Kansas Catholic College Under Fire for Event With Pro-Abortion Gov
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
February 12, 2004
Leavenworth, KS (LifeNews.com) — A Catholic college in Kansas is under fire from pro-life advocates because of its plan to host the state’s pro-abortion governor at an upcoming event.
The University of Saint Mary has invited Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who backs abortion, to be the keynote speaker at the sixth annual Abraham Lincoln Lecture Thursday night. Sebelius will talk about leadership and public service "in the spirit of Lincoln."
Last year, the Kansas state House and Senate passed legislation establishing licensing standards for abortion centers to make them follow the same guidelines required of legitimate medical facilities. However, Sebelius vetoed the bill and state legislators were unable to override the veto.
Sebelius, who is Catholic, told the Lawrence Journal World that she sees no conflict between her pro-abortion views and religious beliefs.
"The reality is that the vast majority of views that I hold and act on, I share with the Catholic Conference, and they are comfortable with that and I am too," Sebelius told the newspaper.
Kansas Coalition for Life director Mark Gietzen says inviting the governor to speak at a Catholic college is "one hundred percent against the official teachings of the Catholic Church and completely contrary to the dictates of Pope John Paul II."
A representative of St. Mary University was unavailable at press time.
In a statement announcing the dinner speech, USM president Sister Diane Steele said the college has had a number of various speakers for the annual event and, "We are proud that Saint Mary, with its 144-year history of educating women, can now add a prominent female leader to that distinguished list."
Gietzen said Sebelius got into office thanks to the donations from Wichita late-term abortionist George Tiller. Sebelius has also received financial support from Emily’s List, a pro-abortion organization that requires candidates to support partial-birth abortions and taxpayer funding of abortion to qualify for an endorsement.
Gietzen said his and other pro-life groups are planning a peaceful protest at the event.
ACTION: Make your views known by contacting St. Mary University, Sr. Diane Steele, President, 4100 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, KS 66048, call 913-758-6102, fax 913-758-6140, or email [email protected]
You can also contact Governor Sebelius at Office of the Governor, Capitol, 300 SW 10th Ave., Ste. 212S, Topeka, KS 66612-1590, (p) 1-800-748-4408, e-mail: [email protected]
