Bishop says Notre Dame is wrong to honor Joe Biden

[_Abyssinia]

**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

How would this case warrant a need for dismemberment abortion?

I recommend reading the following, it has a lot of information about the case of Tamesha Means:

catholicmoraltheology.com/in-defense-of-the-ethical-and-religious-directives-for-catholic-healthcare/

 

[Jeanne_S]

ND along with Georgetown U are Catholic in name only.The both are lousy examples of what a Catholic University should embody.

 

[_Abyssinia]

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.

Rhoades says he and Notre Dame President Father John Jenkins met and discussed the medal winners prior to their announcement on March 6th. Rhoades says, “Father Jenkins made it clear to me that in recognizing Vice-President Biden and Speaker Boehner, Notre Dame would not be endorsing the policy positions of either, but rather, would be honoring them for their public service in politics. I know that this honor is also an attempt to recognize two Catholics from different political parties at a time when our national politics is often mired in acrimonious partisanship. I appreciate Notre Dame’s efforts to encourage civility, dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation in political life.”

Rhoades believes it would have been better if Notre Dame had invited Biden and Boehner to speak at this years commencement ceremony on the topic of public service, rather than “bestow an honor that can provoke scandal.” He referred to Pope Francis’ teaching saying, "He also warns against a “spiritual worldliness that consists in seeking not the Lord’s glory but human glory. I think this counsel is also relevant in decisions about conferring honors.”

fox28.com/story/31467426/2016/03/14/bishop-rhoades-says-notre-dame-needs-to-raise-the-bar-disagrees-with-awarding-biden-and-boehner-laetare-medal

 

[rcwitness]

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.

We don’t give double honor to Christians who simply express their appreciation for the Faith, but for those who have labored in defending the Faith.

 

[LittleFlower378]

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.

 

[Memaw]

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.

That may be because they do not understand what a Catholic should stand for. I have sympathy for his loss but I don’t see that it brought him any closer to defending the lives of unborn babies that die by the millions. Deliberately killed by our unjust laws that allow it. Talk is cheap, so they say. Living up to truth is not so easy. God Bless, Memaw

 

[jeffrey_erwin]

I don’t understand why we don’t try to change laws that encourage the enabling of abortions. Is it all about the money?

 

[commenter]

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.

The Church does not need to give equal time to “both sides of the aisle”. This is not an issue where there are 2 sides of an uncertain issue, each of which might claim to be consistent with Christianity.
What if one side of an aisle supported the right to molest children, and the other side argued for protection of children?
Or what if one side supported white supremacy, and the other side racial equality?
Would we honor “both sides of the aisle?” The term “building bridges” may seem politically correct, but there are some sides that don’t deserve to be dignified with a bridge.

 

[LittleFlower378]

The Church does not need to give equal time to “both sides of the aisle”. This is not an issue where there are 2 sides of an uncertain issue, each of which might claim to be consistent with Christianity.
What if one side of an aisle supported the right to molest children, and the other side argued for protection of children?
Or what if one side supported white supremacy, and the other side racial equality?
Would we honor “both sides of the aisle?” The term “building bridges” may seem politically correct, but there are some sides that don’t deserve to be dignified with a bridge.

 

[ComplineSanFran]

The Church does not need to give equal time to “both sides of the aisle”. This is not an issue where there are 2 sides of an uncertain issue, each of which might claim to be consistent with Christianity.
What if one side of an aisle supported the right to molest children, and the other side argued for protection of children?
Or what if one side supported white supremacy, and the other side racial equality?
Would we honor “both sides of the aisle?” The term “building bridges” may seem politically correct, but there are some sides that don’t deserve to be dignified with a bridge.

But neither Vice President Biden nor Speaker Boehner ARE any of the things you mentioned above. Both are respected leaders in the American government and both are practicing Catholics who are open about their faith. The University is acknowledging the lifelong service of both men in trying political times. And it appears that Cardinal Wuerl will be receiving an honorary doctorate during that ceremony, lending his support to the honor given both men.

It may be controversial to some, but to many others, it is well deserved.

 

[Joe_5859]

fox28.com/story/31467426/2016/03/14/bishop-rhoades-says-notre-dame-needs-to-raise-the-bar-disagrees-with-awarding-biden-and-boehner-laetare-medal

Thanks for the additional info. It’s good to see that Jenkins actually met with the bishop about it beforehand (even if he ignored the advice given). A step in the right direction at least.

 

[rcwitness]

But neither Vice President Biden nor Speaker Boehner ARE any of the things you mentioned above. Both are respected leaders in the American government and both are practicing Catholics who are open about their faith. The University is acknowledging the lifelong service of both men in trying political times. And it appears that Cardinal Wuerl will be receiving an honorary doctorate during that ceremony, lending his support to the honor given both men.

It may be controversial to some, but to many others, it is well deserved.

Has Joe Biden supported the legalization of Abortion and same sex marriage???

 

[Joe_5859]

The Church does not need to give equal time to “both sides of the aisle”. This is not an issue where there are 2 sides of an uncertain issue, each of which might claim to be consistent with Christianity.
What if one side of an aisle supported the right to molest children, and the other side argued for protection of children?
Or what if one side supported white supremacy, and the other side racial equality?
Would we honor “both sides of the aisle?” The term “building bridges” may seem politically correct, but there are some sides that don’t deserve to be dignified with a bridge.

Well, yes, the Church obviously does not give (and would never give) equal time to “pro-choice” and “pro-life”, but that’s not the bridge I’m talking about being built. The bridge is for people, not ideas. Some ideas are just wrong and need to be condemned. But as long as a person is alive, we want to reach out to them in hopes that they will be converted.

As a culture, we are losing the ability to communicate with people we disagree with. I think that’s what Notre Dame is seeking to heal with the gesture. Ironically, they will probably just attract ire from both sides.

To be clear, I’m not seeking to defend Notre Dame’s action. I’m just offering an explanation. I’ll defer to their local bishop in rendering a judgment on the matter.

 

[Joe_5859]

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?

It can be complicated. But most Catholic colleges and universities are run by religious orders, not dioceses. Thus, a local diocese often has limited say in the direction of a university in their boundaries. That’s why Bishop Rhoades can’t just swoop in, fire Fr. Jenkins, and yank the Laetare medal from Joe Biden’s hands.

The local bishop could determine that a given college can no longer consider itself Catholic. And I know a lot of people here may rejoice at such actions. But that would truly be the last possible resort. There would likely be no going back from such a disavowal. I think most bishops probably take a longer view and seek to move things in the right direction as they are able rather than cutting bait and running away.

 

[ComplineSanFran]

Has Joe Biden supported the legalization of Abortion and same sex marriage???

I don’t believe that the Vice President had to take a stand. Both are quite legal already.

 

[pnewton]

I don’t believe that the Vice President had to take a stand. Both are quite legal already.

He has only been the VP for seven years.

ontheissues.org/2012/Joe_Biden_Abortion.htm

However, despite the idea that he is all for abortion, NARAL only gives him a 36% rating. That’s not good for a Catholic, but he is nothing like Clinton and most democrats.

 

[rcwitness]

I don’t believe that the Vice President had to take a stand. Both are quite legal already.

I believe an existing law must be submitted to, especially by a leader. However, has he made efforts to change these laws? Has he professed his personal opposition to the law in these cases?

I ask because I don’t really know. But apparently, the Bishop believes he has not done so, at least to the measure which deserves an award for his Catholic faithfulness.

 

[JPUSC]

I don’t believe that the Vice President had to take a stand. Both are quite legal already.

slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2012/05/joseph_biden_s_words_forced_barack_obama_to_support_gay_marriage_sooner_than_he_had_planned_.html

businessinsider.com/joe-bidens-role-in-gay-marriage-decision-2015-7

 

[PTL]

Shame on Notre Dame!

God bless the courageous good bishop!

 

[commenter]

It can be complicated. But most Catholic colleges and universities are run by religious orders, not dioceses. Thus, a local diocese often has limited say in the direction of a university in their boundaries. That’s why Bishop Rhoades can’t just swoop in, fire Fr. Jenkins, and yank the Laetare medal from Joe Biden’s hands.

The local bishop could determine that a given college can no longer consider itself Catholic. And I know a lot of people here may rejoice at such actions. But that would truly be the last possible resort. There would likely be no going back from such a disavowal. I think most bishops probably take a longer view and seek to move things in the right direction as they are able rather than cutting bait and running away.

The problem of secular humanism, and deChristianization, at Notre Dame has been going on for 45 years! So much for the need to take the longer view. Bishops have a responsibility to students, parents, and potential job seekers, who think this and other institutions are Catholic, when they are not.

The leaders of Notre Dame are lying, claiming it is Catholic. We can’t blame the bishop for their sin. But the bishop has a responsibility, after meeting and discussing and trying to dissuade people from lying, to make sure the truth gets out there. The bishop is doing his job, issuing this statement, and the diocesan website does not list Notre Dame as a local Catholic institution at all. Notre Dame is too wealthy and national for one bishop to have much impact.

But there are many smaller faux-Catholic institutions that are more dependent on the lingering reputation of being Catholic. They still get gifts from donors, alumni, parents pay extra-high tuition, all in the inaccurate perception that those institutions are Catholic. Prolifers can ask their diocese to stop referring to them as Catholic. They can contact the college’s big donors, alumni associations, etc, and get the word out that this institution is not what it formerly was, it is now secular. They can identify colleges that are genuinely prolife (Christendom, Steubenville, etc) and get the diocesan newspaper and Catholic high schools to promote them instead.

If a religious order - Holy Cross, Jesuits, etc - continues to allow their name as part of misleading advertising, we should mount campaigns to persuade those religious orders to either reform the college, or withdraw their name from it.