Two Catholic bishops have publicly apologized for participating in a White House meeting that resulted in a widely circulated photo of them praying with President Donald Trump, accusing the administration of using the sacred moment for partisan purposes.
Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob issued a statement titled “A Public Apology” on Sunday, saying he had received numerous distraught messages about Thursday's meeting, which he attended alongside 11 other bishops. Grob said the White House quickly released photos and video of the prayer session without the bishops' consent, just under two weeks before the midterm elections.
“I feel a heavy sadness, not only over the pain I caused, but also for the fact that something so sacred to a group of religious leaders, prayer to our Heavenly Father, would be manipulated in that way,” Grob wrote.
Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines, Iowa, also released a statement expressing that he felt the White House had taken advantage of the bishops. “I wish I had been more shrewd and less simple, like those who exploited our meeting for partisan political purpose,” Joensen wrote. “I pray I am more prudent and wise going forward, even as I remain resolute in my openness to engaging and praying for political leaders at all levels.”
When asked whether the White House had obtained the bishops' consent for releasing the photos and video, the press office declined to answer. Instead, White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers responded, “There has never been a greater president for Catholic Americans than President Trump, and his strong record proves it.”
The invitation to the bishops, extended in September, had promised discussions on immigration enforcement, religious worker visas, abortion, and federal tax credits for private education, according to Grob and Joensen. Grob emphasized that the meeting was “in no way an endorsement of the president, his policies, or his party.” He said they were told it would be a private discussion, with possible appearances by Catholic cabinet members and an opportunity to pray privately with the president.
“It did not take long thereafter for the White House to post a video and photos of the prayer,” Grob said. He added that he soon began receiving messages of concern about inadvertently participating in a political event so close to the election, as well as from people hurt by the president's policies.
“I did not go without reservations. I wish I had heeded them,” Grob concluded. “I apologize for any damage my actions have done.”
Members of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops hold diverse views on Trump. Some, like Minnesota Bishop Robert Barron, have cooperated with the administration, including serving on Trump's Religious Liberty Commission, which was largely composed of conservative Christians. Others have strongly criticized Trump's immigration enforcement policies as contrary to Catholic teaching.
