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FORT WAYNE — A group will demonstrate outside the Allen County Courthouse Friday morning protesting Notre Dame's decision to have President Barack Obama speak during a commencement ceremony May 17.
Joseph Landry, who works for pro-life activist Randall Terry who and founder of stopobamanotredame.com, confirmed the 10 a.m. rally. Landry said he will hold a sign that says "Would you invite Pilate after he condemned Christ."
He also said he'll wear an Obama mask and have "stage blood" on him.
Pontius Pilate is the regional governor who ordered Jesus Christ's crucifixion.
"It's to show that it just isn't a South Bend issue," Landry said of Obama's speaking engagement. "It's bigger than just one town and one school...this fight that we're in."
Landry said Terry would be in the nation's capital Friday to lead a protest in front of the White House. Similar anti-Notre Dame rallies also are planned for Friday in Modesto, Calif.; Los Angeles; and Dallas.
"Obama is condemning innocent children to die," Landry said. "I'd be all about the president going if it were a closed-door discussion. But it's not it's at the commencement, which is an honor."
The group wants Notre Dame to cancel President Obama's speech or have him cancel himself. Landry said University President Rev. John I. Jenkins fired or have him resign.
"He's obviously not fulfilling the mission of the university," Landry said.
The Most Rev. John D'Arcy, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, said he would not attend commencement this year because Obama is the speaker.
Be sure to check fwdailynews.com Friday morning for updates to this story.
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