Obama’s Catholic problem?

There have been protests and debates over Notre Dame’s decision to invite President Barack Obama to speak this Thursday.

New York’s Archbishop-designate, Timothy Dolan, has called the Catholic university’s inclusion of the President in their graduation ceremonies “a mistake. “

Here in the Diocese of Ogdensburg, Bishop Robert Cunningham has joined the criticism of the President’s agenda – particularly Obama’s pro-choice stance.

Here’s Archbishop Dolan’s statement, reported by the Catholic News Agency:

“Periodically, we Catholics have to stand up and say, `Enough’,” Archbishop Dolan told the Associated Press. “The church as a whole still calls out to what is noble in us.”

Appealing to fallen-away Catholics, he said he plans to tell them “We need you. We love you. The Church is your family… Please come back. We miss you. We’re sorry if we hurt you. We’ll listen to you. It’s not the same without you.”

What do you think? Is the Church right to engage with Obama? To offer him a place of honor at their ceremony?

Is it significant that Obama won 54% of the Catholic vote last year?

How should the traditional Catholic views shape political debates here in New York over issues like poverty, abortion, same-sex marriage, and war?

Comments welcome.