March 31, 2009
Red Envelope Day, Notre Dame Edition
March 31, 2009, is Red Envelope Day, a national protest against President Obama's pro-choice policies.
Supporters of the pro-life movement from around the country will be sending an empty red envelope to the president to represent a child lost by abortion. (See the Facebook group for more information.)
As you all know, President Obama has been invited to speak at the 2009 Commencement at the University of Notre Dame du Lac and will receive an honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University. It is an outrage that a vehemetly pro-choice politician has been selected to receive a doctorate of Laws from a Catholic university, particularly given the 2004 statement by the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops:
"The Catholic community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions." (Catholics in Political Life)
Therefore, we, students at the University of Notre Dame du Lac, are extending an invitation to participate in a Notre Dame edition of Red Envelope Day to those who are rightfully concerned or disappointed by the University's decision.
To participate:
- on the front of a red envelope, write:
President Barack Obama - on the back, write:
Fr. Jenkins,
This envelope represents one child who died because of an abortion.
It is empty because the life that was taken is now unable to be a part of our world.
This envelope was going to be sent to President Obama on March 31st. However, as he is scheduled to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree from Notre Dame on May 17th, we ask that you deliver it to him on our behalf at that time. - Drop off the red envelope at the Knights of Columbus Building, and we will deliver it to Fr. Jenkins. Alternatively, you may choose to deliver it yourself. (Please note that this project is not sponsored by the KofC, but is merely using their building as a collection point.)
- If you do not wish to come to campus, you may mail your red envelope to 721 Corby Blvd. South Bend, IN 46617. Please enclose the red envelope in a second envelope in order to mail it.
Barack Obama spoke at a Planned Parenthood Action Fund event, uttering the now infamous line, "Well, the first thing I'd do as president is, is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That's the first thing that I'd do."
An empty red envelope will send a message to President Barack Obama that there is moral outrage in this country over this issue (The Freedom of Choice Act), which will essentially undo every law currently in place to limit abortion in the U.S. (i.e., parental consent laws, parental notification, waiting periods, prohibition of transporting a minor girl across state lines to obtain an abortion, etc.). It will send a message to Fr. Jenkins that University students do not believe in honoring politicians who promote anti-life laws. It will be quiet, but clear.