Community Commentary:

I write in reference to the three viewpoints expressed in the Daily Pilot column regarding the visit of President Barack Obama to the University of Notre Dame [“In Theory: Fightin’ Obama’s grad speech,” May 8].

The diverse positions expressed in the Daily Pilot by local Jewish, Protestant and Catholic religious leaders regarding the visit of Obama to the University of Notre Dame as a speaker and honoree reveal the complexity of this question and the legitimacy of varied viewpoints. This variance is found not only between diverse faith communities but also within the community of Roman Catholics. As a Catholic priest, I can tell you that our clergy engage in passionate debates about this without reaching a consensus. And this is fine.

Do Roman Catholics agree with the president on everything? No. Have we ever agreed with any president on everything? No. But the fact is that Obama would not have been elected president without the Catholic vote. American Catholics, in large, judged him to be one who stands with most — though not all — of the major issues of social concern that are integral to Catholic social teaching. Yet some critical life issues do place us in a tension with him and much of his party.

I believe it is an honor for a Catholic university to receive the president of the United States. Through the years our presidents have spoken at the University of Notre Dame, even though Catholics would have disagreements with each of them over certain significant matters. This is in no way surprising. A Catholic university that is mature in its identity can well accommodate disagreements in the pursuit of deeper understanding.

In disputed questions it is incumbent upon us Catholics to argue our positions in the public forum in language that is intelligible and appealing to those who hold other positions. This is the rich complexity of America. To exclude those who hold positions different from ours divides the American fabric and ultimately broadens the gulfs that sadly continue to divide our national and faith communities.

Wilbur Davis is a monsignor at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in Newport Beach.