Chaplain defends drag show at Jesuit university
May 19, 2011
The director of campus ministry at Seattle University, a Jesuit institution, defended a drag show that took place at the university and criticized the Cardinal Newman Society, which had taken note of it.
“My understanding of a drag show is that it's men dressing up as women, now what is wrong with that?” said Father Mike Bayard, SJ, who described the Cardinal Newman Society as a “group of Catholics who have come together and said this is what it means to be Catholic.”
“I believe wholeheartedly that Seattle University is thoroughly Catholic,” Father Bayard added. “To be Catholic at Seattle University means to be inclusive.”
“It's pretty amazing that it happened in a Jesuit college, and that [the show] is getting support,” said Sylvia O’Stayformore, host of the drag show.
“Even the Jesuits at Seattle U struggle with the more delicate issues of doctrine,” added Emma McAleavy, a writer for Seattle University’s student newspaper. “Not all Jesuits agree, and many struggle to articulate their feelings on some of the more hot-button issues like homosexuality and abortion.”
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Further information:
- Drag show sparks challenge to Catholic identity (Seattle University Spectator)
- Drag Show Was ‘Pretty Much Packed’ at Jesuit Seattle University (Cardinal Newman Society)
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Posted by: unum -
May. 20, 2011 8:41 AM ET USA
Another university "in the Jesuit tradition" instead of "in the Catholic tradition", and another bishop who doesn't understand his job description. ... and Jesus wept.
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Posted by: -
May. 19, 2011 11:45 PM ET USA
“To be Catholic at Seattle University means to be inclusive." The only people at SU who are excluded are faithful Catholics. Fie on the Jesuits.
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Posted by: impossible -
May. 19, 2011 11:33 PM ET USA
How long oh Lord, how long? Let the housecleaning begin! Please.
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Posted by: -
May. 19, 2011 12:39 PM ET USA
Jesuit educators are not Catholics. Allowing this to take place defiles God's Word. The following Scripture quote is but one of many: (Deuteronomy 22:5) "A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman's garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the LORD your God." Sodom and Gomorrah were a prelude to the devastation that will come. Bishops who do not do their duty will also be judged by God. "Much is expected from those to whom much is given."
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Posted by: New Sister -
May. 19, 2011 11:17 AM ET USA
This is nothing new. Heretical Jesuits and a permissive (tacitly or otherwise) Archbishop. May the LORD rebuke them.
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Posted by: Miss Cathy -
May. 19, 2011 10:58 AM ET USA
"What's wrong with men dressing up as women?" What is wrong with a Catholic priest who asks that question?
