[Apologetics] Some Catholics deceived by President Obama at Notre Dame

[Art Kelly]

http://www.my60secondscoops.com/publications/id.144/pub_detail.asp
May 21, 2009 
What's Happening With Christian Values


Some Catholics deceived by President Obama at Notre Dame

Despite 80 bishops strongly denouncing Notre Dame for inviting Obama to speak at its commencement and for conferring an honorary degree on him, the President received thunderous applause from the persons in attendance at the ceremony.

In his speech, Obama said, “Let's honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion, and draft a sensible conscience clause…”

That’s extremely strange in light of his efforts to completely repeal the conscience regulations, promulgated by the Bush Administration, which allow medical personnel who oppose abortion to refuse to participate in the procedure and protect them from discrimination as a result of their refusal.

Even Bill Donahue, President of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, who is usually aggressive in defending the church, applauded Obama.  In a statement, Donahue said, “Given what President Obama said yesterday, it seems clear that he is now prepared to rescind the decision that was made rescinding conscience rights.  For this he should be commended.”

By contrast, none of the pro-life groups had any information on what Obama was up to, but all of them were very skeptical that he would in any way modify his unequivocal support for unlimited abortion on demand.  In addition to beginning the process of repealing the Bush conscience regulations, Obama has already: 
 
•    Signed an executive order allowing taxpayer funding to go to international groups that promote or provide abortions. 
•    Opened the door for more human embryos to be destroyed for unethical stem-cell research. 
•    Lifted a seven-year ban on taxpayer funding of the United Nations Population Fund, which is linked to forced abortion programs.
 
Obama had previously pledged to Planned Parenthood that he would support the Freedom of Choice Act, which would nullify all federal and state restrictions on abortions.

To understand what Obama has in mind, his statement should be read carefully.  He said he wanted to “draft a SENSIBLE conscience clause.”

That is likely to mean a regulation that is almost completely worthless in protecting the rights of pro-life doctors, nurses, medical students, and administrative staff.

In the speech, Obama also said, “Each side will continue to make its case to the public with passion and conviction. But surely we can do so without reducing those with differing views to caricature.”

That’s also a strange statement to make in light of the recent report of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) which said that pro-lifers (along with veterans) were potential terrorists.  When an uproar occurred, the Secretary of DHS, Janet Napolitano, defended the report and made it clear it reflected the views of the Obama Administration.

Two polls indicate opposition by most Catholics to Notre Dame’s actions.  The Pew Research Center found that only 37% of Catholics who attend Mass every week thought Obama should have been invited to Notre Dame.  That figure was 25% in the Rasmussen Report.


Art


      
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