Cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame........

President Rev. John Jenkins of the University of Notre Dame suggested this week that it is important to engage in dialog with people who do not share the same views when he was asked about President Barack Obama's upcoming speech at May's commencement exercises. He's right, it is appropriate for those who don't agree in our pluralistic world to get together and talk about differences, in hopes of finding common ground. Those who don't acknowledge their differences and try to work through misunderstandings are doomed to resentment and anger. He's also correct to point out that Notre Dame has a tradition of inviting new Presidents to speak (Carter, Reagan, and George W. Bush all did) to the graduating class. 

Popes have shared the view of Notre Dame's President. Pope Benedict XVI has met with leaders of other faiths, as did Pope John Paul II. Pope John XXIII met with representatives of the Soviet Union in the early 1960s during a clear time of tension between communism and the church. That said, none of them met with leaders or invited them to speak during major church events. No one with views opposite the church has been asked to address the faithful during Easter liturgies. 

Inviting President Obama to dialog with those at Notre Dame who hold values opposite of his policies is not wrong. However, inviting someone who is in favor of stem-cell research and has supported pro-abortion policies to speak at commencement is not appropriate. If Notre Dame sees itself as a Catholic organization, they cannot in good conscience invite someone who holds positions that are the complete opposite of church teachings to deliver the commencement address. Notre Dame has missed an opportunity to take a stand as a Catholic organization. Breaking the tradition of inviting first term Presidents to speak would send a clear message that the university opposes Obama's pro-choice views.