Contact: Bob Jewitt, 770-310-6663

ATLANTA, April 23 /Christian Newswire/ -- On Friday, April 24, 2009, beginning at 11:00 a.m., concerned citizens from Atlanta will gather at 680 West Peachtree Street, NW to call on Roman Catholic Archbishop Wilton Daniel Gregory to join his voice to those of the dozens of other U.S. Bishops who have condemned the invitation of President Barack Obama to speak at the Catholic University of Notre Dame.

According to Archbishop Gregory's spokeswoman, Patricia Chivers, Archbishop Gregory has made no comment on the controversial invitation.  Organizer of this Friday's gathering at the chancery and local attorney Michael Hirsh says, "Archbishop Gregory has indeed been silent, at the very moment when he should be speaking, he is the shepherd in Atlanta, he should act like one."

"The controversy centers around Obama's strong support of embryonic stem cell research, abortion on demand, and other life issues that are diametrically opposed to Catholic Church teachings," said Hirsh. "That the President would be honored with an invitation to speak at commencement as well as to receive an honorary degree while he has set himself up as an enemy of life is unconscionable."

"Archbishop Gregory has the ability, the power, and the responsibility to stop this treachery.  If he fails to act, he is allowing evil to triumph" said Hirsh.