“We are deeply grateful for the president’s pro-life commitment.” Press release “and for all the actions this administration has taken to protect unborn children and their mothers from the violence of abortion.” he said.

The bishops will undoubtedly support anti-abortion policies proposed by the administration or Congress and oppose any programs promoting in vitro fertilization proposed by Trump and J.D. Vance, who called himself the “father of IVF” on the campaign trail. the administration would support the abortion pill. Dealing with the administration’s inaction on federal abortion legislation will be even more difficult.

Seven press statements touched upon the issue of protecting freedom of conscience, which the new administration will undoubtedly support again. The bishops praised measures that allow health care workers to opt out of performing or assisting with abortions or other procedures they view as immoral. They were also pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision in favor of the Little Sisters of the Poor, an order of nuns who opposed the Affordable Care Act’s birth control mandate.

Nearly a dozen publications also defended the Trump administration’s stance on issues affecting LGBTQ individuals. The bishops voiced their opposition to the Equality Act, which would extend the 1964 Civil Rights Act’s discrimination protections to gay and transgender people.

The bishops also praised a proposed rule change that would allow faith-based adoption agencies to deny services to same-sex married couples without being excluded from federal aid as a result.

In a dozen other press releases, bishops supported expanding government aid to faith-based institutions, including education, another issue on which bishops and the administration agree.

On the other hand, issues such as immigration, foreign policy, death penalty and environment the honeymoon was over Within six months of Trump’s inauguration.

In 22 press releases on immigrants and 13 on refugees, the bishops called the administration’s policies “misguided and indefensible,” “unacceptable,” “appalling,” “devastating,” “deeply concerning,” “heartbreaking,” “illegal and unlawful.” They attacked him violently. inhumane,” “horrific,” “callous,” “disturbing,” and “contrary to American and Christian values.”

They have consistently argued that immigrants and refugees should be welcomed and treated with compassion, arguing that the administration’s actions have “created a climate of fear in our neighborhoods and communities across the country.”

These are not words used by partisan Trump supporters.

In all, the bishops issued more than 40 statements defending immigrants and refugees, opposing travel bans and family separation, and described themselves as “very concerned” about the impact of the administration’s changes to the “public responsibility” rule. Tried to access government services.

“From our experience serving the poor and vulnerable.” reported“We know that many immigrant families have legal access to important medical and social services that are vital to public health and well-being.”

They also opposed facilities used to detain immigrants.

“Reports of overcrowding and unsanitary conditions are appalling and unacceptable for any person in U.S. custody, especially children who are uniquely vulnerable.” the bishops said. “Such conditions cannot be used as a means of deterrence. We can and must remain a country that provides refuge to children and families fleeing violence, persecution and acute poverty.”

Bishops and their Mexican counterparts have also spoken out against Trump’s wall. saying “First of all, it is a symbol of division and hostility between two friendly countries.” The bishops said they were “firm and steadfast in the vision that Pope Francis has expressed, that right now we must build bridges, not walls.”

The treatment of refugees at the border was also a major concern of the bishops. anti- New rules and regulations that “eviscerate our current asylum system.”

The bishops also supported increases in paid sick leave and food security programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.

Even though they praised the CARES Act to create “It is disappointing that certain aid and assistance are not being provided to undocumented people, and it is extremely concerning that some immigrants are being denied access to testing and healthcare.”

The bishops also did not approve of Trump’s foreign policy initiatives. They opposed withdrawing from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and allowing the START Treaty to expire, and called for greater efforts toward nuclear disarmament. They opposed withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and encouraged trade, tourism and cultural exchanges with Cuba. embargo call “It’s counterproductive.”

When it came to abortion and religious freedom, the bishops were allies of Republicans and Trump, but on many other issues the bishops were his strong and vocal opponents.

So why do so many people think bishops are Republican partisans?

Calling abortion an “important” issue for Catholic voters is part of the problem. Bishops need to push their anti-abortion programs as well as other public policy positions. It will be interesting to watch how the bishops deal with the Trump administration now that Republicans are pro-choice.

To be fair, the bishops have been brushed aside by the media as a single-issue constituency. If bishops oppose abortion or LGBTQ rights, they make news. If they advocate for immigrants, they are ignored or receive only a paragraph in a longer story.

Bishops need a media strategy that will publicize the full range of their policy positions. They could get help if Trump follows through on his promises to deport undocumented immigrants; this will become a major pastoral problem as parishioners are deported. This will force the bishops into a huge, public fight with Trump for the next four years. There’s no point in the bishops pulling their punches as long as he doesn’t do anything about abortion.