Gonzaga University is celebrating 125 years as a Catholic college by honoring a pro-abortion rights pro-contraception Anglican archbishop.
Makes sense, right?
The Jesuit university in Washington is scheduled to kick off its 125th anniversary celebration by honoring Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu with an honorary doctor of law degree and hosting him as commencement speaker.
Archbishop Tutu earned the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to subdue violence in racially torn South Africa during apartheid. But as admirable as that work has been, Tutu also endorsed a constitutional amendment in South Africa to legalize abortion and even endorsed the work of the abortion chain Marie Stopes.
Tutu also said that contraception was an “obligation” for Christians:
“Planned parenthood is an obligation of those who are Christians,” he told a news conference. “Our church thinks we should use scientific methods that assist in planning of families.”
He said it was far better to have the “children that we want than to say you must have children, no matter what.”
Gonzaga President Thayne McCulloh said in an interview with The Gonzaga Bulletin,”There is a unique convergence here that begins with the reality that this is a man who has dedicated his life to justice. He sees in us a place that is, in no small way, dedicated also to justice.”
This invitation would seem to go against the bishop’s directive in their 2004 document “Catholics in Political Life” which stated, “Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions.”
Gonzaga did not respond to our inquiries.
Adam Wilson
CNS Staff
Matthew Archbold
Charlotte Hays
11 Comments
One wonders why some of the still call themselves Jesuits?
It’s difficult to build the family, the easy path is contraception and abortion. So many examples of What Jesus told us.
Mt 7:13-14
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
Why have we NOT learned our lesson? Doesn’t anyone remember Notre Dame and someone named Barak Hussein Obama? Wow that had really long lasting effects (Hello HHS Mandate)!! We have to take a stand against this especially NOW and going forward while this issue is so hot. Sorry Desmond but Catholics and their so-named Universities have to take a stand or they will no longer deserve to be called Catholic. Seems to me that we have to earn that Catholic title each and EVERY-day (people and Universities)!!!
Justice for all…except the unborn…
This is positively discussting ! To honor a member of any clergy, that approves of ending the LIFE of a totally defenseless and innocent human being is wrong.
I wonder when people will figure out that babies in utero have souls!?
Prestige over moral integrity; pathetic!
To honour Archbishop Desmond Tutu in this way at this Catholic University is wrong, because his beliefs are contradictory to our beliefs, in regard to abortion and contraception.
His humanitarian beliefs are praiseworthy and have been rewarded, but his beliefs regarding the procreation of life are completely wrong and the Jesuits at Gonzaga University must be fully aware of this, so it seems quite incredible that they are hosting this event in Desmond Tutu’s honour.
They appear to be inviting confrontation with the Catholic hirearchy. This is quite extraordinary. What is going on?
And so it continues; is anyone surprised? Would Barak Obama have come up with the HHS mandate if Notre Dame had not given him a blanket approval through its honoring him for past and future works? Doesn’t anyone at these universities know that actions have consequences?
Condemning a man of the cloth who has saved millions of lives because he’s pro-choice…Have you lost your minds?
you realize it’s Desmond Tutu…right? He’s like a modern day Ghandi…