Cardinal was wrong on Notre Dame

Cardinal Francis George recently said Notre Dame's decision to invite President Obama to speak at this year's commencement was an "extreme embarrassment to Catholics" because of the president's positions on abortion and embryonic stem-cell research.

I strongly support Notre Dame's decision, and as a Catholic, I feel that it's Cardinal George's comments that are embarrassing.

The harsh criticism of Notre Dame by Cardinal George and other bishops is wrong. Catholic universities should be places where civil dialogue, intellectual engagement, and freedom of speech are recognized and valued, not denied and scorned.

Furthermore, the rhetoric against President Obama is disappointing, especially considering Obama's strong dedication to social justice and Catholic social teaching in many areas.

If we were to treat the American bishops in a similar fashion, then we would deny them the privilege of all public speaking given their role in the sexual abuse scandal. But that would be unfair, as is their handling of this issue involving Obama and Notre Dame.

I'm glad Notre Dame isn't going to bend to the single-issue litmus test crowd who claim to speak for the whole Catholic Church.

Michael Rabbitt

Chicago