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Bishop of Fort Wayne Refuses Honorary Degree Because of Pro-Abortion Speaker

Says "A bishop is bound to preach the truth, not only in words, but also by his actions"

FORT WAYNE, April 29, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Catholic universities in the United States have come under criticism in recent years for regularly inviting speakers whose views openly contradict Catholic teaching in such areas as abortion and homosexuality. A number of US bishops have responded with effective actions.

In Fort Wayne, the University of St. Francis had invited an ABC News medical correspondent, Dr. Nancy Snyderman, to give the commencement address for 2004 graduation. Dr. Snyderman commented in 1997 on the television news program, "Good Morning America," that it was not "prudent" for a woman to attempt to carry to term septuplets and mentioned that doctors will suggest "selective reduction," that is, selective abortion to reduce the number of children the woman delivers. This information was sent to the school by the bishop of Fort Wayne South Bend, John M. D'Arcy.

Bishop D'Arcy had been offered an honorary degree by the university, but upon learning of the comments of the commencement speaker, the bishop declined the offer for this year. In a statement on the diocesan website, Bishop D'Arcy said, "that I would, reluctantly, have to decline the honorary degree. I said however, I would gladly accept the degree the following year."

Sister M. Elise Kriss, OSF, president of St Francis, sent a letter to Dr. Snyderman withdrawing the university's invitation saying that the doctor's views on abortion, "appear to be contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church." "As a Catholic university, we have no choice but to rescind our invitation," the letter stated.

Bishop D'Arcy wrote in his statement, "A bishop is bound to preach the truth, not only in words, but also by his actions. The Church's position on unborn life is well known, and the Church's position is my position. It is my obligation to all the faithful and especially to the young graduates to make sure there is no confusion on this matter." He said that he would attempt to talk directly to Dr. Snyderman.

To read Bishop D'Arcy's statement:
http://www.diocesefwsb.org/COMMUNICATIONS/statements.htm

To send letters of support to Bishop D'Arcy:
Fort Wayne Chancery
1103 S. Calhoun Street
P.O. Box 390
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46801
(260) 422-4611

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