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A Statewide Rally for Religious Freedom was held in Topeka, Kansas on Friday, June 29, 2012, beginning at 2:00 PM on the south steps of the State Capitol Building and participants gathered on the south lawn of the Capitol building. This event was hosted by the Catholic Bishops of Kansas.
A bus from the Nemaha/Marshall area carrying a full bus of 55 passengers traveled to Topeka to participate in the Rally to support the 1st Amendment of our Religious Freedom. The Seneca Knights of Columbus covered the cost for each of the Sts. Peter and Paul parishioners who rode the bus to the rally. The Sts. Peter and Paul Altar Society furnished sack lunches for everyone who rode the bus.
Sts. Peter and Paul parishioners along with members of other local parishes wait for the bus to arrive.
(For an enlarged view click on the picture.)
A full bus load head to Topeka:
The group arrive in Topeka:
The Catholic Bishops and speakers are busy preparing for the rally on the steps of the Capitol Building when we arrive.
Below is a photo of the crowd gathered on the lawn to the left of the Capitol steps:
The following photo is a picture of the crowd gathered in front of the Capitol steps:
Below is a photo of the crowd gathered to the right of the Capitol steps with more participants coming:
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Agenda for the afternoon: 2:00 pm. – 3:30 pm
Opening Procession: Knights of Columbus: The Kansas State Council Fourth Degree Honor Guard
Pledge of Allegiance : Jennie Bunswick, Emcee
Followed with the singing of the National Anthem: Rebecca Lloyd, Kansas City soprano:
Call to Order: Jennie Bunswick, Emcee
Opening Prayer & Scripture Reading: Matthew 5: 14-16 – Dr. Timothy Boyd, Kansas-Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists:
Selection from Dignitatis Humanae: Mother Mary Magdalene, Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Wichita, Kansas:
(Group singing of “God Bless America” along with the Choir and Rebecca Lloyd, Kansas City soprano)
Archbishop Naumann gave a few words of welcome:
Guest Speaker: Kansas Governor Sam Brownback:
Special Prayer: Bishop John Brungardt, Dodge City, Kansas:
(Group singing along with the Choir of “America” ( My Country ‘ Tis of Thee)
(Scripture Reading – Hebrews 12: 1-4: Mercedes Helms, Pastoral Minister, Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Great Bend , Kansas
lst Amendment of the United States Constitution: Michael Schuttloffel, Executive Director, Kansas Catholic Conference
Keynote Speaker: Cathy Ruse, Senior Fellow for Legal Studies at the Family Research Council:
Special Prayer: Bishop Edward Weisenburger, Salina, Kansas:
(Group singing along with the Choir “Battle Hymn of the Republic”)
Guest Speaker: Kansas State Representative, Jerry Henry:
Scripture Reading – l Timothy 2: 14 : Karen Splichal, President Council of Catholic Women for the Salina Diocese:
Guest Speaker: Archbishop Joseph Naumann, Kansas City, Kansas:
Selection from the Declaration of Independence: Isabelle Pryor, Student at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic School, Topeka, Kansas:
Closing Prayer: Bishop Michaelo Jackels, Wichita, Kansas:
(Closing song “Faith of Our Fathers” – Group singing with the Choir)
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These following photos were taken periodically of the crowd and individuals attending the rally:
(St. Francis Health Center donated bottled water for all participants of the rally. Volunteers helped distribute the bottled water.)
Many dressed in patriotic colors and waved flags.
Even some elderly came despite the heat of the day.
A couple of police officers walked through the crowd during the rally.
A ” True Friend” on a very hot day:
Final Photo:
This event was made possible in part by a generous gift from Mr. and Mrs. William H. Dunn, Sr.
Special thanks to St. Francis Health Center for their donation of bottled water.
Special thanks to the Knights of Columbus for their contribution of signs and honor guard.
Special thanks to The Wellington Group for their contribution of time and planning.
For more information about religious freedom, please visit www.kscathconf.org
