Other bishops oppose Obama at ND

FARGO, N.D. (AP) - The bishop of the Fargo Roman Catholic Diocese is joining other Catholic bishops and anti-abortion advocates in denouncing the University of Notre Dame's decision to invite President Barack Obama to deliver its May 17 commencement speech and receive an honorary degree.

Bishop Samuel Aquila, in a letter to the Rev. John Jenkins, Notre Dame's president, said the decision "diminishes the reputation of Notre Dame and makes one wonder what its mission truly is."

Abortion opponents say Obama's support of abortion rights and stem cell research do not agree with Roman Catholic teachings. More than a dozen bishops have protested Notre Dame's invitation.

Jenkins has said the university does not support all the president's policies but believes it's important to continue conversation.