Joshua Bennett
There have been several instances where Catholics have been urged to speak out against abuses and wrongdoing. For example, an official of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) urged Catholics to avoid the sin of omission by keeping silent on abuses in society, including extrajudicial killings. In addition, there have been calls for the Catholic Church to become more inclusive, with a majority of U.S. Catholics surveyed indicating a desire for a more inclusive church, particularly in regard to the role of women and the acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. Furthermore, there is a history of conflict within the Catholic Church regarding the balance of power between the Pope and the bishops, with progressive and conservative factions holding differing views on papal authority.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Speaking out against abuses and wrongdoing | Catholics are urged to speak out against abuses and wrongdoing, such as extrajudicial killings. |
| Calling out toxic culture | Catholics are encouraged to call out the toxic culture of silence and repression within the Church, including the protection of abusers. |
| Advocating for social justice | Bishops have spoken out against immigration policies and budget bills that cut services to the poor while benefiting the rich. |
| Promoting inclusivity | U.S. Catholics, especially women, have expressed a desire for a more inclusive Church, including on issues such as birth control, IVF, and same-sex blessings. |
| Addressing challenges | Catholics are faced with the challenge of having their voices heard, as the Church's print media presence has declined, and its online content is often irrelevant or low quality. |
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What You'll Learn
- Catholics should speak out against abuses and wrongdoing
- Catholics are encouraged to speak out against extrajudicial killings
- Catholics want the church to be more inclusive
- Bishops are speaking out against the Trump administration's immigration policies
- Catholics are divided on whether the church should allow women to become priests
Catholics should speak out against abuses and wrongdoing
Catholics should demand change within the Church and work to create a culture that is faithful to Christ, rather than the world. This includes addressing the issue of priests aiding and abetting pedophiles, which has been described as a betrayal of the Christian faith. Speaking out against abuses and wrongdoing can help bring about the necessary changes to make the Church more inclusive and responsive to the needs of its members.
In addition to addressing internal issues, Catholics should also speak out against abuses and wrongdoing in society more broadly. For example, an official of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) urged Catholics to speak out against extrajudicial killings, which have affected families under the Duterte administration. By speaking out, Catholics can help hold those responsible for abuses and wrongdoing accountable for their actions and work towards a more just society.
While speaking out can be challenging and may involve personal risks, it is important for Catholics to find ways to raise their voices and effect positive change. This may include supporting organizations or individuals who are working to address specific issues, participating in protests or other forms of collective action, or using personal platforms to amplify the voices of those who are marginalized or silenced. Ultimately, speaking out against abuses and wrongdoing is consistent with Catholic values and can help create a more just and compassionate world.
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Catholics are encouraged to speak out against extrajudicial killings
Catholicism is a religion that promotes peace and justice. The religion's followers are encouraged to speak out against violence and wrongdoing. In the Philippines, Catholic leaders have denounced extrajudicial killings and the government's war on drugs, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people.
An official of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) reminded Catholics on Ash Wednesday to avoid the sin of omission by remaining silent on abuses in society, including extrajudicial killings. The CBCP released a pastoral statement, quoting Ezekiel 18:32, "For I find no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies - oracle of the Lord God." The statement expressed deep concern about the many deaths and killings in the campaign against prohibited drugs, stating that the solution does not lie in killing suspected drug users and pushers.
Despite the risks, some Catholic activists and leaders have bravely spoken out against the extrajudicial killings in the Philippines. They have faced death threats, and in some cases, been killed. Catholic schools play a crucial role in fostering dialogue, teaching values, and providing after-school programs to promote peace and conflict resolution.
Catholics are encouraged to join anti-violence efforts and pray for peace. They are reminded of their responsibility to care for their brothers and sisters, stand against fear, and uphold their Christian faith. The Catholic community is urged to contribute to an ethic that cherishes life, values compassion, and promotes solidarity for the common good.
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Catholics want the church to be more inclusive
A Pew Research Center survey conducted in February 2025 found that a majority of U.S. Catholics want the Catholic Church to be more inclusive. Specifically, 60% of respondents said that the church “should be more inclusive, even if that means changing some of its teachings,” while 37% said that the church “should stick to its traditional teachings, even if that means the church gets smaller.”
There are notable differences in responses based on gender and political affiliation. When asked about the influence of women in the church, 51% of U.S. Catholics say women “do not have enough” influence, while 42% say women have the "right amount" of influence, and only 5% say they have "too much" influence. Women are more likely than men to want a “more inclusive” church and to say women don’t have enough influence in the church. Among Catholic women, 64% say the church should be more inclusive, compared to 55% of Catholic men. In terms of political affiliation, 75% of Catholic Democrats prefer a more inclusive church, compared to 45% of Catholic Republicans.
Pope Francis also appears to envision a more inclusive church. In his remarks, he emphasized that God's invitation is addressed to all, without distinction, and that God's mercy wills everyone to be saved. He has also stated that the church must have open doors so that all might enter and feel welcomed, loved, forgiven, and encouraged to live according to the Gospel.
While some argue that the Catholic Church is already inclusive and diverse, there is a sentiment among many Catholics that the church needs to become more inclusive. This call for inclusivity has been a topic of debate within the church for centuries, with some arguing that Jesus set an inclusive example and others maintaining that redemption by Jesus is found exclusively within the Catholic Church.
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Bishops are speaking out against the Trump administration's immigration policies
Catholic bishops across the United States have been vocal in their opposition to former President Donald Trump's immigration policies, urging a more humane and compassionate approach. The Texas bishops, for instance, implored Trump to abandon his "enforcement-only" policies and embrace just and merciful solutions. Similarly, the bishops of Colorado, a state with a significant Latino population, spoke out against the rhetoric of mass deportations, which had instilled fear in the immigrant community. They advocated for comprehensive immigration reform that respects human dignity and protects vulnerable individuals.
The Michigan Catholic bishops also expressed their concerns about mass deportations and divisive rhetoric, pledging their unwavering support for the dignity of all migrants. They called for policies that prioritize both border security and a compassionate welcome, seeking a balanced approach. Meanwhile, the bishops of New Mexico issued a strongly worded statement against mass deportation, predicting that such actions would "create chaos, family separation, and the traumatization of children." They urged the administration to resume bipartisan negotiations to address the immigration system's shortcomings.
The President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, also criticized Trump's spending package, which included substantial funding for immigration policies. Archbishop Broglio described the bill as containing "unconscionable cuts" to healthcare, food assistance, and environmental protection programs. He emphasized that these cuts would disproportionately harm the most vulnerable members of society. Pope Francis himself has been a vocal critic of Trump's immigration policies, urging Catholic bishops to reject narratives that discriminate against migrants and refugees.
The Catholic Church's stance on immigration is rooted in its teachings on human dignity and compassion. While the Church does not advocate for completely open borders, it emphasizes the importance of balancing border security with a welcoming attitude toward refugees and immigrants. The Church's response to Trump's immigration policies highlights its commitment to social justice and the well-being of vulnerable populations.
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Catholics are divided on whether the church should allow women to become priests
There is a clear division among Catholics on the issue of women's ordination, with some advocating for change while others remain firmly opposed. While some Catholics argue that the Church should allow women to become priests, citing the need for equality and the abilities of women, others defend the Church's stance, stating that it is consistent with Christ's example and the unalterable design of the Church.
Those in favour of women's ordination highlight the abilities of women, acknowledging that there are women who could be more moving orators and provide more consolation within the confessional than some priests. They argue that in a culture where traditional gender norms are shifting, the male-only ordination can be perceived as sexist. Additionally, they question the idea that women cannot represent Jesus Christ, who chose his apostles from among men, as Jesus had no issues breaking cultural norms regarding interactions with women.
On the other hand, those opposed to women's ordination assert that the Church cannot change the substance of a sacrament. They believe that since the priest acts in the person of Christ, who chose only men as his apostles, the Church has no authority to ordain women. This belief is further reinforced by the constant practice of the Church and the teachings of Church Fathers like Clement of Rome and early ecumenical councils. According to them, the exclusion of women from the priesthood is in accordance with God's plan for the Church.
The Catholic Church itself has maintained a firm stance against the ordination of women. Popes John Paul II and Francis have both stated that the Church has no authority to ordain women as priests, with Pope Francis emphasizing the important yet distinct roles women play in the life of the Church. Despite this, there are Catholic organizations that independently ordain women as priests, such as Roman Catholic Womenpriests, but these ordinations are not recognized by the Catholic Church.
While the Catholic Church and many of its followers stand firmly against the ordination of women, there are those within the Church, like the participants in the German Catholic Church's Synodal Way, who are advocating for change and calling for the ordination of women priests. This division reflects the ongoing debate and differing perspectives among Catholics on this issue.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, an official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) reminded the faithful on Ash Wednesday to avoid the sin of omission by keeping silent on abuses in society, including extrajudicial killings.
An example of a Catholic speaking out is Father Gavancho, who called out the abusive culture of the Catholic Church, including the protection of abusers.
There can be consequences for Catholics who speak out, such as being fired from their job or kicked out of their home.
Yes, in recent years, many Catholic bishops have spoken out on a range of issues, including immigration policies and budget bills that cut services to the poor.
One challenge to Catholics speaking out is reaching their audience, as many Catholic leaders have been muting their voices by shutting down print media or changing its frequency.
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