Sangamon Sun

Bishop Thomas Paprocki of the Springfield Diocese said Kansas City Chiefs' Kicker Harrison Butker's commencement speech at Benedictine University was an "encouragement" to Catholic believers to defend their faith and their beliefs. Paprocki made the comment in a video release on May 23. 

“I think Harrison Butker gives us encouragement for us to have courage to do basically what he did: to speak up,” Bishop Paprocki said. “We have been too passive, too reticent to say something. We believe in justice and we believe in the Truth and so we have to speak up for these things.”

In his speech, Butker said "the world around us says that we should keep our beliefs to ourselves whenever they go against the tyranny of diversity, equity and inclusion. We fear speaking truth, because now, unfortunately, truth is in the minority." 

Butker stressed the significance of standing firm in religious and moral convictions during his address. He expressed concern over societal pressures against religious beliefs. His critique extended particularly to leaders who promote abortion and gender ideologies while proclaiming their Catholic faith. "We must always speak in act in charity but never mistake charity for cowardice," Butker said, advocating for courage amidst popular opposition.

Bishop Paprocki serves as the ninth Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield, having been appointed to the position in 2010. He is a native of Chicago and attended DePaul University College of Law after his ordination, received his doctoral degree in canon law from Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and graduated with an MBA from University of Notre Dame. He previously served as a Parish Priest, Vice‑Chancellor, Chancellor, and opened clinics for free legal advice.