That’s the latest blast from the Bishop of South Bend, Bishop John D’Arcy. The statement concludes:

As I have said in a recent interview and which I have said to Father Jenkins, it would be one thing to bring the president here for a discussion on healthcare or immigration, and no person of goodwill could rightly oppose this. We have here, however, the granting of an honorary degree of law to someone whose activities both as president and previously, have been altogether supportive of laws against the dignity of the human person yet to be born.

[snip]

I consider it now settled — that the USCCB document, “Catholics in Public Life,” does indeed apply in this matter. The failure to consult the local bishop who, whatever his unworthiness, is the teacher and lawgiver in the diocese, is a serious mistake. Proper consultation could have prevented an action, which has caused such painful division between Notre Dame and many bishops — and a large number of the faithful.

That division must be addressed through prayer and action, and I pledge to work with Father Jenkins and all at Notre Dame to heal the terrible breach, which has taken place between Notre Dame and the church. It cannot be allowed to continue. I ask all to pray that this healing will take place in a way that is substantial and true, and not illusory. Notre Dame and Father Jenkins must do their part if this healing is to take place. I will do my part.

It’s an interesting contrast between the bishop’s approach and that of Father Jenkins, president of Notre Dame. According to the Catholic News Service report, Dennis Brown, university spokesman, said: “As always, we will continue to speak privately with Bishop D’Arcy on this and other matters.”

Bishop D’Arcy seems to be taking his case public, as have several other bishops. I wonder why. Is quiet dialogue not achieving the desired results? Perhaps that also explains the mixed signals coming from D’Arcy. On April 10, the bishop issued a clear statement urging “all Catholics and others of good will to stay away from unseemly and unhelpful demonstrations against our nation’s President or Notre Dame or Father John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.”

“The Notre Dame community is well-equipped to supervise and support discussions and prayer within their own campus.

I had a positive meeting this week with Father Jenkins, and I expect further dialogue will continue. These are days of prayer and hope when we should turn to the Risen Christ for light and wisdom.

Let us all work towards a peaceful graduation experience for the Class of 2009 at our beloved Notre Dame.”

For his trouble, Bishop D’Arcy got rudely schooled by Randall Terry, who issued a statement saying (you can’t make this up) he wished “the bishop had followed biblical teaching and contacted me before making his public statement against our efforts. Since he has spoken publicly, I have a duty to respond in the same venue.”

“Peter boldly swore that he would not deny Christ,” Terry wrote. “D’Arcy boldly declared he would not deny the value of innocent lives for the sake of prestige. But now D’Arcy wavers before Pilate (don’t protest Obama), confirms Judas (don’t protest Jenkins), and abandons Christ in the babies (don’t show pictures of dead babies, don’t cry out against their murder).”

That was too much for Bill Donohue, who took Terry to task.

Then, however, on April 16, Thomas Peters, the “American Papist,” reported a communication from D’Arcy to NDResponse, a student-led anti-Obama group:

“I am supportive of all efforts by NDResponse or any other prayerful and dignified demonstrations by Notre Dame students; and if my schedule allows, I will attend and also meet with students if they would find this helpful.” – Bishop J. M. D’Arcy

All very confusing and divisive. Will it get uglier as the date approaches, or will cooler heads prevail? Either way, Obama, as usual, has a great chance to come out looking better than anyone.