Archbishop Burke opposes Sheryl Crow concert out of pastoral necessity

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St. Louis prelate speaks out against hospital fundraiser

Comments: 16

Archbishop Raymond Burke and singer Sheryl Crow

St. Louis, Mo., Apr 26, 2007 / 10:13 am (CNA).- Archbishop Raymond Burke said he had to oppose the upcoming benefit concert for a local Catholic hospital that features musician and abortion activist Sheryl Crow out of pastoral necessity.

“As the shepherd of this archdiocese, I am required to address an issue that could call into question in the minds of the faithful the commitment of the medical center and the archdiocese to the cause of life,” he said.

Sheryl Crow is scheduled to perform at the April 28 benefit for SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center. The benefit is organized by the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation. The management and the executives of the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center did not plan the event.

“Ms. Crow is well-known as an abortion activist,” the archbishop said at a press conference yesterday. “She has lent her celebrity status to the promotion of legislation, such as Missouri’s Amendment 2, that creates legal protection for human cloning and the destruction of human beings who are embryos.

“Her appearance at a fundraising event for Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center is 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,” he said.

Crow’s performance for the SSM Cardinal Glennon Medical Center is contrary to the identity and mission of the Catholic institution, said a press release issued by the diocese. In addition, the Church sees the action as giving scandal, which is defined as “an attitude or behavior which leads another to evil”. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2284)

The archbishop said he attempted to settle the matter with the foundation board. But when the board said it would not address the issue, the archbishop said, it became “necessary that I carry out my pastoral responsibility to clarify the matter.”

“When, for economic gain, a Catholic institution associates itself with such a high profile proponent of the destruction of innocent lives, members of the Church and other people of good will have the right to be confirmed in their commitment to the Gospel of Life,” said the archbishop.

The archbishop has asked the foundation to remove his name from any materials promoting the event, and has resigned as Chairman of the Board.

“I want to express my understanding and compassion for the members of the Board of Governors of the foundation who did not recognize the seriousness of this matter,” the archbishop continued.

“I want to assure the management and employees of Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital of my continued admiration and support for the wonderful treatment provided at our excellent children’s medical center,” he added. “I cannot say enough about their commitment to the lives and health of the children they serve.”

The archdiocese founded the medical center that is now owned by the Franciscan Sisters of Mary. Over the past 10 years, the archdiocese has contributed more than $3 million through the center’s annual campaign and the Fleur de Lis Ball.

In addition to the press release, the archdiocese also released a list of common questions and answers as well as a video clip (please see link below) from the archbishop to clarify the issues surrounding Sheryl Crow’s anti-life stances and pending performance.

http://www.archstl.org/commoffice/../video/abb.wmv

Comments: 16

Subscriber comments:

Published by: HMacK
Brunei 04/26/2007 10:36 PM EST

Congratulations Archbishop Burke. It's about time American bishops elsewhere demonstrated a good example like this! What Catholics need more than anything now is excellent leadership guided by Roman Catholic norms and values.

Published by: Ron Pichlik
Battle Creek, MI USA 04/26/2007 08:16 PM EST

Words do not express my respect and admiration for Archbishop Burke; the Church needs more leadership and examples such as his. The questions that remain are why in the world is Ms. Crow still performing at this event for a Catholic hospital and who had the brilliant idea of getting her to perform in the first place? It seems to me that some persons have, or should have, some serious explaining to do.

Published by: Cindy
Westminster, CO 04/26/2007 08:15 PM EST

When I first read this story this morning in the NYTimes.com I prayed for Archbishop Burke and thanked God for such a faithful servant. God bless you Archbishop Burke.

Published by: George Angel
Canada 04/26/2007 06:24 PM EST

Archbishop Burke did the courageous and right thing for a Shepherd of the flock to do by opposing abortion activist Sherly Crow's appearance at this fundraising event for a Catholic hospital. It is the duty and mission of a good shepherd to show his flock the right path that will always lead to their safety and protection. The actions of Archbishop Burke made absolutely certain where the Church stands on the issue of abortion by opposing a fundraising event that featured an entertainer whose high profile positions and support for the abortion of unborn baby children is in complete contradiction to the Gospel and Magesterium of the Catholic Church. Two wrongs do not make a right. It was appropriate and fitting that Archbishop Burke showed by his courageous public action exactly where the Church stands on this important issue in the so called, "Show Me State." God Bless Archbishop Burke for showing me and the rest of America and all of North America the true position of the Catholic Church. Pray for Archbishop Burke and all the Bishops of the Catholic Church throughout the world that they too can publicly show exactly where the Church stands in a bold and courageous way that is clear for all to see and hear. Pray, Pray, Pray!

Published by: Marie Tronnes
Fairport, NY USA 04/26/2007 06:03 PM EST

God Bless Bishop Burke for defending our faith! May other Bishops show this courage in the face of controversy. My prayers are with the Bishop always.

Published by: Rita Patterson
Houston, Tx USA 04/26/2007 04:55 PM EST

Thank you,Archbishop, as once again you defend Christ's Holy Church.

Wrong is wrong even if everybody is doing it,and right is right even if nobody is doing it. --St. Augustine (354-430)

Published by: Andrew
Los Angeles, CA 04/26/2007 04:11 PM EST

This country still has hope! We need more sheppards like Abp. Burke who will speak of the truth in-season and out-of-season. God bless him for affirming and committing totally to the Gospel of Life. It's not a popular stand here on earth but I believe there's so much rejoicing in heaven.

Published by: michael
sayville/ny/usa 04/26/2007 03:07 PM EST

Perhaps some of our other fallen brother priests, as with the one from Notre Dame, will look at this priest and see what it means to be a real disciple of Christ, and not a wet noodle.

Published by: Jim
Port Orange/FL 04/26/2007 03:05 PM EST

Praise God for the Graces we are receiving through the office of Archbishop Burke! I do hope the board reconsiders after hearing the elegant message of the Archbishop. Let us all offer up some prayers of behalf of our Archbishop and for Ms. Crow. With Christ's message being trumpeted so clearly from Archbishop Burke, there is increased hope for this talented entertainer and all of us faithful.

Published by: Carmen Speranza
Lake Forest/IL/USA 04/26/2007 01:24 PM EST

God bless Bishop Burke for having the courage to take action to point out the hypocrisy in the Foundation's decision to allow this performance and to recognize the evil which would be caused by the resultant scandal had he not acted forcefully.

I have a couple of questions. Why didn't the good Sisters take action immediately to avoid the problem? Why did they wait for the Bishop to act? Are they going to allow the performance?

Published by: Carol
Miami 04/26/2007 12:36 PM EST

They need to cancel her performance-unbelievable!!!!

Published by: Nancy Cortese
Ypsilanti, MI, USA 04/26/2007 12:30 PM EST

I would like to commmend the Archbishop for having the courage and the conviction to stand up and do what is right even when it is not the easy thing to do! Way to go! May God continue to bless you and your diocese!

Published by: Dave Thomasberger
Roswell, GA USA 04/26/2007 12:16 PM EST

Thank you Archbishop Burke! We all need to become more aware of the moral postions held by the organizations we are supporting. Case in point, a very famous coffee store that is reported to support the planned parenthood organization. It is time for us to take action, or we will all be held responsible in the end.

Published by: AMDG
Seattle, WA 04/26/2007 12:14 PM EST

WAY TO GO ARCHBISHOP!

YOU ARE A TRUE LEADER!

GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!

Published by: Mary Hamilton
St.Paul, Mn 04/26/2007 12:14 PM EST

God bless archbishop Burke for his continued outspoken stand against those who do not embrace life in any form. He really needs our prayers as well as support.

Published by: phil floersh
tucson/az/usa 04/26/2007 11:59 AM EST

Real guts by the archbishop of St. Louis. The sensitivity of the board to Catholic values is seen for what it is!!!

phil

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