Twelve Catholic bishops gathered around President Donald Trump in the Oval Office and prayed for him.
Now two of them are apologizing.
According to Fox News, Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob issued what he called “A Public Apology” after video and photographs of the Oct. 22 prayer circulated publicly. Grob said the bishops believed they were participating in a private religious moment and accused the administration of turning something sacred into a political opportunity just days before the midterm elections.
To be clear, Grob was not apologizing for believing in prayer. His objection focused on how the moment was publicized and the impression that the bishops were politically endorsing Trump.
Des Moines Bishop William Joensen expressed similar concerns, saying the bishops did not intend to endorse Trump, the Republican Party or any political candidate. Looking back, Joensen said he wished he had been “more shrewd and less simple,” referencing Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:16.
According to Israel365 News, only two of the 12 bishops have publicly expressed this kind of regret. The other 10 have not retracted their participation in the prayer.
Denver Archbishop James Golka, who actually led the prayer, offered a very different perspective.
Golka acknowledged that the encounter could become public and be viewed through a political lens. Nevertheless, he ultimately decided something more important was at stake.
“This is what Catholics do,” Golka told Denver Catholic, according to Fox News. “We pray for people.” He added that Christians should pray for their country and its leaders, whether they agree with them or not.
That should sound familiar to anyone who reads the Bible.
Paul writes in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 that believers should offer prayers and intercession “for kings and all who are in authority.”
Christians can disagree with any president on policies and still pray that God gives that leader wisdom, protection and discernment. In fact, Scripture commands believers to pray for those entrusted with authority.
The church’s responsibility to pray for those in leadership did not begin with Donald Trump, and it will not end with him.
Presidents come and go. Political parties rise and fall.
The biblical command remains.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about Abby at abbytrivett.com.
