The fifth annual Robert P. Casey Lecture sponsored by the Denver Archdiocese will feature a talk by respected journalist Mark Stricherz, author of “Why the Democrats Are Blue: Secular Liberalism and the Decline of the People’s Party” (Encounter Books, 2007).

The lecture is set for 7 p.m. Sept. 23 in Bonfils Hall at the John Paul II Center.

The lecture series originated in 2003, when Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., decided to honor the memory of the committed Catholic and Democratic governor from Pennsylvania, Robert P. Casey Sr.

Casey is remembered today for his honorable and brave public career. Unlike many other elected officials, Casey embodied his Christian morals and values in his public life.

“He never ceased to work in defense of those without a voice,” Stricherz said. “And in return he gained unpopularity and no support from his colleagues.”

In 1992, Casey was denied the opportunity to deliver a pro-life speech at the Democratic National Convention. Last week, Casey’s son, Sen. Robert Casey of Pennsylvania, mentioned his own pro-life beliefs at this year’s Democratic National Convention in Denver.
Stricherz, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Santa Clara University and a master’s in social sciences from the University of Chicago. Later, he became a newspaper reporter. In 1997, he was hired by the late Michael Kelly at The New Republic, where he began to cover Congress for States News Service.
 

In “Why the Democrats Are Blue,” Stricherz reveals how a group of secular professionals seized control of the Democratic Party, driving away Catholics and blue-collar workers.

Stricherz said he concurs with Archbishop Chaput’s new book, “Render Unto Caesar” (Doubleday, 2008) where he criticizes the secular belief that religion must be kept out of the public square.

“Part of my book echoes the archbishop’s words,” Stricherz said.
His Casey Lecture will focus on three Catholic American politicians who in their day fought and transcended secular values, Stricherz said. The lecture is tentatively titled “Three Catholic Politicians Against Secularism.”

Stricherz will be speaking about Democrats David L. Lawrence, Robert F. Kennedy and Robert P. Casey Sr. Each of these political figures, he said, “battled and triumphed over secularism in his own way.”

“Lawrence, the mayor of Pittsburgh (1945-59) and governor of Pennsylvania (1959-63), mastered the art of working behind the scenes to overcome racial segregation in the Democratic Party and nation,” Stricherz said. “Kennedy, as a presidential candidate in 1968, enunciated a political philosophy of Christian humanism that challenged his supporters and foes alike. And Casey, as governor of Pennsylvania, used shrewdness and boldness to extend legal protection to unborn infants.

“My main hope is that the audience will not only learn more about each man, but feel inspired to walk in his footsteps,” Stricherz said.
The annual Casey Lecture is free and open to the public. The John Paul II Center is at 1300 S. Steele St. Bonfils Hall is the building at the far east end of the campus.