Author Topic: Public speaking at venues sponsored by the sɛҳuąƖly deviant (Read 903 times)

Caoimhin P Connell · « **on:** October 15, 2011, 12:02:27 PM »

I would like your thoughts on receiving an invitation to speak on a societal issue. The topic under discussion itself is not at issue and is a laudable cause (the protection of children). However, ironically, (or perversely), the talk is being partially sponsored by two ɧoɱosɛҳųαƖ groups who are using the issue to advance their own perverse politics of family destruction.

If one is an expert on a legitimate subject and asked to speak, does the perverse nature of the sponsors create a conflict?

Cheers!
Caoimhín

Stephen Francis · « **Reply #1 on:** October 15, 2011, 06:48:38 PM »

One question would be whether the ɧoɱosɛҳųαƖ-advocacy groups in question are the MAJOR sponsors, or if the general public is going to perceive this event as one centered around these groups.

Another question concerns what capacity you will be acting in as a speaker at this event; are you a religious? Are you representing a Catholic organization in any sense? Are you speaking as an expert on some point which can be understood differently by Catholics and non-Catholics (such as abortion, secular education, etc)?

Finally, there is the question of whether YOU personally can expect to serve this event with your speaking gifts and NOT be at least implicitly associated with the ɧoɱosɛҳųαƖ groups. Remember that our associations are not only possible occasions of sin for us, but for others who observe us as well. If people are led to believe that you have anything in common with these other groups other than speaking engagements at the same event, then it is incuмbent upon you to separate yourself from the event and make sure you are not clothed with their immorality by association.

Ask yourself whether, granted their permissions or not, you would be able to address the topic in question from a faithful, traditional Catholic perspective, or to be able to distribute books or other literature as support for your position on the issue being presented.

As a person who played secular music for years in bars and nightclubs, I am even more impressed these days with the necessity of avoiding even the APPEARANCE of sin - I can only imagine what people thought of my character when they saw me entering or performing in some of the places I did.

My prayers will be for you to 'hold fast the traditions you have received' from the Apostles and not to shrink at representing Christ and His Church, whether by attendance at the event or by graciously declining.

St. Anthony of Padua, gifted preacher of the holy Gospel, pray for us.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.

Caoimhin P Connell · « **Reply #2 on:** October 16, 2011, 07:33:30 AM »

Good morning, Stephen –

Great questions.

The ɧoɱosɛҳųαƖ group is one of the major sponsors and they will have their logotype on all literature etc. associated with the event.

I would be speaking in my capacity as a scientist, and not directly representing any religious aspect. My discussion would be exclusively associated with toxicology and risk assessment in the context of environmental hazards. There is not much in my talk that could be interpreted differently based on one’s religious beliefs.

I believe that I can offer my presentation and not be implicitly associated with the sponsors. However, I am concerned about my involvement adding to the overall impression of normalizing such behavior. It seems to me that the more often and successfully these events become, the more credibility without dispute is given to the sponsors. Since it is in the guise of protecting children, these sponsors understand how to market their political push in the vein of competing evils. I think that my allowing myself to be involved, I am contributing to the recognition of the sponsors.

Thanks for your well considered input, Stephen, you have helped me make a decision and I will be declining the speaking engagement. There are many other credible fora that have not (yet) been hijacked or subverted by the disingenuousness of such groups.

Stephen Francis · « **Reply #3 on:** October 16, 2011, 08:51:29 AM »

Deo gratias! As always, if we were to seek to please men, we would not please God by serving Christ (The Epistle of St. Paul the Apostle to the Galatians, chapter one, verse 10).