“Corpus Christi” Nixed

Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on the cancellation of the gay-Jesus play “Corpus Christi” at Tarleton State University (it was scheduled to be shown on March 27):

On March 24, we blasted Tarleton State for hosting hate speech against Christians on the eve of Holy Week. Though the play was a class production, and not a University-sponsored performance, the nature of the play, and the timing, were still offensive. “Safety and security concerns” were cited as the reason for its cancellation.

The Catholic League is pleased that Tarleton State president F. Dominic Dottavio denounced the play as “crude and irreverent.” That is exactly right. As I said last week, “It’s up to the employees and students at Tarleton State to register a protest. Texas taxpayers, and Texas lawmakers who appropriate funds to the university, also have a right to have their voice heard.”

I would be remiss if I did not add that Christians from all over the U.S. also have a right to protest. That is why I listed the president’s e-mail address and asked our supporters to contact him. I am so happy they did. Obviously, anyone who makes threats should suffer the full weight of the law. Even if the play is the height of incivility, the right remedy must always be civil.

Jeff Field is the Director of Communications for the Catholic League. This press release was originally issued on March 29, 2010.