The recent video from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) on migration and migrants—produced with cinematic rigor—is still generating discussion, from the latest statements by Leo XIV yesterday upon leaving Castel Gandolfo supporting the message: «I believe the bishops have been very clear in their statements and I simply invite all Americans to listen to them«; To criticisms that hurt because of the truth they carry.
The Lepanto Institute has pointed out something that many faithful see, but few dare to say: the bishops of the United States have raised their voices with extraordinary force… precisely on the only issue where they risk nothing. It denounces a «climate of fear» and appeals to human dignity. However, that same episcopate has maintained a resounding silence in the face of aggressions that affect life, family, faith, and religious freedom.
Read also: Bishops of the United States send a message to migrants and the Trump Government
The Lepanto Institute’s denunciation is clear and direct:
Where did their «concern» go for the «climate of fear» created by the Biden administration in attacking pro-life defenders with aggressive legal tactics? When did they «worry» about the FBI’s attacks on traditional Catholic parishes? Have they ever «grieved» over the Biden administration’s war on unborn children? Did they «grieve» over the imposition of trans ideologies on children in classrooms and public libraries?
Nothing. Not a video. Not a joint statement. Not a coordinated gesture.
If they had been, we would never know because they never produced a very polished and scripted video collage in which everyone read the same statement together to offer some kind of condemnation for these gravely immoral policies of the Biden administration and the moral damage suffered by children and their families.
The Lepanto Institute, like other faithful voices, is reminding the bishops of what they should remember for the world: the defense of life, faith, and moral truth does not admit strategic silences.
An episcopate that only speaks where it is safe to speak ceases to be light and begins to be shadow.
Read also: Msgr. Strickland: «How long will you serve two masters?»
The American bishops must recover evangelical parrhesia. It is not enough to speak of human dignity while avoiding defending the most defenseless. The Church does not need polished videos: it needs shepherds who call evil by its name.