Bishops refuse to attend commencements

citing alleged abortion position of honorees The Associated Press 22 May 03

"I cannot let my presence imply support for anything less than the protection of all life at all its stages

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/103-05212003-94004.html

SCRANTON, Pa. - Scranton Bishop James Timlin will not attend commencement ceremonies at The University of Scranton because of the alleged views on abortion of television talk show host Chris Matthews, who is scheduled to receive an honorary degree from the Jesuit school, officials said Wednesday.

Matthews' appearance drew protests from the orthodox Cardinal Newman Society, which said he has expressed support for abortion rights. Timlin was invited to attend Sunday's ceremony but backed out after being told of the controversy, the society and university said.

For similar reasons, Auxiliary Bishop John Dougherty skipped last weekend's graduation at the College Misericordia, where journalists Steve and Cokie Roberts delivered a keynote address.

"We're certainly pleased that they made that decision," Newman Society president James Reilly said. "We have made it clear that neither college should be presenting these speakers because of their opposition to Catholic teaching on abortion."

Worcester Bishop Daniel P. Reilly earlier said he would skip Friday's commencement at the College of the Holy Cross because of Matthews' appearance at that ceremony.

"We really do respect his decision and understand the delicacy of situation he's in," University of Scranton spokesman Gerald Zaboski said. "At the time, we believe we have done the right thing in inviting Chris Matthews."

Zaboski said be believed Matthews's stance on abortion was ambiguous, saying, "We have not invited to campus someone to campus who would advocate abortion rights, nor would we."

MSNBC spokesman Pauletta Song declined to comment on Timlin's decision or Matthews' views on abortion.

On Wednesday, Worcester Bishop Daniel P. Reilly announced that he would not attend ceremonies at Holy Cross, which was to bestow an honorary degree on Matthews. "I cannot let my presence imply support for anything less than the protection of all life at all its stages," Reilly said in a statement.

Holy Cross spokeswoman Kathy McNamara said Matthews doesn't depart from the church's views on the morality of abortion, only on the government's role in regulating reproductive rights.

"We're proud of him, and we'll honor him on Friday," she said.

The Newman Society has challenged other college speakers this year because of their perceived support of abortion rights. They include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The clergymen were out of town and unavailable for comment, a diocesan secretary said. A spokeswoman for the diocese did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Most Reverend

James C. Timlin, D.D.

Most Reverend

John M. Dougherty, D.D., V.G.

Auxiliary Bishop

Mailing Address:

Diocese of Scranton

300 Wyoming Avenue

Scranton, PA 18503

Main Chancery Number:

(570) 207-2216

Chancery Fax: