John the Son of Thunder video screengrab / YouTube
CV NEWS FEED // Diocese of Lexington Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv., the president of Pax Christi USA, has critiqued the political and social challenges that are facing the nation, particularly in the wake of the election of President Trump.
In the message published on Pax Christi USA’s website, the Bishop addressed what he considers systemic issues such as racism, nationalism, climate change, and economic inequality, and called for continued reflection and action in line with the Synod on Synodality.
Bishop Stowe shared his recollection of awaiting the results of the election, reflecting that several members of Pax Christi were of the opinion that even if Trump’s second term were “avoided,” there would still have been “so much work to do,” given the country’s reliance on military strength as its defining feature on the world stage and the nation’s persistent mistreatment of migrants, which has continued regardless of which political party is in office.
Based on the results of the election, the letter urged the faithful to consider the extent of the “risk” they are willing to take in combating the “white-supremacism systematically embedded in our nation,” fostering compassion for immigrants, and promoting the dignity of women. Bishop Stowe asserted that President Trump’s election created an environment in which these efforts have become more challenging, costly, and less accepted by society.
According to CNN’s exit polling data, Trump won the Catholic vote by a margin of 18 points (58% to Harris’ 40%). Additionally, Trump won Latino Catholics by a seven-point margin (53% to 46%) over Harris.
In a series of rhetorical questions addressing Trump’s character, policies, and leadership, Bishop Stowe expressed deep pessimism about the future under his continued leadership.
The Bishop raised several concerns about the potential impact of a second Trump term, questioning whether his leadership would advance criminal justice reform, protect women’s rights, or support workers’ advocacy.
He expressed doubts regarding Trump’s “faulty understanding” of economic policies and his ability to effectively manage crises like the pandemic. Bishop Stowe also warned that Trump’s associations with autocratic leaders could undermine American democratic values.
“Will someone who enjoys the company of brutal autocrats uphold the founding ideas of US American democracy?” he asked. “Not likely, at least not without our constant and loud protest.”
In 2021, Bishop John Stowe publicly endorsed the pro-LGBTQ Equality Act, CatholicVote reported. He was also honored with the “Bridge Building Award” from New Ways Ministry (NWM) for his “pro-LGBTQ+ efforts.”
While NWM describes itself as a “Catholic outreach” organization, in 2010, Cardinal Francis George, then-President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, stated that NWM “den[ied] central aspects of Church teaching” and does not have approval from the Catholic Church.
