Bishops Regret White House Prayer Photo with Trump

Two Catholic bishops recently expressed regret over participating in a White House meeting. The event produced a widely shared photo of them praying with President Trump. Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob issued a public apology. He described receiving numerous concerned responses following the meeting held with 11 other bishops.

The White House publicized the meeting with photos and a video, without the participants’ consent, shortly before the midterm elections. Grob conveyed a deep sadness. He highlighted the manipulation of something sacred, prayer, for political purposes. The gathering was meant to be private.

Similarly, Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines, Iowa voiced his concerns. He felt the White House exploited the bishops for partisan gain. Joensen wished he had been more cautious. He emphasized the importance of engaging with and praying for leaders more wisely in the future.

The White House press office avoided answering if consent was given for releasing the media. However, spokesperson Taylor Rogers praised President Trump’s record with Catholic Americans.

The White House extended the invitation in September. Topics supposedly included immigration, religious worker visas, abortion, and federal support for private education. Joensen and Grob clarified the meeting was not an endorsement of the president or his policies.

Grob expressed regret over how the meeting unfolded. He began receiving serious concerns over perceived political involvement so close to the election. He acknowledged the outcry from individuals harmed by Trump’s policies. The bishops attended in good faith, aiming to benefit fellow humans and pray with the president, not for political optics.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops shows varied opinions on Trump’s administration. While Bishop Robert Barron participated in Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission, other bishops opposed his immigration policies.