South Bend, Ind., May 2, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Upon the instruction of the bishop, the administration at St. Joseph High School withdrew its invitation to Indiana Gov. Joe Kernan to speak at commencement because his pro-abortion stance contradicts Catholic Church teaching.
Bishop John M. D'Arcy of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend said the school's theology teachers believe the Catholic governor's appearance would contradict the moral truths they teach. He told the Associated Press that he agrees with the teachers’ position.
A spokeswoman for the governor told the AP that Kernan is personally opposed to abortion but he supports a woman's right to choose abortion, in consultation with her family, physician and spiritual advisers.
St. Joseph High School is the governor’s alma mater.