Posted on 04/30/2007 1:09:23 PM PDT by NYer
Archbishop Raymond Burke made it to the Fox Theatre Saturday — but only as a punch line.
When Bob Costas, the evening's host, walked onto the stage he scanned the crowd, gazing into the back rows of the upper balcony before breaking the prolonged silence.
"All right," Costas quipped. "I guess the archbishop is not showing up."
Last week, Burke resigned from the board of the Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center Foundation because Crow — a vocal supporter of embryonic stem cell research — was scheduled to headline the annual fundraiser and concert.
"Sheryl Crow made it clear that she is coming here for three reasons," Costas told the crowd. The singer wanted to help children, put on a good show and, Costas said, "get me ex-communicated."
Later, comedian Billy Crystal, making another appearance at the annual event, joined the act.
"I respect his right to choose," Crystal said of Burke. "His right to choose not to be here."
After a round of applause, Crystal added: "After all, charity begins at home — because that's where he is."
Saturday's event benefits the Bob Costas Cancer Center at Cardinal Glennon Medical Center. The television announcer, who also emcees the fundraiser, spoke with reporters before engaging the crowd. Costas said he respected Burke's position but disagreed with it.
"I have no regrets or hesitations about carrying on with Sheryl Crow this evening," he said.
Costas said the controversy wouldn't affect planning of future benefits. Costas said he had never spoken to the archbishop about the event and had not received any personal appeal from Burke to drop Crow.
(Excerpt) Read more at stltoday.com ...
The Roman Catholic Church believes embryonic stem cell research is akin to abortion.
In last week's news conference, Burke described Crow's planned appearance as "an affront to the identity and mission of the medical center, dedicated as it is to the service of life and Christ's healing mission."
Burke also called Crow "a well-known abortion activist."
Catholic Ping
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“But seriously, folks, speaking of the destruction of human life. . . . “
I was told about this earlier today by somebody and didn’t believe it until now. How can a “Catholic” charity get away with ridiculing their bishop for wanting support for Catholic doctrine? Or at any rate, wanting no support for blatantly anti-Catholic positions and activities?
This is absolutely disgusting. I’ve lost anything resembling the last shred of respect I might have had for Bob Costas.
Who’s Cheryl Crowe?
Someone who you want to avoid shaking their hand.
I think you’re talking about Sheryl Crow.
I know who she is.
Cheryl Crowe, on the other hand, is a mystery to me.
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