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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Bishop to Skip Obama Event Over Stem Cells, Abortion

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(AP) – The Roman Catholic bishop whose diocese includes the University of Notre Dame says he will boycott President Obama's May 17 commencement speech at the school because of Obama's support for abortion rights and embryonic stem-cell research. John D'Arcy said today that Obama's recent decision to fund embryonic stem-cell research brought the US government for the first time "into supporting direct destruction of innocent human life."

The bishop is from the diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Ind. Obama has said the policy will ease human suffering. Notre Dame says it doesn't support all of Obama's positions but does not plan to rescind the invitation. Other sitting presidents, including both Bushes, Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter, also have addressed Notre Dame graduates.

The mural at the University of Notre Dame affectionately known as
The mural at the University of Notre Dame affectionately known as "Touchdown Jesus."   (Creative Commons)
President Barack Obama.
President Barack Obama.   (AP Photo)
Pope Benedict XVI receives the credentials of Washington's new ambassador, Mary Ann Glendon.
Pope Benedict XVI receives the credentials of Washington's new ambassador, Mary Ann Glendon.   (AP Photo)
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8 comments
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Caps
Mar 24, 09 4:17 PM CDT
I doubt that Obama will miss him. If stem-cell can help someone why not. Reply
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kansas1946
Mar 24, 09 6:05 PM CDT
Just as long as this "bishop" never uses any cures, or no one in his family, uses any cures, that were developed using stem cell research, then he can boycott whatever he wants. Reply
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justapirate
Mar 24, 09 9:10 PM CDT
Innocent human life? Really? Lol, the embryos used in stem cell research come from leftovers at in vitro clinics. They would be discarded anyway. Silly Bishop. Reply
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woody66
Mar 24, 09 9:22 PM CDT
An unfortunate position by the bishop. Is the Catholic Church heading back to tthe dark ages ? If he has to fall on his sword...so be it. Reply
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Derni
Mar 24, 09 9:33 PM CDT
We really don't want a bihop there anyway-separation of chcurch and sate-besides-the bishop has too many other things to worry bout-like pedophiles in his church and where to hide them so he an avoid lawsuits. Why doesn't the chruch speak out against masturbation as killing-if they take the satnd that all sperm and ovums have the "potential for human life" then everyone should be having sex all the time-the RC church is dead in the water-like all other cults it will become smaller and new ones will rise up. Reply
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