Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker Criticizes Cardinal for Hiding Cross at DNC Invocation

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker isn’t staying silent about what he sees as a troubling omission from the Democratic National Convention’s opening invocation. In a pointed post on X, Butker criticized Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich for hiding his pectoral cross under his jacket while delivering the prayer and for failing to mention the name of Jesus Christ even once during the invocation.

“America needs more Jesus not less,” Butker’s post read. “We need our shepherds to fearlessly lead and not be afraid to proclaim that Christ is King. It starts with bishops boldly wearing their pectoral cross outside their jackets.”

The post included a clip from the first night of the DNC in Chicago, showing Cardinal Cupich at the podium. The Cardinal’s cross, typically a visible symbol of his faith, was noticeably tucked away, a choice that didn’t go unnoticed by Butker or others who took issue with the prayer’s content—or lack thereof.

Cardinal Cupich’s invocation, which avoided any mention of Jesus, drew further criticism from conservative Catholics and Christian organizations. The Lepanto Institute, a conservative Catholic organization, blasted the Cardinal for both hiding his cross and failing to mention Jesus while giving the invocation at an event where abortions and vasectomies were being offered nearby. The group noted, “Hiding his pectoral cross, and never once mentioning the name of Jesus, Cdl. Blase Cupich gave the invocation at an event providing free abortions and vasectomies.”

Catholic Vote, another conservative group, didn’t mince words, declaring, “The DNC is demonic.”

Other critics, including journalists and commentators, echoed Butker’s concerns, questioning why a Catholic leader would seemingly downplay his faith at a highly visible national event. One journalist highlighted the broader context, noting, “McCarrick disciple Cardinal Cupich gives the invocation at DNC in Chicago as abortions and vasectomies take place just feet away. No sign of the cross. No mention of the Holy Name of Jesus. The pectoral cross is conveniently hidden.”

The backlash underscores a growing frustration among many Christians who feel that religious leaders are failing to stand up for their faith in the public square. Butker, who has been vocal about his Catholic beliefs, previously made headlines for his commencement speech at Benedictine College, where he praised his wife for being a homemaker, criticized President Joe Biden’s pro-abortion stance, and aimed at LGBT “Pride Month.”

Butker’s latest comments reflect his ongoing commitment to defending his faith, even in the face of what he sees as cultural and political pressures to conform. As debates over religious expression continue to heat up, voices like Butker’s are likely to remain in the spotlight.

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