As the president’s appearance at ND comes closer and closer, and now with some of the volume on the controversy turned down, The Anchoress argues that the church not miss a real teaching moment and adopt a “calm and pastoral” approach to present its teaching.  Amen to calm and pastoral. I would also argue that President Obama, never one to let slip a teaching moment himself might use his time at the podium for an intelligent conversation on abortion, much as he used his podium at Constitution Hall last summer to speak about race. What does this intelligent, thoughtful Christian have to say to the Catholic community about one of its most deeply held beliefs?

James Martin, SJ

The Rev. James Martin, S.J., is a Jesuit priest, author, editor at large at America and founder of Outreach.