Cliff Stearns: “I was deeply disturbed this morning listening to NPR, National Public Radio, regarding a play called Corpus Christi…”

“I was deeply disturbed this morning listening to NPR, National Public Radio, regarding a play called Corpus Christi, written by Terence McNally, playing at the Manhattan Theater Club in New York City. This play is a blasphemous, pseudo-creation by homosexuals about the life of Christ. Now, the first thought I had was, how much money did the NEA provide? Sure enough, in a letter on June 11, 1998, the chairman of the NEA admitted, "The theater did apply to the NEA for funding to support development of Corpus Christi." It goes on to say, "After consideration, the NEA approved an award of $31,000 to support the development of this play based upon the information provided in the application." The NEA now claims the money was eventually used for other purposes, but this entire situation further shows that the NEA still does not get it and uses taxpayers' money to fund questionable projects that are antithetical to our values. I call on Bill Ivey, Chairman of the NEA, to cut off all funding, all funding, to the Manhattan Theater Club today.”