Now That Trump Won, Catholic Bishops Have a Choice

Trump’s win puts Catholic bishops in a rather difficult position.

America’s Catholic bishops don’t usually enjoy being political commentators. It’s not in their job description. When they do choose to comment on some policy, some less-than-religious political analyst at the New York Times usually writes an op-ed fretting about the fraying separation of church and state. Even if that doesn’t happen, the intersection of ecclesial and political authority quickly becomes a touchy business. Just ask the Middle Ages.

So, while America’s Catholic bishops are probably enjoying discussing the election around morning conference coffees and evening socials during their second annual plenary meeting in Baltimore this week, public comments to the press have been somewhat limited.

There are already several rather important issues on the agenda. There’s a new Bible translation they need to approve for use during the celebration of the mass; the conference is planning on having a discussion on opening causes for beatification in Rome for two holy women; and there are a couple of appointments that also need to be made; not to mention a Eucharistic revival to expand.

That all said, whether it’s on the official agenda or not, a response to the election is going to be a consideration — especially after what happened on Inauguration Day four years ago.

Continued below.