Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the Catholic Archbishop of Washington, critiqued Joe Biden on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” for selectively embracing certain tenets of Catholicism. Describing Biden as a “cafeteria Catholic,” Gregory pointed out Biden’s tendency to emphasize aspects of the faith that appeal to him while overlooking others that may be more demanding.
During the interview, host Ed O’Keefe inquired about Biden’s connection with the Catholic faith, noting his frequent attendance at church and self-description as a devout Catholic. Gregory acknowledged Biden’s genuine faith but noted, “I would say that he’s very sincere about his faith, but like a number of Catholics, he picks and chooses dimensions of the faith to highlight while ignoring or even contradicting other parts. There is a phrase that we have used in the past, a ‘cafeteria Catholic’ — you choose that which is attractive and dismiss that which is challenging.”
The discussion extended to how personal conscience aligns with religious teachings, with Episcopal Bishop of Washington, the Ret. Reverend Mariann Budde, referencing Thomas Aquinas’ view on allowing one’s conscience to guide them.
O’Keefe further probed whether there were specific areas of Catholic doctrine that Biden might be neglecting. Gregory responded by indicating that Biden tends to overlook or politically maneuver around certain life issues, contrasting them with the church’s stances.
The conversation comes amid controversy over a White House statement recognizing “transgender day of visibility” on March 31, which coincided with Easter Sunday. Critics have also taken issue with the White House’s guidelines for their annual Easter Egg Roll, which stipulate that submitted egg designs by children should not incorporate religious symbols, instead focusing on everyday life scenes or personal interests.
The Archbishop did not go far enough. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, anyone who materially participates in an abortion (as in allocating funds to pay for an abortion) automatically excommunicates himself from the Church. By continuing to receive Communion, Biden compounds his mortal sins, not a position a “devout Catholic” would want to find himself in . But God will be the final judge.
Amen!
Biden is a Catholic in name only. CINO.
The Church is not represented in politics. Saints are not being formed by politics.