Bishop urges people to avoid protests

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - The Roman Catholic bishop whose diocese includes the University of Notre Dame is urging people to stay away from demonstrations against the school or President Barack Obama even though he plans to skip the school's commencement because of the president's presence.

Fort Wayne-South Bend Bishop John D'Arcy says the Notre Dame community is well-equipped to supervise and support discussions and prayer within its own campus. D'Arcy has issued a statement urging everyone to work for a peaceful graduation experience.

D'Arcy announced last month he would not attend the May 17 graduation ceremony because of Obama's support for abortion rights and embryonic stem-cell research.