‘Catholics for Trump’ Not a Holy Alliance

Written by Ray Mueller to the Green Bay Diocese

I wonder how many fellow Catholics were offended or felt used or abused by the “Catholics for Trump” rally originally scheduled for March 19 in Milwaukee. I sure hope no clergy or members of religious orders would be exploited by such a ploy.

How President Donald J. Trump acts personally and in governing is the anti-thesis of Catholic morality and of regard for one’s fellow man. That doesn’t even consider the damage he’s inflicted on the long-standing institutions that have been the cornerstone of how this country has been governed for 244 years.

Under Trump, the following practices have been advocated, amply demonstrated, and treated as being acceptable: Lying is a virtue. Telling the truth is a punishable act. Denigrating, mocking, demonizing, belittling other people is honorable. Undermining long-standing protocols for administering justice is proper. Overturning the military code of justice is admirable.

Also: Breaking the law is acceptable. Changing the law to exonerate one’s own conduct is lawful. Using the levers of government to carry out personal vendettas is appropriate. Personal loyalty oaths are in order. Evidence, fact, and truth are irrelevant. Science is a political hoax. Only opinion matters.

In good conscience, how many Catholics would condone such actions, ideas, and beliefs? In comparison with the corporal works of mercy, Trump’s record of actions and proposals differs starkly with them.

Although the “Catholics for Trump” is a takeoff on the “Women for Trump”, “Latinos for Trump,” and “African-Americans for Trump” signs that are displayed at Trump’s rallies, was this latest one dreamed up by the Trump campaign because likely Democratic Party nominee Joe Biden is Catholic?

Fortunately, Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki promptly distanced himself and the wider Catholic community from Trump’s intended event, which, at the time of this writing, was to be rescheduled if concerns about the coronavirus had begun to ease.

To quote the archbishop, the church “seeks to uphold and protect justice, equality, human rights, and care for God’s creation through ethical and moral decision-marking.”

Listecki also properly pointed out that the church’s mission is religious, not political, and that its involvement in public life does not include endorsing or opposing particular candidates for public office.

Those are wise words and admonitions for Catholics to heed.