CV NEWS FEED // The Los Angeles Dodgers hosted a “Faith and Family” Night a month-and-a-half after their “Pride Night” featured the anti-Catholic “drag” troupe The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (SPI).
The wholesome event was held Sunday, July 30, during the Dodgers’ home game against the Cincinnati Reds, which they lost in a 9-0 rout. It included pre- and post-game performances by contemporary Christian artist Jeremy Camp and speeches by Dodgers stars Max Muncy, Chris Taylor, and Clayton Kershaw, as well as manager Dave Roberts.
While Kershaw was critical of his team’s decision to invite SPI, Roberts expressed measured support, stating that he believes people should “be able to coexist.”
Actor Chris Pratt joins Kershaw, Dave Roberts, Max Muncy, and others to speak at Dodgers’Faith and Family day. pic.twitter.com/YWEfrmGssy
— Helene Elliott (@helenenothelen) July 30, 2023
The decision for the Dodgers to hold such a promotion – their first “Faith Night” since 2019 – came in late May on the heels of the team’s re-invitation of the SPI and the ensuing backlash.
At the time, CatholicVote President Brian Burch compared this move to “putting a Band-Aid on a gaping wound” and added that it “in no way diminishes the harm and hurt caused by their plan to honor a vile anti-Catholic organization.”
Excited to announce the relaunch of Christian Faith and Family Day at Dodger Stadium on July 30th. More details to come— but we are grateful for the opportunity to talk about Jesus and determined to make it bigger and better than it was before COVID. Hope to see you on July 30th! pic.twitter.com/yNu7HyEgR9
— Clayton Kershaw (@ClaytonKersh22) May 26, 2023
While the game that accompanied the “Faith and Family” celebration was a disappointment for Dodgers fans, it was still better than the 15-0 drubbing they received the day following their “Pride Night” at the hands of the San Francisco Giants.
Another featured speaker was actor Chris Pratt, who also threw the game’s ceremonial first pitch to Kershaw. Known for his roles in Parks and Recreation and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, Pratt brought his son Jack to the event and shared photos of it on Instagram.
Pratt is one of a few outspoken Christians in Hollywood. He was recently attacked by pro-LGBTQ activists for his beliefs. In October 2020, leftist activists slammed Pratt for not attending a fundraiser for then-candidate Joe Biden. Pratt has since gone on record calling out what he terms “wackos” on both the left and right.
The actor is also the son-in-law of fellow movie star and former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, R-CA. Pratt is married to Schwarzenegger’s daughter, Katherine.