A number of prominent Catholics, including local bishops, have voiced support for Kansas City Chiefs star kicker Harrison Butker, who was vilified for his overtly Catholic commencement speech at Benedictine College on May 11. .
Several celebrities and commentators have called for Butker’s removal from his team for sharing views on gender, abortion, assisted suicide, euthanasia, surrogacy, and more, all of which fall within Catholic teachings. It is the opposite.
“The harmful comments made by Harrison Butker…were unacceptable.” read A Change.org petition calling for his removal. “His comments were sexist, homophobic, anti-trans, anti-abortion, and racist.”
Bishop James Johnston of the Diocese of Kansas City and St. Louis However, Joseph released “Harrison Butker’s passion for the Catholic faith and his family is beautiful and well-known,” the statement said. I have strong opinions about what the position is.”
“The Catholic Church believes that God calls all people to pursue holiness, whatever their path,” the bishop continued. “As St. Paul points out, diversity of callings and vocations is essential to the life and mission of the Church.”
“I support Mr. Butker’s right to share his faith and express his opinions, including those critical of the bishop,” he added.
That last remark is likely a reference to the Super Bowl winner’s reprimand in his speech against certain anonymous bishops who were “motivated by fear” during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown. .
“Our country is led by a man so delusional that he publicly and proudly proclaims his Catholic faith while at the same time making the sign of the cross at pro-abortion rallies,” Butker said in his speech. “He has been very vocal about his support for the killing of innocent infants, so to many people it must seem like you are both a Catholic and a pro-choice person.”
Bishop Joseph Strickland, a conservative bishop, was removed from office for allegedly criticizing Pope Francis. I was grateful Butler for “speaking the truth” in his post on X (formerly Twitter).
“As voices rise against Harrison Butker’s speech at Benedictine College, let us stand strong and resist their attempts to silence the truth,” Strickland said. I have written. “Harrison spoke with love for alumni and our culture.”
Catholic League President Bill Donahue similarly wrote that Butker “made it” in his commencement address.
“His courage and dedication to Catholicism are admirable,” Donahue wrote. “A high-profile Catholic football player defends traditional moral values at a Catholic university – what a novelty – and in no time he’s getting bashed everywhere. .”
