Wichita, Kan., Feb 5, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Wichita Catholic high schools announced this week that they are no longer welcoming Washburn University admissions officers on their campuses because the university has refused to remove a sculpture near the student union building, which is offensive to Catholics.
The announcement was made as hearings began Feb. 3 at a federal district court in Kansas City, Kan., on the issue. A Catholic professor and student brought a suit against the university and have asked for the removal of the sculpture, which depicts a Catholic bishop wearing a miter in the shape of a penis. A decision is expected before Feb. 20.
Archbishop James P. Keleher of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas testified at the hearings that the statue is a mockery of Catholic teaching and faith.
Bob Voboril, superintendent of schools for the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, agreed that the statue is "clearly seeking to offend and insult Catholics."