NCEA Invites Outspokenly Anti-Catholic 'Humorist'

(via e-mail)

Dear Friends,

We recently discovered that Garrison Keillor is scheduled to be a Keynote Speaker at the National Catholic Education Association Convention in Minneapolis on April 6 - 8, 2010.

Garrison Keillor is well known for his outspoken views on abortion and "same-sex marriage" which are not in line with authentic Catholic teaching.

On the issue of abortion he is quoted as saying:

"Abortion has to be considered case by case. The use of abortion as birth control is one thing, the use of it to end pregnancy caused by incest or rape is another, and then there is the decision to destroy an embryo that shows signs of debilitating disease or severe retardation. In the end, it goes against common sense to require a mother to bear a child she does not want, just as you can't force husband and wife to stay together…"

On the issue of "same sex" marriage he is quoted as saying:

"I believe that if voters actually knew gay couples, they would not vote to ban gay marriage. This particular cruelty is the result of social separation, which breeds contempt."

In another article he states:

"The so-called cultural wars over abortion and prayer in the schools and pornography and gays, most of it instigated by shrieking ninnies and pompous blowhards, did nothing about anything, except elect dullards to office who brought a certain nihilistic approach to governance…"

It is scandalous that Garrison Keillor has been invited to be a keynote speaker for the National Catholic Education Convention. It is only right that Mr. Keillor's invitation be rescinded and that he be removed as a speaker from the Convention this April.

We have already contacted Archbishop John Nienstedt. He was very gracious and responded immediately to our concern. He reported that the decision was made at the national level of the NCEA and he was only informed of it afterwards. The Archbishop told us he has contacted the NCEA with his own criticism of their decision to select Garrison Keillor as keynote speaker.

The Archbishop also encouraged us to contact the NCEA and express our opinion. He included the following address:

Dr. Karen M. Ristau, Ed.D.
President, National Catholic Educational Association
1005 North Glebe Road
Arlington, VA 22201

Several days ago I did contact Dr. Ristau and have not heard back from anyone at the NCEA. We want you all to aware of this disgraceful action. The NCEA needs to hear from you and many others.

Please contact the following people to report that Garrison Keillor is well known for his outspoken views on
abortion and "same-sex marriage" which are not in line with authentic Catholic teaching. Please request that Garrison Keillor's invitation be rescinded and that he be removed as keynote speaker at the NCEA Convention this April.

Dr. Karen M. Ristau, Ed.D.
president@ncea.org

Most Reverend Donald W. Wuerl - Archbishop of Washington, DC and NCEA Board Chair
chancery@adw.org

I also encourage you to Cc: many on this Staff Listing

This is truly an upsetting situation for Catholics, however, please remember to always be charitable in your letters. It's a good practice to always pray to the Holy Spirit before writing.

There is no need to contact Archbishop Neinstedt on this matter. We are grateful he has taken action.

Thank you for your help and please be sure to pass this email to others who should know!

Sincerely yours in Christ,



Mrs. Colleen Perfect,
President
Catholic Parents On-Line