Division, by the politicizing of a basic Catholic teaching, is the promise for many Catholics in the U.S. as the day of Obama's commencement speech approaches. Add to that the emotional wording of the honorary degree as it denotes Obama as someone who brings those of opposite beliefs "together".
The University of Notre Dame Confers the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, on the 44th president of the United States, whose historic election opened a new era of hope in a country long divided by its history of slavery and racism. A community organizer who honed his advocacy for the poor, the marginalized and the worker in the streets of Chicago, he now organizes a larger community, bringing to the world stage a renewed American dedication to diplomacy and dialogue with all nations and religions committed to human rights and the global common good. Through his willingness to engage with those who disagree with him and encourage people of faith to bring their beliefs to the public debate, he is inspiring this nation to heal its divisions of religion, culture, race and politics in the audacious hope for a brighter tomorrow. On Barack H. Obama, Washington, District of Columbia"
Obama has yet to prove himself as someone who has made strides in "bringing together" those of opposing political differences. His political actions on abortion during his first few days as President did not unify the pro-choice and pro-life segments of American society. The Notre Dame campus has turned into an ideological battleground for American cultural beliefs and values. Furthermore,In 2001 American Catholic bishops made it clear that those who oppose Church teachings are not to receive honorary degrees.
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