Bishops Apologize After Trump Prayer Photos

Two United States bishops issued public apologies on Sunday for participating in a White House meeting that resulted in the release of photographs showing them praying with President Donald Trump. The images were shared by the administration less than two weeks before the national election, leading to criticism from voters and clergy members who felt the religious moment was used for political gain.

Jeffrey Grob, the Archbishop of Milwaukee, released a statement titled "A Public Apology" on Sunday. He said he received numerous messages from people who were distressed by the meeting held on Thursday. Grob stated that the White House publicized the event quickly with photos and video without asking the participants for their consent.

"I feel a heavy sadness, not only over the pain I caused, but also for the fact that something so sacred to a group of religious leaders, prayer to our Heavenly Father, would be manipulated in that way," Grob wrote in the statement.

William Joensen, the Bishop of Des Moines, Iowa, also expressed regret. He wrote that he wished he had been less simple and more shrewd. He said the meeting was exploited for partisan political purposes. Joensen added that he prays for more wisdom in the future while maintaining his openness to engaging with political leaders.

The White House invitation, sent in September, outlined a discussion on issues including enforcement, religious worker visas, and federal tax credits for private education. Both Grob and Joensen stated that the invitation described the session as a private discussion. They noted they were told that several Catholic cabinet members might appear and that there would be a chance to pray privately with the president.

Grob emphasized that the meeting was not an endorsement of the president, his policies, or his political party. He said the White House posted the video and photos of the prayer shortly after the session ended. This timing coincided with the final weeks of the election campaign.

When asked if the administration had the bishops' consent to release the media, the White House press office did not give a direct answer. Spokesperson Taylor Rogers said, "There has never been a greater president for Catholic Americans than President Trump, and his strong record proves it."

Grob said he began receiving messages of concern soon after the photos appeared. He noted that some people felt wounded because their families had been affected by the president's policies. He stated that the group went to the meeting in good faith to work for the common good and to pray, not to pose for a political photo opportunity.

Grob concluded his statement by admitting he went to the meeting with reservations but wished he had listened to them more closely. He apologized for any damage his actions may have done. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops includes members with diverse views on the administration. Bishop Robert Barron of Minnesota serves on the administration's Religious Liberty Commission, which is staffed mostly by conservative Christians. Other bishops have criticized the administration's tough stance on immigration enforcement, arguing it conflicts with Catholic teaching.

The bishops' statements highlight a tension within the Catholic hierarchy regarding engagement with the current U.S. administration. While some leaders work within government structures, others advocate for a more critical distance during election cycles. The release of the prayer photos has intensified this debate among religious leaders and their followers.