Catholic Commencement Scandals Make Sudden Return

One decade after the U.S. Catholic bishops prohibited Catholic honors and honorary speaking platforms for public opponents of Catholic teaching at Catholic institutions, The Cardinal Newman Society has identified at least 20 Catholic colleges and universities that are hosting scandalous speakers and honorees at commencement ceremonies in 2014.

That represents nearly 10 percent of America’s Catholic colleges and a sudden increase in the number of commencement scandals beyond the six reported by The Cardinal Newman Society last year.  The Society’s concerns peaked in 2006 with 24 Catholic colleges.

While this year’s count may yet set a record—several colleges have not yet announced their commencement plans—it already exceeds the 19 colleges cited by the Newman Society in 2004, when the U.S. bishops issued Catholics in Political Life.  That document echoed many diocesan policies by proclaiming, “The Catholic community and 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.”  (more...)

Catholic Commencement Scandals Make Sudden Return