It is unknown whether Gonzaga will capitulate to the petitions to cancel Tutu’s visit.

An invitation to Archbishop Desmond Tutu to deliver a commencement address and accept an Honorary Doctorate at Gonzaga University in Washington State in America has drawn strong criticism from at least two US-based Catholic groups who say the Arch’s views on same-sex equality and abortion, not to mention his criticism of Jewish people (read: Israel) make him the last person they want honoured by the staunchly Catholic university.

In one petition circulated online, which has gathered at least 7 200 signatures, TFP Student Action (part of the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property) addresses Gonzaga President, Thayne McCulloh, saying,

As a Catholic institution, Gonzaga University should rescind its invitation to pro-abortion and pro same-sex “marriage” advocate, Desmond Tutu. Honors should not be given to anyone who supports the dishonor of abortion and homosexual sin. Please cancel his May 13 appearance. Thank you.

Another petition released by the U.S.-based Cardinal Newman Society has gained around 800 signatures and reads (in part),

Although Archbishop Tutu performed wonderful work in South Africa, his positions on pre-born life, sexuality, and his disrespect for the Jewish people, should disqualify him from receiving any honors at any institution worthy of calling itself Catholic.

A counter-petition has also been raised by Faithful America, a faith-based online community, that denounces the “right-wing extremism occurring on some Catholic college campuses in the States”, and demands that “they” not be allowed to silence Tutu.

Gonzaga University has not officially responded to the petition as yet, but did release a statement saying that they are delighted to welcome Tutu to their 126th anniversary commencement ceremony, listing his many achievements and describing him as a “moral icon”:

Archbishop Tutu is a living exemplar of Gonzaga’s historic commitment to the ideals of equality and a free society as a Catholic, Jesuit and humanistic University. We are honoured and humbled that Archbishop Tutu has chosen to be with us and our graduates for Commencement.  He is certainly among the most prominent moral icons of our time.

As yet, Archbishop Tutu has not responded to the petitions demanding his visit and address be cancelled.

Gonzaga University is in Spokane, Washington, and describes itself as an independent Catholic, Jesuit, and humanistic institution.

[Source: News 24, TFP Student Action, Faithful America, Cardinal Newman Society, Flickr]