Sacred Language Belongs to the Gospel
Recent remarks by Bishop Robert Barron, in which he described former President Donald Trump’s address to Congress as a “liturgy of democracy,” have generated concern among many Catholics. A public petition has since raised questions about whether such language risks confusing the distinct roles of Church and state, and whether it might imply ecclesial approval of specific political agendas.
We are attentive to how sacred language, rooted in liturgy, mercy, and communion, is used in public discourse. When such language is applied to civic rituals, especially in politically divisive contexts, it may leave many of the faithful feeling confused, excluded, or unseen.
Liturgy is not merely ceremonial. It is the place where the Body of Christ gathers around the table of love, reconciliation, and truth. Its language shapes our conscience, not our allegiance. It calls us toward the margins, not toward power. When bishops or public figures speak of state events as “liturgical,” they carry a responsibility to consider how these words will be received by those who often find themselves at the edge of both Church and civic belonging: LGBTQ+ Catholics, migrants, families, and many others.
Pope Francis has consistently pointed toward compassion and human dignity as the moral foundation of Christian witness. In response to policies of forced deportation, he warned that they “damage the dignity of many men and women, and of entire families, and place them in a state of particular vulnerability and defenselessness.”
We believe in a liturgy where all are welcomed without condition; where worship forms the conscience to seek justice, to listen deeply, and to affirm the inherent dignity of each person.
We pray for Bishop Barron and for all those entrusted with pastoral responsibility, that their words and witness may reflect the full breadth of Christ’s love. We remain open to dialogue, confident that love and truth walk together when Christ is at the center.
if you want to know more on the petition visit : https://act.faithfulamerica.org/sign/bishop-barron-trump?akid=s681644..eN2Zze&fbclid=IwY2xjawJN8cBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWv21SsJxY6Otp4oTKlJrrDDhQFs1rMIZxW9yIHYJKi35scJpJdLIdrdeQ_aem_boieEU6ZcWEwtXYjFBM81A