U.S Bishops Express Deep Concern Over Trump’s Executive Orders

Washington D.C., January 24, 2025: The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has expressed deep concern over several executive orders signed by President Donald Trump during his first few days in office. The criticism was issued by Archbishop Timothy Broglio, President of the USCCB, and Bishop Mark J. Seitz, chair of the USCCB’s Committee on Migration.

In his statement, Archbishop Broglio described certain provisions of the orders as “deeply troubling” and warned that they could have “negative consequences.” He singled out policies regarding immigrants and refugees, foreign aid, environmental protections, and the expansion of the death penalty as areas of significant concern. While noting these issues, he also commended Trump’s measures for “recognizing the truth about each human person as male or female.”

Reiterating the Church’s nonpartisan stance, Archbishop Broglio emphasized, “No matter who occupies the White House or holds the majority on Capitol Hill, the Church’s teachings remain unchanged.” He also expressed hope that the nation’s leadership would reconsider actions that disregard human dignity.

In a separate statement, Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, chairperson of the USCCB’s Committee on Migration, condemned Trump’s executive orders that target immigrants.

“National self-interest does not justify policies with consequences that are contrary to moral law,” Bishop Seitz said. “The use of sweeping generalizations to denigrate any group, such as describing all undocumented immigrants as ‘criminals,’ to deprive them of protection under the law, is an affront to God,” he added. He also emphasized that a proposed change to the birthright citizenship law “sets a dangerous precedent, contradicting the Supreme Court’s longstanding interpretation.”

Bishop Seitz concluded his statement by appealing to President Trump to work with members of Congress to achieve meaningful, bipartisan immigration reform that furthers the common good. “My brother bishops and I will support this in any way we can,” he said, vowing to “continue to accompany our immigrant brothers and sisters in accordance with the Gospel of Life.”

Courtesy: Vatican News