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The outrage grows. As well it should.

Tens of thousands have signed petitions. That number increases each day.

The furor surrounds the University of Notre Dame's invitation of President Barack Obama to deliver the commencement address to graduates next Sunday, and the awarding of an honorary Doctor of Laws degree upon him.

For some, their reaction to the invitation is 'what's the big deal?'

But for others, especially Catholics and practicing Christians, they are outraged, because, understandably, it is a big deal. Notre Dame is, or is supposed to be, a Christian Catholic institution. Inviting anyone who has stated beliefs or policies that are a contradiction of Christian values, beliefs, and Catholic doctrine is - in a word - wrong.

The Cardinal Newman Society asserted in an online petition (at www.notredamescandal.com) that Obama's political actions "directly contradict fundamental Catholic teachings on life and marriage".

That assessment is correct.

But, instead of correcting the mistake, the Notre Dame administration issued a reactive political-like statement intended to spin public perception and quell the growing distaste. University president Rev. John Jenkins, arguably, discloses what may be his own elitist rationalization: "Obama will be honored as an "inspiring leader" at the commencement. Of course, this does not mean we support all of his positions... The invitation ... should not be taken as condoning or endorsing his positions on specific issues regarding the protection of human life, including abortion and embryonic stem cell research. Yet, we see his visit as a basis for further positive engagement."

Is Rev. Jenkins suggesting that the opportunity of having contact that day with President Obama -- and, bestowing an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on him -- will have such a "positive" effect upon him that Obama will change political attitude, and rescind his policy change directives undermining Christian religious doctrines protecting human life, expanding abortion funding, etc.?

It's unlikely the Notre Dame President would dare claim that.

Thus, the probability increases that the original invitation and subsequent posturing were not simple unthinking mistakes by the Notre Dame administration. Rather, those actions may be, as Notre Dame professor Ralph McInerny stated, a "deliberate thumbing of the collective nose" at the Catholic Church by university elites.

Regrettably, that seems to be the case.

What can, and should, be done about it?

While all people should speak out, it is incumbent for all Christian leaders to do so.

But too often, church officials -- across the denominations -- do not speak out when they should. In those instances, the absence of leadership casts laity adrift in the sea of social secularism.

Even when church officials do speak publicly on an issue, their message, sometimes, is less than clear and specific. That's a problem because it confuses their church members, other believers, and everyone else. Laity, and the public, deserve better. And, religious doctrine requires it. That's why effective leadership requires thoughtful, clear, and concise, communications from every institution within every venue.

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