U of Notre Dame to Allow V- Monologues (again)

Once again the University of Notre Dame has agreed to allow the performance of the notorious "V. . . . a Monologues" play in what University president Fr. Jenkins deems necessary to a well rounded education,

"My decision on this matter,” Father Jenkins said, “arises from a conviction that it is an indispensable part of the mission of a Catholic university to provide a forum in which multiple viewpoints are debated in reasoned and respectful exchange--always in dialogue with faith and the Catholic tradition--even around highly controversial topics. Notre Dame's policy on controversial events rests on the conviction that truth will emerge from reasoned consideration of issues in dialogue with faith, and that we will educate Catholic leaders not by insulating our students from controversial views, but by engaging these views energetically, in light of Catholic teachings.”

Showing a perverse and scandolous play is not necessary to prevent our students from being insulated from such views. Fr. Jenkins forgets that by permitting such perversity to take place he is responsible for the sins committed as a result. Allowing people to commit sins of self-abuse on stage and then defending such actions in the name of academic freedom is absurd. Fr. Jenkins states there will be a panel discussion afterwards to present the Catholic teaching of issues. To suggest that the public showing of the play is necessary to precede a presentation of the true Catholic teaching on the matter is insulting to the intelligence even to those of us who did not receive an education at UND. One hopes there will be a number of priests hearing confessions at the end of the discussion. Fr. Jenkins admits the play is bad but he allows it anyway. 2000 years ago there was a procurator in Judea that believed in the innocence of a man but condemned him to death anyway rather than be seen as an enemy of the emperor. He chose unwisely. Read the excellent statement from Bishop D'Arcy of the Fort Wayne-South Bend diocese regarding this decision. Pray to Our Lady in reparation for this dishonor against her and the dignity of all women, particularly from a University bearing her name. There is more of the story at Catholic News Agency.