Catholics not for Condi

In a twist on the debate over "appropriate" commencement speakers at Catholic colleges and universities, senior members of the theology department at Boston College are protesting the honorary doctorate Condoleeza Rice will receive when she speaks at commencement later this month. A letter entitled "Condoleezza Rice Does Not Deserve a Boston College Honorary Degree" was sent by Rev. Kenneth Himes and Rev. David Hollenbach to all B.C. faculty members arguing that Condi's support of the Iraq War should disqualify her from being honored. About 100 faculty members have signed it, according to the Boston Globe.

Responded Rev. Paul McNellis, a pro-Condi (adjunct) member of the philosophy department, who scorned the letter's invocation of JPII's opposition to the Iraq War: "This is the only time these people have cited Pope John Paul II on anything."

I'm waiting for the Cardinal Newman Society, always on the lookout for "inappropriate" speakers, to weigh in. At there are a few liberals--although calling Himes a liberal is a stretch' he's a world-class theologian well above the fray--still willing to rabble-rouse a bit.