A significant move, progressive Christian group Faithful America has garnered support from thousands through an online petition urging Catholic bishops to distance themselves from their previous support for ex-President Donald Trump. The petition, with over 12,500 signatures, denounces what the group perceives as the “Christofascist campaign of Donald Trump,” as reported by Huff Post on Saturday, January 20, 2024.
Known for championing social justice causes and opposing “Christian nationalism,” Faithful America points to instances of what they deem “disturbing praise of Trump” from influential figures such as Archbishop of New York Timothy Dolan and former Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas.
The petition accuses these bishops of endorsing a sermon incorrectly claiming Democrats cannot be Catholic, deeming such actions inappropriate and divisive within the Catholic community.
Faithful America urges Catholics to align with the cause, referencing Pope Francis’s stance advocating for bishops to adopt a more pastoral approach. The group asserts that the association between Christian-nationalist politicians like Trump and their policies contradicts Christian values and should not be endorsed by religious leaders.
The petition explicitly condemns pro-Trump sentiments expressed by Cardinal Dolan, Bishop Strickland, and others in 2020, labeling them as “partisan, unpastoral, and extremely harmful to immigrants, the poor, and the marginalized.” Faithful America contends that such actions drove people away from the Church and calls for a course correction to avoid repeating divisive behavior in 2024.
This initiative by Faithful America spotlights the intersection of religion and politics, emphasizing the role of religious leaders in shaping public perception. The petition serves as a call for unity within the Catholic community, urging leaders to prioritize a pastoral approach over partisan alliances. As it gains momentum, it prompts reflection on the role of faith in politics and the responsibility of religious figures to align their teachings with inclusivity and compassion.
