U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles called on elected leaders to work towards the common good as he congratulated former Vice President Joe Biden and California Senator Kamala Harris on winning the 2020 presidential election.
“Now is the time for our leaders to come together in a spirit of national unity and to commit themselves to dialogue and compromise for the common good,” Archbishop Gomez said in a Nov. 7 statement issued after news media projected on Saturday that the 77-year-old had won enough electoral votes to defeat incumbent President Donald Trump.
Writing on behalf of the nation’s Catholic bishops, Archbishop Gomez recognized that Biden has “received enough votes to be elected the 46th President of the United States” while acknowledging that “he joins the late President John F. Kennedy as the second United States president to profess the Catholic faith.”
“We thank God for the blessings of liberty. The American people have spoken in this election,” Archbishop Gomez said.
“As Catholics and Americans, our priorities and mission are clear,” he said. “We are here to follow Jesus Christ, to bear witness to his love in our lives, and to build his kingdom on earth.”
Archbishop Gomez said he believes “at this moment in American history, Catholics have a special duty to be peacemakers, to promote fraternity and mutual trust, and to pray for a renewed spirit of true patriotism in our country.”
“Democracy requires that all of us conduct ourselves as people of virtue and self-discipline,” he added. “It requires that we respect the free expression of opinions and that we treat one another with charity and civility, even as we might disagree deeply in our debates on matters of law and public policy….”
The above comes from a Nov. 7 story on Angelus News.
What does it now mean to “profess the Catholic faith?!”
Lord, have mercy on us all!
(For all his faults, JFK refused to consider “liberalizing” abortion laws and was a fierce opponent of Communism.)
Deacon Anderson, I hope you have read the “Antichrist by Fr. Vincent P. Miceli, S.J. (may he rest in peace), and “The Lost Mandate of Heaven” by Geoffrey Shaw. In the end our government betrayed President Diem, who was not guilty of persecuting the Buddhists as was charged and not guilty of many other crimes of which he was accused. In fact he was probably far less corrupt than many of the other world leaders, including some of our own. I have not finished the latter book, but now with everything going on over here I will give it a try.
Here is a quote from Confucius at the beginning of George Shaw’s book: “The superior man understands virtue; the mean man understands gain.” Quite apply applied to the situation I think, both then and now.
Archbishop Gomez needs to go back and study his catechism.
How I see it is that all of the Bishops that signed off on the statement need to study the catechism. I’ve been sending emails about this to the Archbishop in my Archdiocese and all I hear are crickets.
The bishops are part of the problem
Even Vladimir Putin has the sense and prudence not to congratulate anyone until there are official results.
I bet Gomez voted for Biden, even though he denies it.
Biden is a bad Catholic. That should be acknowledged by Gomez.
I don’t think the cristeros would agree with get-a-long- go-alongista gomez
It is justice to allow Trump to have his day in court because of all the voting irregularities Just because some are saying there are none does not make it so. How can we trust elected officials. .I can get along when Democrats stop wanting to abort the unborn.
What voting irregularities? Exactly what are you even talking about?
Drewelow:
You are right – the Cristeros know
what it’s like to get sold out by the
Hierarchy.
Viva Cristo Rey!
I’m slowly starting to lose my mind. Everything about my beloved faith is being upturned by those meant to champion it. With all sincerity, I have lost respect for most bishops and many priests, and certainly the pontiff currently occupying Peter’s chair.
Great saints are made in times like these.
Join the club.
The bishops are a big part of the problem!
You support idea “A” and I support idea “B.” Let’s come together to enact idea “C.” Politics should not be a zero-sum game. We will lose our democracy, our Republic, if we don’t change the dialogue. We have to be able to disagree without hating each other. There is too much ideological hate on some if not many Catholic sites. Let us love our neighbor. That is the first commandment.
What if there’s no merit in idea “A” because it’s dumb? Why compromise with that? Some ideas are dumb, especially those supported by Democrats. All the hate comes from the left. Antiracism, the newest fad, is hate; it’s hatred of white people and hatred of objective standards of truth and excellence.
Bob, the Democrats consider anyone who disagrees with them to be: racist, homophobic, sexist, misogynistic, xenophobic, deplorable haters. How could anyone meet them halfway when that’s their attitude? It is Democrats who are unwilling to compromise because they have taken radical left stances that will not admit of compromise. They believe that if you do not agree with them 100% then you are unworthy of holding office, having a job, and speaking in public.
Remember, the push for same-sex civil unions was promoted as a compromise to give homosexuals a legal union without calling it marriage. Once the left got that, they quickly moved the goalposts and said compromise wasn’t enough: they wanted full marriage equality. For modern Democrats, compromise has always been just a tactic to get half of what they want as a step towards getting all of what they want. Now that they feel their power on the ascendancy, they don’t want to compromise: they want to crush conservatism.
The Democrat Party of today is not the Democrat Party before the year 2000. Most of the positions that the Democrat Party held prior to 2000 are anathema to Democrats today.
Kevin, you may not be far off the mark in your observation that ultra-liberals may be the least willing to compromise on any of their basic values. I’m not sure they agree on what makes up their basic values. I’m a firm believer that the US should be a nation of equal opportunity, not equal results. But I also believe that equal opportunity should start with a level playing field. The children of poor parents, as one example, should not be relegated to poor schools because they are poor. If they need glasses, but can’t afford them, they should be provided, If they can’t afford good health care, it should be made available. If they are passed over for jobs because of the color of their skin, they should there should be affirmative action to help them. If they are denied access to home loans because of their religion, they should have recourse. Keep in mind that the Democratic Party at one time was the group that fought integration of schools in the South and prevented Blacks from voting, and that the Republicans in the Northeast were considered too liberal for the rest of the country. La plus ca change, la plus cest la meme chose.
Bob One– in Christianity, there is no “dialog”– there is only obedience to one Master– Jesus Christ, not the world. And. Abp. Gomez and the entire USCCB should have long ago, sternly reprimanded all the fake, heretical, immoral “Catholic” politicians, and warned them to go to Confession and repent — or face excommunication! And they should have daily preached the Catholic Faith to them all! Scandalous! Weak, good-for-nothing Church leaders– false to Christ! No “shepherding” done at all! Worthless!!
Archbishop Vigano said it well — Gomez is “profaning the memory of the Cristeros martyrs of his native country.”
The election ain’t over till the Archbishop sings. So much for the recount.
Hymie– “…’till the Archbishop sings?” That sounds like a very colorful expression! Where does it come from– and what does it mean???
Opera, with a hint of a Yogi Berra-ism. Gomez sho’nuff singing a different tune this time around, ain’t he.
Biden promotes what is intrinsically evil, killing babies in the womb. So we need to congratulate this or should we pray for his conversion? I understand why Christ died for our sins but should have we congratulated those who crucified him?
False: Joe Biden does not promote killing babies in the womb. Please stop lying. He has told you he upholds the Church’s position on abortion, and unlike, Trump, he has never procured one.
Anonymous– Where have you been, kiddo?? Educate yourself!!
This reminds me of he scene in the old movie “The Godfather” where a whole family is in a Catholic Church for a Baptism. “The Godfather” has ordered the slaughter of a lot of people and there he is at the Baptism all dressed up and professing to be Catholic.
Exactly, Fr. Higgins. Every time I think it cannot get any worse, it does,
Self defense. Actually, survival: Barzini, Phillip Tattaglia, Moe Greene, Stracci, Cuneo. “But [you] didn’t know until dis day dat it was Barzini all along.”
PS: The Godfather is a Classic.
May looter and store owner reconcile.
Yes, two ‘professed’ Catholic presidents and both ‘won’ through cheating. Really show the WASPs what for, eh there, Gomez? Sad.
Hymie, I recall that Bobby Kennedy, JFK’s brother and 1960 campaign manager, was accused of “cheating,” in his campaign methods, getting assistance to woo thousands (or were they fake ballots?) for JFK votes, via the evil shennanigans of the Mafia and Hollywood entertainment “Rat Pack” boss, Frank Sinatra. JFK did win the famed Nixon-Kennedy TV debates, though. Those debates were much better than the recent Trump-Biden debates. In those days, all Catholics voted for JFK, regardless. Both JFK and Biden are “bad Catholics,” but JFK honestly admitted, that he did not like his Church. He did not pretend to be a “good Catholic,” like phony Biden.
Hymie– I can’t recall exactly– but in the 1960 election, I think Kennedy operatives in at least two ststes– Illinois and Texas– were accused of voter fraud, election rigging. Also, Mayor Daly of Chicago, Illinois, was accused of election rigging, ballot box stuffing, voter fraud, with his “political machine.”
It was a close election— and Nixon’s supporters urged a challenge, an investigation into possible fraud, a vote recount– but Nixon refused, saying he was worried about the country, in such a circumstance– and then instead, he publicly conceded to Kennedy. It is said that the possible wrongdoings of this election, are really unknowable, at this point. JFK won both the popular vote and the Electoral College vote.
Biden is not Catholic. He pandered to Catholics but neither he nor Harris are Pro-Life, let’e be very clear. This is a tremendous opportunities for Catholics to stop being shy about our faith. We must proclaim it daily and stand up for our Pro-Life principals, drawing each other to Christ . The harvest is plentiful, the workers are few. BE A WORKER!
This statement by Gomez only illustrates that you can’t follow anything he says he should try reading canon law of the Catholic Church Mr. Biden has already self excommunicated himself from the church
Outrageous. Biden is a Catholic only because he calls himself one. He supports taxpayer funded abortion up to the moment of birth. He officiated at a gay wedding. The Bishop of his diocese has declared Biden should not receive Holy Communion. The man should be excommunicated, not congratulated for “winning” a fraudulent election.
Shameful.
I wrote to FOX news and told them that I was done with them with exception of Tucker , Payne and Ingraham and now I can say that I have added another Bishop to the priests I am also done with: Gomez is such a phony along with ours in the OC. Both liberal Dems who lead the Church astray. How can these “men” vote for and congratulate this murderer and non believer in the 5th commandment. biden (never will I capitalize his name) has already made plans to get funding going again for planned parenthood. He is no “Catholic” and should never be addressed as such. Shame on you priests and bishops.
Can it be true that this man is this much of a clown???? I’m not referring to biden or harris. Jesus PLEEEEEEEASE hurry up and come back.
Binden defines the acronym CINO (Catholic in name only).
Biden is a Catholic in the same way that Bruce Jenner is a women.
The brave Cristeros in Mexico gave their lives for Christ! Is that what will someday happen in America, too?? Does Abp. Gomez have any family members or relatives, in Mexico– who joined the Cristeros, and gave their lives for Christ??
Please, Catholic people, you are all invited to become saints. Think before you type. There is a new generation of great saints. If they encounter you, will they have to walk away from you because of your sinful speech?
You can be a holy influence. Each of us knows how.
Hey, Anonymous– what would you do, if Jesus showed up, and made a big, long whip out of cords– and drove all the nasty, sacrilegious money changers out of the temple?? Christ stands for Love, Truth, and Justice– for the Glory of God! Now, what do YOU stand for??
Christ stands for Love, Truth and Justice? Do you understand who Jesus is? Jesus is the Son of God, the second Person of the Most Holy Trinity.
As for what I would do, if Jesus drove out the money changers from the temple-I would rejoice.
Strange reaction to a post asking people to try to be holier.
Anonymous– Holy people throughout history, have been like St. John the Baptist, calling King Herod and others to repentance. Does that bother you? I notice that many good posters here, are complaining about the evils of the world and of the Church. Maybe those complaining voices will help someday, to end these evils. Does complaining about evils bother you? Do you stand up too, to criticize horrible evils?
You should confront evil without sinning yourself.
Anonymous — think before you type. Stand up for Christ, stand up against Evil. Stand up for the billions of slaughtered babies in their mothers’ wombs. Stand up for taxpayers not being required to pay for abortions. Stand up for religious rights to run our churches, hospitals, schools. charities, adoptions, etc. — by Christian morality. Stand up for the religious rights not to accept sinful, taxpayer-paid “sex-ed” indoctrination, plus contraceptives and abortion indoctrination, in public schools. Stand up for religious rights not to accept gay “weddings” and LGBT agendas. Stand up against Planned Parenthood– stand up for the Little Sisters of the Poor and David Daleiden. Stand up against sinful Biden-Harris and the Democratic Party of Death. And stand up against evil clerics of our Church.
Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas tweeted:
“A dark cloud had descended on this nation when the USCCB and Planned Parenthood speak in unison in support of a Biden-Harris administration that supports the slaughter of innocents by abortion for all 9 months of pregnancy.”
Second!? Who was the first Catholic (not CINO) Prez?
from the archives:
Honolulu Daily Chronicle
December 8, 1941
US Bishops congratulate
Japanese Air Force for
precision flying yesterday
I read a news story today, that told all about the transgenders and LGBTs in Bangladesh, a Muslim country. They decided to recognize the transgenders as a “third gender,” stating that Allah loves all people, and discriminates against no one. Transgenders, up until this point, have led hard lives, outside society, unable to attend schools, mosques, religious schools, etc.– or participate in society. Many have left their family homes to live in transgender communes, and wished they could at least practice their Muslim faith. So now, special schools, religious schools, and mosques have been set up for them, for their particular needs. These institutions are all referred to as serving the needs of the “Third Gender.” No mention was made of harmful sex change surgeries– I bet Muslims do not accept that. I bet they believe transgenders must live out their lives in the gender God gave them, “as is.” Sounds smart, to me! Also, there was no mention of the gays, lesbians and bi-sexuals, and what the plans may be, to handle their problems. The Koran forbids homosexual activity.
Congratulating a candidate because s/he won an election is not the same as supporting his/her views or policies. It is customary for example for the losing candidate for President to congratulate the winning candidate. Certainly, they do not agree with the opposing candidate’s policies. Here is how the system works: People decide to run for office, there is an election, people vote. the votes are counted, and one person is declared the winner if they have enough votes. Then the loser congratulates the winner. There is a great video on Youtube that shows the presidential concession speeches. It is worth the five minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCQ6DUxJwYo
No, Bob One. Congratulating a sinful Catholic politician, especially one who is a layman, when you are the Archbishop in his Church — that is an irresponsible, horrific sin. That is similar to Christ and St. Paul congratulating an evil ruler — like King Herod or the Roman Emperor Nero, a horrific persecutor of Christians.
Many other religious leaders did not congratulate the sinful, anti-Christian Biden-Harris victory. Gomez and the USCCB have neglected their religious leadership responsibilities as Shepherds of their Church– to which Biden claims to belong. “Death Party” Harris also has evil beliefs– she poses a great moral and spiritual danger to America– and she is vehemently anti-Catholic!
sorry – hard of hearing
did he say:
“profane the catholic faith?”
Pope Francis called Joe Biden on Nov. 12th, and personally congratulated him for his presumptive election victory! Makes me sick! Biden should not be recognized as a Catholic, nor as a Catholic president!
Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse,.of the Ruth Institute, is encouraging everyone to write to Abp. Gomez and the USCCB, to protest their congratulations of Joe Biden/Kamala Harris, on their “victory.” You can find details of this on her Ruth Institute website.
Opera, with a hint of a Yogi Berra-ism. Gomez sho’nuff singing a different tune this time around, ain’t he.