Brody File readers are swamping me with emails. They have a thing or two to say about the whole Georgetown cross story. More on the story here. Just some of the vehement reaction below: Rev. Patrick Mahoney, a pro-life leader nationwide says this:
"In 32 years of public ministry, I have never seen a President of the United States show such complete contempt and disrespect for faith. This action by the White House should appall and anger every American who cherishes sacred traditions...especially Christians.
"The fact that the Obama White House would ask a Catholic University to cover up a sacred symbol of Jesus to provide a better backdrop for his speech shows that President Obama has no understanding or respect for sacred expressions of faith.
"The image that the Obama team portrayed during the campaign of Mr. Obama being a man of deep faith, understanding and tolerance is now completely in tatters. It is stunning and shameful that anyone would ask a Christian institution to cover up a public expression of Jesus just so they could have a better background for a televised speech. This is not a person who respects or cherishes faith.
"What's next Mr. President, covering up the baby Jesus at Christmas events?"
More from Brody File readers below:
From Megan:
Obama is completely disrespectful to the American Christian community. Why even have his speech there at all? Why not have it at a City Hall? Try asking him to do that to a muslim mosque. They would not put up with him.
From Joyce:
If Obama is not comfortable speaking on a platform with the cross of Christ, he should not use the Georgetown facilities. If GU is comfortable hiding the cross for any reason - they should publicly renounce their heritage, their foundation and their faith basis. They should tell the world who Georgetown really is - an apostate of the faith or a beacon of hope established in faith
From Alan:
As for covering up the logo, I think it is much ado about nothing. When I read your first article, I was at first a bit put off by the White House staff's "apparent disregard" of the IHS symbol. But, it is merely an adapted nickname for Jesus, particular to the Jesuits. It stands to reason that they would be offended, but, I, as a follower of Jesus not connected with the Jesuits, am not offended. The staff meant and did no harm.
From Elizabeth:
Shame! on President Obama for making such a request! Shame! on Georgetown University for complying with such a request!
From Pastor John:
The monogram of Jesus (IHS), the first three letters of Jesus' name in Greek, is not simply a "Catholic" symbol as your story states. It is a traditional CHRISTIAN symbol, found in most, if not all, traditional Protestant churches as well. I am a Presbyterian minister, and every church I have ever served has the Monogram in many different places, such as on the Cross, on the pulpit and lectern antependia, on banners, etc. This is also true of every United Methodist, Episcopal, and Lutheran church I've ever been in. The Monogram of Jesus is also on one of my preaching stoles. We inscribe the Monogram on our Communion bread every week before it is baked. What the Obama administration has done is not simply an affront to Roman Catholics: it is an affront to all Christians. The White House ordered that the Name of Jesus be covered up. Please make this clear: it is not simply Catholics who should feel slighted here. All Christians, Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox, need to stand together in these times.
From Kate:
I want to thank you for your balanced coverage on this matter I am a stage planner and it doesn't seem to be a situation where they wanted to "cover up" religious symbols, etc. After all, the place is full of these and there is that pic with Christ's outstretched arms behind him. I'd also like to note that there are many Christians who feel symbols, pictures, icons, etc., are not appropriate for the Church (universal and local) or Christians. However, in this case, it's a matter of backdrop with nationalistic symbols and NOT Christian symbols - plain and simple. He wasn't there to preach but as president. Keep up a fair and balanced reporting.
From Tammy:
It is what it is, the cross is usually there, Obama spoke it wasn't there, I don't know who they are trying to fool, but I am not buying it.
From Steve:
Georgetown or any other Catholic University should never compromise its doctrine for anyone President or not. Compromise is not an option in the Catholic faith. Either you are a catholic or your not, there is no gray area or middle ground. Being A catholic is a choice but you can't pick and choose what parts of the catholic doctrine you wish to follow. It is time the so called Cathloics in this country take it or leave and quit trying to change it to conform to their misguided wordly views.
Comments?