Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker defended his commencement speech at Benedictine College during the Courage Under Fire gala in Nashville over Memorial Day weekend. “If it wasn’t clear that the timeless Catholic values are hated by many, it is now,” he said.
During his address earlier this month, Butker made several remarks that have been attacked by liberals, including calling Pride Month a “deadly sin” and saying that, for his wife, accomplishments in the home are more valuable than any academic or professional goals, among other things. His comments at the Catholic school outside Kansas City were met with applause and a standing ovation, though most media reports overlooked that fact.
Friday night’s gala was hosted by Regina Caeli Academy, a hybrid campus and homeschool Catholic school group with several locations across the country. Matt Walsh, a media personality and host at the Daily Wire, also spoke.
“Over the past few days, my beliefs, or what people think I believe, have been the focus of countless discussions around the globe,” said Butker, who is on the school’s board of directors. “At the outset, many people expressed a shocking level of hate. But as the days went on, even those who disagreed with my viewpoints shared their support for my freedom of religion.”
Our love for Jesus and thus our desire to speak out should never be outweighed by the longing of our fallen nature to be loved by the world.”
Butker reaffirmed his commitment to his Catholic faith, saying, “Our love for Jesus and thus our desire to speak out should never be outweighed by the longing of our fallen nature to be loved by the world.”
During his speech, Butker referred to Daniel, the biblical prophet who was thrown into a lion’s den for committing to prayer to God, despite a law that condemned worshipers to death. “I can’t help but tremble at the thought of the courage many saints have shown in their lives,” he said.
Butker said he understands being criticized for his performance on the field. The 28-year-old said he values his religion more than football .“It’s a decision I’ve consciously made and one I do not regret at all,” he said.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice