Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Don't Poke This Bear, ACCU

As a devout and practicing Catholic, I would appreciate very much if the ACCU did not take it upon itself to decide what is morally appropriate and what is not when dealing with higher education in the United States. To say “that it would be desirable for the [U.S. bishops] to withdraw” their 2004 policy...and "that juridical expressions of bishops’ or universities’ responsibilities should be kept to a minimum" is OUTRAGEOUS and ARROGANT!

Without the unending study, devotion and leadership of said bishops the ACCU would not exist, nor would the entire Catholic Church. To put yourself above the authorities of the church for political gain is not only preposterous but gravely sinful. Catholic institutions are solely responsible for upholding the core values and beliefs at the higher education level. I attended a secular, public university, and although I shone my light on as many people as possible, it was nearly impossible to reach as many people as is granted to higher education Catholic institutions.

I understand that President Obama and other noteworthy politicians create a "buzz" or attention nationally when they speak at universities such as Notre Dame, but at what cost? Is it really worth ignoring Christ's words and teachings to raise the academic admissions standards for incoming freshman, and therefore raise the cost of tuition and gather more donations from more sources? No. It is not.

But as long as organizations such as the ACCU continue to work hand in hand with the oppressors or our Catholic liberties, values and beliefs, and disregard the leadership and guidance of the authorities of the church, they will continue to head down a gravely sinful path. Not only are the ACCU and institutions such as Notre Dame doing their supporters and students a disservice, they are doing God and his church a disservice.

Please reconsider who you answer to.

God Bless You,

A.P. Vasko