Mixed reaction for Obama at Notre Dame

Yesterday, President Barack Obama was the main speaker at the University of Notre Dame commencement. He urged the graduating class to "find common ground" when it comes to abortion. I am not sure what that is, exactly. You are either for it or you are against it. Inside the Joyce Center, where the commencement occurred, there were few protests, but outside there was many. Most were arrested for trespassing.

The vast majority of the students inside supported Obama speaking. Many would think that the Catholic university didn't care about Obama's stance on abortion. But, the main thing is, these students may not understand the Church's stance and may not even attend a Roman Catholic church. For those believers, they would be admittedly against Obama speaking because he does not even come close to the Church's doctrine. Now, I know Obama is not a Catholic. But, what is he anyway?

Father Jenkins, the University of Notre Dame president, said Obama's speech does not mean that the university agrees with Obama, but how can a university honor a man who does not give babies the right to live.

Below are videos of Obama's speech and reaction.

Part One:

Part Two:

Part Three:

Protests at Notre Dame, Alan Keyes talks to Fox News:

Back in April, the protesting began:

Dozens arrested outside commencement ceremony:

Catholic American Life League asks for university to be removed from listing:

Back in April:

A quick look at a protester inside the Joyce Center:


IN THE NEWS:
WSBT: Protesters Taken Out of Notre Dame Commencement
WSBT: Obama at Notre Dame page
South Bend Tribune: Obama urges grads: Find 'common ground'
The Indianapolis Star: Reactions split over Obama's Notre Dame visit
Associated Press: Nearly 40 protesters arrested at Notre Dame

Notre Dame President defends Obama invite, says it does not defy Catholic teaching

The Rev. John Jenkins, the president of the University of Notre Dame, said President Obama's commencement appearance is not at odds with Roman Catholic teaching. However, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops does not totally agree with Jenkins because of Obama's stance on abortion, among other things.

Jenkins said about the invite, "I am saddened that many friends of Notre Dame have suggested that our invitation to President Obama indicates ambiguity in our position on matters of Catholic teaching. The university and I are unequivocally committed to the sanctity of human life."

IN THE NEWS:
(Minneapolis) Star-Tribune: Notre Dame president defends Obama invite, says it's not a step away from Catholic teaching
Associated Press: 10 Holy Cross Priests Object to Obama Notre Dame Invite
Fox News: Archbishop Slams Obama Appearance at Notre Dame, Administration's Abortion Policies

Gingrich criticizes Notre Dame's Obama invite

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a recent convert to Catholicism, suggested that the University of Notre Dame has compromised its values by inviting President Barack Obama. I agree.

IN THE NEWS:
Fox News: Gingrich Criticizes Notre Dame's Obama Invite

Protests on Notre Dame campus about upcoming Obama visit

As President Barack Obama's commencement speech nears at Notre Dame, the protests and outrage is getting more in the open. In my opinion, Obama defies practically everything that a Christian believes in. Today, Alan Keyes and 20 others were arrested for protesting the upcoming visit. More is to come. It is a week away.

Notre Dame brought this all on themselves. They claim to be Catholic. It is only a claim.

IN THE NEWS:
Chicago Tribune: Alan Keyes among 21 arrested at Notre Dame

Archbishop slams Notre Dame over Obama visit

"The proposed granting of an honorary doctorate at Notre Dame University to our president, who is so aggressively advancing an anti-life and anti-family agenda, is rightly the source of the greatest scandal."
--Archbishop Raymond Burke, who is the prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, the Vatican's highest court

Burke also said, if Catholics are not willing to stand up for the church's teachings, "we are not worthy of the name Catholic."


Click the link below for more on President Obama upcoming commencement speech at the University of Notre Dame.

IN THE NEWS:
Fox News: Archbishop Slams Obama Appearance at Notre Dame, Administration's Abortion Policies
Associated Press via MSNBC: Archbishop: Obama advances anti-life agenda