- Feb 5, 2002
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Two American Catholic publishers are embroiled in an escalating controversy: Commonweal magazine and Bishop Robert Barron’s Word on Fire ministry. The dispute began when Commonweal published an article by Massimo Faggioli that linked certain segments of U.S. Catholicism to former President (and current Republican presidential candidate) Donald Trump, naming Bishop Barron and his ministry among them. In response, Word on Fire threatened legal action, and Commonweal, with the consent of Faggioli, removed the contentious paragraph. While Faggioli’s comments may have been provocative, Word on Fire’s reaction, especially continuing the threat of litigation, raises significant concerns.
Faggioli’s article, titled “Will Trumpism Spare Catholicism?” drew a connection between Trump and various Catholic figures, suggesting a potential “Trump-Strickland axis.” This assertion was based on events such as the “Catholic Prayer for Trump” event organized by Catholics for Catholics at Mar-a-Lago on Mar. 19, where Trump was presented as “the only Catholic option” for voters. Faggioli went further to imply that Bishop Barron and his Word on Fire ministry were similarly aligned with Trumpism. This bold and inflammatory assertion was not backed up with any substantial evidence.
We disagree with Faggioli’s characterization of Word on Fire. The ministry’s commitment to spreading the Gospel and engaging with contemporary culture does not equate in any way with an endorsement of Donald Trump or his political views and positions. The claim that Word on Fire is part of a “Trump-Catholic axis” was a serious allegation that demanded rigorous substantiation, of which none was provided.
Continued below.
www.oursundayvisitor.com
Faggioli’s article, titled “Will Trumpism Spare Catholicism?” drew a connection between Trump and various Catholic figures, suggesting a potential “Trump-Strickland axis.” This assertion was based on events such as the “Catholic Prayer for Trump” event organized by Catholics for Catholics at Mar-a-Lago on Mar. 19, where Trump was presented as “the only Catholic option” for voters. Faggioli went further to imply that Bishop Barron and his Word on Fire ministry were similarly aligned with Trumpism. This bold and inflammatory assertion was not backed up with any substantial evidence.
We disagree with Faggioli’s characterization of Word on Fire. The ministry’s commitment to spreading the Gospel and engaging with contemporary culture does not equate in any way with an endorsement of Donald Trump or his political views and positions. The claim that Word on Fire is part of a “Trump-Catholic axis” was a serious allegation that demanded rigorous substantiation, of which none was provided.
Continued below.
The battle between Commonweal and Word on Fire reflects deeper divides
Massimo Faggioli’s article in Commonweal connected Bishop Barron and Word on Fire to Trumpism without substantial evidence. While his comments were provocative, was Word on Fire’s legal threat the right response?
www.oursundayvisitor.com
