Pro-life campaigners held an all night protest at the University of Notre Dame in preparation for the arrival of President Barack Obama who was awarded an honorary doctorate by the leading US Catholic university Sunday.
As expected, the President sought common ground in his speech, saying that "we must find a way to live together as one human family".
"Unfortunately, finding that common ground - recognizing that our fates are tied up, as Dr. King said, in a "single garment of destiny" - is not easy," Obama said.
"Part of the problem, of course, lies in the imperfections of man - our selfishness, our pride, our stubbornness, our acquisitiveness, our insecurities, our egos; all the cruelties large and small that those of us in the Christian tradition understand to be rooted in original sin.
"The question, then, is how do we work through these conflicts? Is it possible for us to join hands in common effort? As citizens of a vibrant and varied democracy, how do we engage in vigorous debate? How does each of us remain firm in our principles, and fight for what we consider right, without demonizing those with just as strongly held convictions on the other side? Obama his common ground approach to the abortion issue.
"So let's work together to reduce the number of women seeking abortions by reducing unintended pregnancies, and making adoption more available, and providing care and support for women who do carry their child to term. Let's honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion, and draft a sensible conscience clause, and make sure that all of our health care policies are grounded in clear ethics and sound science, as well as respect for the equality of women," the president said.
But many Catholic commenntators from across the spectrum were critical of the President's speech, USA Today reports.
America magazine blogger Michael Sean Winters said the President award was "a doctorate of laws, not a doctorate in
theology and the speech should have avoided this sophomoric foray into
the nature of faith".
However, Sr Joan Chittister commented favorably, saying that "the strength of this speech is that it calls people beyond the temptation to impose our personal positions whatever the cost to the universal principles of the Golden Rule. He asks no one to change their own religious principles".
"Instead, he asks us to maintain our faith with confidence so that we can all both learn and teach one another. This speech will be a catalyst for a higher national discussion than the particular issue that prompted it," Chittister said.
Protests
South Bend police expected thousands of demonstrators opposed to abortion rights on Sunday, according to CBS News reports.
But some anti-abortion right activists are concerned the protesters will go too far and wind up hurting their cause.
WSBT correspondent Kirk Mason reports there are three semi-trucks traveling around town displaying large images of aborted fetuses, as well as of an African-American man who appears to have been beaten.
The trucks are paid for by the Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform, a California based group. A spokesman told WSBT the pictures are designed to point out the inconsistencies of President Obama, that the country has overcome the evil of slavery but not abortion.
Bishop John D'Arcy, who refused to attend the commencement because of Mr Obama's presence, led a late night candlelight prayer vigil on Saturday night.
Among those arrested was Fr Norman Weslin, a Catholic priest and founder of the Lambs of Christ abortion protest group. He also was among 21 people arrested during a similar protest on Friday.
Also protesting was Norma McCorvey, the plaintiff identified as "Roe" in the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalised abortion. She now opposes abortion.
She said she had planned to be arrested on Saturday, but changed her mind when a security officer ushered her to the side and gave her a chance to walk away.
"I didn't know why he just kind of gently moved me away. So I'm like, maybe this isn't the right time," McCorvey said.
About 12,000 people attended commencement Mass at the university on Saturday evening. Neither Fr Jenkins nor Bishop D'Arcy mentioned the controversy during the 85 minute service.
SOURCE
Protests Precede Obama At Notre Dame (CBS News)
Obama Notre Dame speech: FULL TEXT (Huffington Post)
Catholic experts comment on Obama's Notre Dame speech ((USA Today)
LINKS
University of Notre Dame