I said it on KQED, and I’m saying it again: standing up to creeping authoritarianism is the biggest secular project American Catholics must undertake. That includes holding my own party accountable.
I'm a broken record, but the Pope's standing on these issues is not being heard, felt or nourished at all at my church in the Florida Diocese of Venice.
I will never understand why the bishops encouraged Catholics to vote for “pro-life” meaning Trump. Are they that naive to think Trump is against abortion? Abortion is wrong but there are many more significant issues going on. Trump being in office is on the USCCB.
The Devil’s bargain between the American Church and this President began when the men of the USCCB decided to leverage the moral weight and financial resources of the Church to campaign to bring the full force of the government to bear denying women their basic rights of human dignity and autonomy. No kidding Trump isn’t really “pro life” - none of the men involved in the stripping of rights from women and girls are truly pro life or upholding a moral position that respects the humanity and dignity of all people. It helps if you start by thinking of women as people, which the men of the Church hierarchy don’t seem to be able to manage. Once you have enthusiastically cooperated in the dehumanizing treatment of half the people in your community, all the other evils and moral compromises flow more easily.
I'm a broken record, but the Pope's standing on these issues is not being heard, felt or nourished at all at my church in the Florida Diocese of Venice.
I will never understand why the bishops encouraged Catholics to vote for “pro-life” meaning Trump. Are they that naive to think Trump is against abortion? Abortion is wrong but there are many more significant issues going on. Trump being in office is on the USCCB.
Thanks so much for sharing this thought-provoking piece.
What a terrific interview! KQED is my public media outlet! I know many Catholics who are aching for the words Pope Leo is speaking! Thank you!
The Devil’s bargain between the American Church and this President began when the men of the USCCB decided to leverage the moral weight and financial resources of the Church to campaign to bring the full force of the government to bear denying women their basic rights of human dignity and autonomy. No kidding Trump isn’t really “pro life” - none of the men involved in the stripping of rights from women and girls are truly pro life or upholding a moral position that respects the humanity and dignity of all people. It helps if you start by thinking of women as people, which the men of the Church hierarchy don’t seem to be able to manage. Once you have enthusiastically cooperated in the dehumanizing treatment of half the people in your community, all the other evils and moral compromises flow more easily.
Agreed