Christopher Metzler Writes on Obama and Notre Dame

by Christopher Metzler, Georgetown University

Every President since President Eisenhower has been invited to speak at Notre Dame's commencements. So, why has President Obama's invitation created such a row? It depends on who you ask.

First, many of those who oppose his invitation do so ostensibly based on Catholic social teaching and a doctrinal dedication to Catholicism. That is, they claim that one, who supports abortion rights and stem cell research and thus oppose catholic teaching, should not be honored with an invitation to speak at commencement or with an honorary degree. As a practicing Catholic I say fair enough. I would assume then that any President who opposed any tenant of Catholic teaching would not be granted this honor. My assumption is incorrect and thus the argument is flawed.

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