Benedictine College Nuns Critique Harrison Butker's Controversial Commencement Speech
ICARO Media Group
In a recent development following the controversial commencement speech delivered by Harrison Butker at Benedictine College in Kansas, the sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, a founding institution and sponsor of the college, have issued a statement denouncing Butker's remarks as divisive and unrepresentative of the college's ideals.
The nuns expressed concern over Butker's comments, particularly his assertion that being a homemaker is the highest calling for a woman. They emphasized that as sisters of the Benedictine order, they have dedicated their lives to God and God's people, including the women who have been taught and influenced by them over the past 160 years. The sisters highlighted the significant contributions these women have made in various roles, including as wives, mothers, and through their leadership, scholarship, and careers.
Furthermore, the nuns seemed to allude to Butker's condemnation of Catholics who support abortion rights and "dangerous gender ideologies." They stressed their community's teachings on creating a compassionate, Gospel-centered home within oneself, welcoming others as Christ and empowering them to be the best versions of themselves. They firmly rejected a narrow definition of what it means to be Catholic.
Butker's speech at Benedictine College stirred controversy not only among the nuns but also within the wider public. He faced criticism for referring to Pride Month as a "deadly sin sort of pride" and railing against the concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a result, he received backlash from various quarters, including the NFL distancing itself from his remarks and GLAAD issuing a statement of dissatisfaction. Even Taylor Swift fans criticized him for referencing her song lyrics in a speech about regressive gender roles.
While Butker has gained support in conservative circles, the ramifications of his divisive remarks continue to reverberate. The nuns of Mount St. Scholastica have joined the conversation, adding their voices to those calling for inclusivity and rejecting the stigmatization of certain gender roles.
It remains to be seen how this controversy will impact Butker's public image and future engagements. Benedictine College, on the other hand, may use this incident as an opportunity for further dialogue and reflection on its mission and values.
Overall, the fallout from Butker's commencement speech serves as a reminder of the importance of mindful and inclusive discourse, particularly in educational settings where diverse perspectives should be respected and celebrated.