In a significant display of interfaith unity, over 12,500 individuals have signed a petition by Faithful America, a progressive Christian group. This petition calls on Catholic bishops to cease their support for former President Donald Trump, emphasizing a divergence from what they see as “Christian nationalism.” The petition specifically denounces the “disturbing praise of Trump” from Archbishop of New York Timothy Dolan and former Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas. They are criticized for actions and endorsements that many believe stray from the pastoral and inclusive approach advocated by Pope Francis.
The petition argues that the bishops’ behavior has been partisan and damaging, particularly to marginalized groups such as immigrants, the poor, and the LGBTQ+ community. It reads, “Pro-Trump words and actions like those we saw from Cardinal Dolan, Bishop Strickland, and others in 2020 were partisan, unpastoral, and extremely harmful… They no doubt pushed many people away from the Church and should not be repeated in 2024.”
This stance aligns with Pope Francis’ call for a more pastoral church, contrasting with the political ideology that often overshadows faith in conservative circles. His removal of Strickland was hailed by Faithful America as a step towards a more inclusive and loving church. The group has previously celebrated the Pope’s actions, describing Strickland as “a notoriously election-denying, QAnon-spreading, Francis-bashing, vaccine-rejecting, LGBTQ-hating, division-sowing, fire-breathing darling of right-wing Twitter.”
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