I write in reference to the three viewpoints expressed in the Daily Pilot column regarding the visit of President Barack Obama to the University of Notre Dame [“In Theory: Fightin’ Obama’s grad speech,” May 8].
The diverse positions expressed in the Daily Pilot by local Jewish, Protestant and Catholic religious leaders regarding the visit of Obama to the University of Notre Dame as a speaker and honoree reveal the complexity of this question and the legitimacy of varied viewpoints. This variance is found not only between diverse faith communities but also within the community of Roman Catholics. As a Catholic priest, I can tell you that our clergy engage in passionate debates about this without reaching a consensus. And this is fine.
Do Roman Catholics agree with the president on everything? No. Have we ever agreed with any president on everything? No. But the fact is that Obama would not have been elected president without the Catholic vote. American Catholics, in large, judged him to be one who stands with most — though not all — of the major issues of social concern that are integral to Catholic social teaching. Yet some critical life issues do place us in a tension with him and much of his party.
