A notice to all those who commonly write on internet blogs: "Matthew Flannagan is an ignorant, stupid, illogical, irrational, backwards fundamentalist, moronic bigot, blah, blah, blah."

As of 3pm today please amend your insults to the following: "Dr Matthew Flannagan is an ignorant, stupid, illogical, irrational, backwards fundamentalist, moronic bigot, blah, blah, blah."

Matt will graduate today from the University of Otago with the title Doctor of Philosophy for his thesis "Is Historic Christian Opposition to Feticide Justified in the 21st Century?"

Examiners of his thesis spoke of his "remorseless logic," "his substantial contribution to his field," "[his thesis being] one of the finest I have had the privilege of examining." Matt was commended for his fairness in presenting and critiquing opposing views, the thoroughness of his work and substantial encouragement was given to seek its publication. Yet not one examiner shared his philosophical views.

I am immensely proud of Matt today. He has worked so hard for this moment and to have earned it with all the praise and accolade that he has received from academics he admires and respects is truly an achievement.

Madeleine