization is at least a good goal, even if this may not have been the best way to achieve that goal.