Georgetown Says It Covered Over Name of Jesus to Comply With White House Request

(CNSNews.com) Obama was invited to speak at the University of Georgetown. However, there was a problem. The monogram “IHS” -- symbolizing the name of Jesus Christ was inscribed on a pediment on the stage at Georgetown’s Gaston Hall where President Obama was to speak.

The White House said Obama would not speak there unless the any crosses, and the Name of Christ were either removed or covered.

Georgetown University didn't tear out their stage from to remove it - but to their great shame as a Catholic University, they did cover the Name of Jesus. As of Wednesday afternoon, the “IHS” monogram that had previously adorned the stage was still covered up - when photographed by CNS News.com.

“In coordinating the logistical arrangements for yesterday’s event, Georgetown honored the White House staff’s request to cover all of the Georgetown University signage and symbols behind Gaston Hall stage,” Julie Green Bataille, associate vice president for communications at Georgetown, told CNS News.com.

“The White House wanted a simple backdrop of flags and pipe and drape for the speech, consistent with what they’ve done for other policy speeches,” she added. “Frankly, the pipe and drape wasn’t high enough by itself to fully cover the IHS and cross above the GU seal and it seemed most respectful to have them covered so as not to be seen out of context.”

On Wednesday, CNSNews.com inspected the pediment embedded in the wall at the back of the stage in Gaston Hall, where Obama delivered his speech. The letters “IHS” were not to be found. They appeared to be shrouded with a triangle of black-painted plywood.

Pictures of the wooden pediment prior to Obama’s speech show the letters “IHS" in gold. Many photos posted on the Internet of other events at Gaston Hall show the letters clearly.

It would have been one thing, if the Name of Jesus would have been in 20-foot letters, or if Obama had been asked to stand under a gigantic crucifix - and even that should have been an honor for him . . .

. . . but his blasphemous attitude toward Christ is so blatant as to insist a tiny insignia of his name high above his head and far in the background be covered.

[See photos below]

Pediment in Gaston Hall with "IHS" covered as photographed by Penny Starr, CNSNews.com.

The White House did not respond to a request from CNS News.com to comment on the covering up of Jesus’ name at Gaston Hall.

How can Christians not be outraged over this event?

Why did not FOX, CNN, ABC,, etc., carry this event?

How can Obama keep lying that he is a Christian when he obviously despises Christ?

How long will Christians put up with his blaspheming ways?

Georgetown, which is run by the Jesuit order, is one of the most prestigious Catholic institutions of higher education in the United States.

Info courtesy of CNSNews, by By Edwin Mora

Some Comments About the Situation

Critical One at 04:39 PM - April 18, 2009

This is exactly what causes trouble for the catholic church. Where are our principles and values. What do we believe in. Why to we allow a politician to dictate how we act/behave. What are we to do as Catholics when leading institutions of our Church acts this way (i.e. Notre Dame). I for one will notify my Bishop and Pastor, and I'll reduce my weekly offering until they speak out against these insults to my religion .pauli at 04:03 PM - April 18, 2009

Deny Christ He will get the chance to deny you, dangerous territory, better look out!ShirStro at 03:38 PM - April 18, 2009

Georgetown should never have bent their standards to let anyone speak, not even the President of the US. This shows our Presidents lack of respect for our countries freedom of speech, expression, and freedom of religion. Putting the flag above Jesus is like saying the US is supreme to our God and only living God in heaven. machrf at 03:07 PM - April 18, 2009

Obama is the symbol of all that is wrong in America and of the corrupt nature of these self interest groups that have a hold on our politicians. He does not believe in equality and understanding for all.

Obama believes in Diversity which is the belief of respecting different opinions and beliefs. The first shows Clinton was right that Obama does not moral beliefs. Diversity is YOU understanding my belief and lifestyle but I don't have to be tolerant of yours.Sister at 02:47 PM - April 18, 2009

You NEVER cover up Christ or His name to display flags no matter who asks!!bigbro1a at 02:21 PM - April 19, 2009

If the Pope came to Washingto D.C. to speak to Congress, would they cover up Obama's picture?

JohnB at 01:55 PM - April 17, 2009

I agree with many of the commens and to answer the commentator wondering why everyone is in a huff, I believe that the answer is clear, "Freedom of Religion." President Obama and his administration has clearly gone out of its way to openly act disrespectfully towards the Catholic Church, the Pope, the Knights of Columbus, and what the Church teaches. It is his right to do so as an American citizen, however.

He portrays himself as a Christian, I believe that is a blatant lie, he is proving this each time he speaks about our nation, quotes Bible passages, etc., that God is not in his life, he has not attended any Church service in many months, so it is, once again, obvious that he has elevated himself to a god like status.

It will be very interesting to see if Notre Dame bows down to Obama or to Jesus Christ. By the way Obama did bow down to the Saudi King. Gob bless America, really!

JohnBJeanne at 01:17 PM - April 18, 2009

A religious order covering up the name of Jesus for a secular cause! Jesus would roll over in his grave, if HE was still there! I don't think the "sheperds" in the Catholic church quite get it anymore; but the sheep do.

MWH at 12:47 PM - April 18, 2009