Diocese says Terry McAuliffe can't speak at Catholic alma mater

Published: 2007-03-05

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (CNS) -- The Syracuse Diocese made headlines when it denied former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe an opportunity to speak at his alma mater, Bishop Ludden Junior/Senior High School. McAuliffe was initially scheduled to speak to about 100 fellow alumni at Ludden Feb. 24, and hold a signing for his new book, "What a Party! My Life Among Democrats, Presidents, Candidates, Donors, Activists, Alligators, and Other Wild Animals." His appearance at the school was originally approved in January, but several days before the event the diocese withdrew permission for him to speak there. Father Cliff Auth, diocesan chancellor, said the reversal was a direct result of comments McAuliffe made in a Jan. 29 interview with radio talk-show host Hugh Hewitt. During the interview Hewitt asked McAuliffe about Catholic background and his views on abortion and McAuliffe said, "I am pro-choice, no question about it." A little later Hewitt said, "No, but I mean, the whole abortion controversy, that's just ... you compartmentalize that and put that aside?" McAuliffe answered, "I can, as can many Catholics."

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