Archbishop pulls support for hospital benefit over singer's stands

Published: 2007-04-27

ST. LOUIS (CNS) -- Saying that it sent a "contradictory message" for a Catholic institution to raise funds by featuring a musician who supports abortion and embryonic stem-cell research, Archbishop Raymond L. Burke of St. Louis announced April 25 that he had withdrawn his support for an upcoming benefit for SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center. Rock musician Sheryl Crow, a native of Kennett, Mo., has been an outspoken supporter of keeping abortion legal. She also supported Amendment 2, a Missouri initiative passed last fall that constitutionally protects human cloning and embryonic stem-cell research. Crow was scheduled to perform at the annual Bob Costas Benefit April 28 at the Fabulous Fox theater in St. Louis. Sportscaster Costas and comedian Billy Crystal also were to participate in the benefit, with tickets ranging in price from $35 to $100. At an April 25 press conference at the archdiocesan offices, Archbishop Burke said Crow's connection to the benefit event was "an affront to the identity and mission of the medical center, dedicated as it is to the service of life and Christ's healing mission."

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