Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Anti-abortion protestors arrested at Notre Dame

Alan Keyes, former Republican presidential candidate, is arrested during an anti-abortion protest Friday, May 15, 2009 in South Bend, Indiana. The protestors object to the selection of President Barack Obama as the Notre Dame commencement speaker. (AP Photo/Joe Raymond)

Google News
Associated Press
2 hours ago

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Former Republican presidential hopeful Alan Keyes and 17 others have been arrested after marching to the University of Notre Dame to protest President Barack Obama's commencement speech Sunday.

About 35 people were standing outside the school's front gate Friday when a group of about 40 people led by Keyes and anti-abortion activist Randall Terry marched up.

The marchers stopped briefly to say some prayers and hear Keyes speak, then a smaller group walked on to the campus. They made it about 100 yards before they were stopped by security officers.

It was the second time in eight days Keyes was arrested for trespassing at Notre Dame in response to Obama's support of abortion rights and embryonic stem-cell research.

See video from Wane.com, "Thousands petition against Notre Dame":



And also:

From WBUR, "More Abortion Battles Loom For Obama"

From the New York Times, "On Abortion, Obama Is Drawn Into Debate He Hoped to Avoid"

From CNA, "Catholic protesters arrested at Notre Dame"

Also, Randall Terry sent out the following e-mail alert, requesting support:

StopObamaNotreDame.com
May 15, 2009

Breaking news.

Friend, we need your help immediately.

Today, Friday May 15, Dr. Alan Keyes, two Catholic Priests, and aprox. 20 other pro-lifers were arrested for walking on Notre Dame's campus with posters of the Mary. (Watch for it on Fox News or CNN - Fox was covering it live, as well as Stan Solomon on line with Web streaming.)

The authorities have suddenly - without legal right - decided to not set bail for Dr. Keyes, and anyone else who was arrested last Friday. (This is around 10 of those arrested today.)

Here is what I want you to do:

1) Call Bp. D'Arcy in Fort Wayne, and beg him to intervene in this injustice. He has the authority to intervene, and tell Fr. Jenkins of Notre Dame to stop arresting fellow Catholics.

And ask Bp. D'Arcy to come and pray with us on Saturday at 12:00 noon. Is Notre Dame going to arrest Bp. D'Arcy?

His number is: 260-422-4611. His secretary, Moreen Shot, extension is 3321, or leave your message with another office.

Here's some more contacts at Fort Wayne Diocese.
Bishop D'Arcy's secretary Moreen Shot 260-422-4611 Ex. 3321
Communication Department 260-744-0012
Director: Vince LaBarbera
Communication Assistant: Chris Hawkins
Chancellor and Vicar General: Fr. Robert Schulte 260-422-4611
Assistant for Victims: Mary Glowaski 260-744-3682
Today's Catholic newspaper 260-456-2824 Editor Tim Johnson Editor@fw.diocesefwsb.org

2) Call your local Bishop - NOW - before the close of business on Friday, and ask him to come here to Notre Dame on Saturday, at 12 noon, to walk on campus with us.

Is Notre Dame going to arrest a Bishop?

Please, move quickly.

3) If at all possible, get in your car, or get on a plane, and come and join us right now.

Norma McCorvey, the "Jane Roe" of Roe vs. Wade, is coming in tonight to walk and pray and risk arrest tomorrow.

Come and join her.

Finally, if you can help with funds, it would be a blessing. There are bails to pay, and a lot of expenses. (The signs you will see on TV cost us nearly $1,500.) We can use help, if you are so moved.

No matter what, pray, and call your bishop, and Bp. D'Arcy's office, and beg them to intervene.

Randall Terry

posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 5:53 PM