A different take on the Catholic character debate:  
Condoleeza Rice's honorary degree from Catholic college

SOUTH BEND, May 7, 2006  (www.southbendtribune.com)  -  Two theology professors at Boston College don't think Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice deserves an honorary degree from the Catholic institution.

Rice's role in the Iraq war and foreign policy make her morally unfit for the honor, say professors Kenneth R. Himes, chair of the theology department, and David Hollenbach, according to an article Wednesday in the Boston Globe.

The two academics sent a letter, titled "Condoleezza Rice Does Not Deserve a Boston College Honorary Degree," to the entire faculty by e-mail on Tuesday.

The professors wrote that they strongly disagree with the university's decision to invite Rice to the May 22 commencement ceremony and asked their colleagues to sign on. About 100 faculty members had done so by Wednesday.

"On the levels of both moral principle and practical moral judgment, Secretary Rice's approach to international affairs is in fundamental conflict with Boston College's commitment to the values of the Catholic and Jesuit traditions and is inconsistent with the humanistic values that inspire the university's work," the letter said. It also noted that Pope John Paul II and the United States Catholic bishops opposed the Iraq war.

Rice earned a master's degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1975 and later served on its board of trustees. In 1995, she gave the Notre Dame commencement address and received an honorary degree.

She also attended Notre Dame's graduation in 2001, when her boss, President Bush, gave the commencement address and received an honorary degree.