Bishop Strickland Summarizes USCCB Conference

The Plenary Assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops opened with an atmosphere of calm professionalism. Words like unity, dialogue, synodality, and accompaniment were used frequently.

Yet beneath the surface lay unresolved tensions within the Church: doctrinal confusion, moral disorder, and contradictory teaching, sacramental practices that mislead the faithful, clergy publicly contradicting Catholic doctrine, suppression of the Mass of the Ages, and a growing divide among the American bishops. This unspoken reality shaped the meaning of the entire Assembly.

The Presidential Address (by Archbishop Timothy P Broglio) –

Archbishop Broglio’s presidential message was pastoral, diplomatic, and institutional. Bishop Strickland noted that the address was charitable, but incomplete – it was a call for unity that did not address the truths needed to ground that unity.  

The Apostolic Nuncio’s Address (by Cardinal Christophe Pierre) –

Cardinal Pierre’s address framed nearly the entire identity of the Church through Vatican II – speaking of it as the definitive guide for today’s Church and the lens through which all renewal should be understood. He cautioned against divisive voices, but did not address doctrinal collapse, the growing LGBT sacramental scandals, priests publicly contradicting Catholic teaching, or the suffering of faithful Catholics confused by mixed messages. For Bishop Strickland, the most striking concern was that Vatican II was presented as if it fully defined the Church’s identity, and the message did not address the Church’s 2,000-year doctrinal continuity, the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, the perennial Magisterium, the moral and doctrinal confusion harming the faithful, or the growing crisis involving LGBT ideology in parish life and sacramental practice. The tone was diplomatic, but it avoided confronting the real doctrinal wounds facing the Church in the United States.

After the Nuncio’s remarks were published, Bishop Strickland released a written letter responding to the themes and omissions in the address. In his letter, Bishop Strickland emphasized the following: unity cannot be rooted in synodality or post-conciliar language, Vatican II must be understood within the full, unbroken Tradition of the Church, shepherds must anchor their ministry in Christ’s perennial teaching, silence about moral and doctrinal error leads souls into danger, and fidelity to the Catholic faith across all centuries is the true path to unity.

Immigration –

The Assembly’s discussions on immigration focused on pastoral outreach and humanitarian efforts. However, they did not confront cartel-driven trafficking, exploitation of women and children, the moral necessity of border security, the suffering of Americans in border towns, and the way government contracts shape Catholic ministries. Bishop Strickland issued a public written letter emphasizing that charity must be rooted in truth, the Church cannot become entangled in political systems, mercy and moral order must go together, and the Gospel – not government funding – must guide Catholic ministry. His words stood out for naming realities that others avoided.

Bishop Strickland’s Floor Intervention –

During the conference, Bishop Strickland raised a specific and urgent concern before the body of bishops: the public confusion created when Catholic clergy participate in or affirm situations that directly contradict Catholic teaching on marriage and sexual morality. From the floor microphone, he referred to a recent, widely circulated incident involving ABC News anchor Gio Benitez, who is openly gay and in a civil same-sex marriage. His civil husband, Tommy DiDario, served as his confirmation sponsor at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle in Manhattan. Bishop Strickland noted that this confirmation was publicly affirmed by several priests. Bishop Strickland stated that this needed to be addressed, and that it is symptomatic of a broader confusion: that homosexual acts can be affirmed and that clergy are increasingly comfortable presenting these arrangements as compatible with the Catholic faith. He urged the bishops to address this crisis. His remarks were met with complete silence. At that moment, the words of Pope St. Pius X seemed painfully relevant: “The greatest obstacle in the apostolate of the Church is the timidity or rather the cowardice of the faithful.”  

Bishop Strickland’s Public Rosaries –

During the Assembly, Bishop Strickland stepped outside twice to pray the Rosary publicly, praying for the suffering Church.

Overall Summary –

The bishops, overall, seem to seek unity through institutional harmony. However, the crisis in the Church is not administrative – it is doctrinal, moral and spiritual. And it cannot be healed without clarity, courage, and the TRUTH of Jesus Christ, who IS TRUTH.  

Bishop Strickland’s Statement –

At the Plenary Assembly, I listened carefully to the presentations and discussions, and I was grateful for the moments of fraternity. However, I was also deeply aware of the great challenges facing the Church in our time. I offered two public Rosaries for the purification of the Church and clarity in our mission. From the floor, I spoke plainly about a grave concern that is causing tremendous confusion among the faithful. I referred to the recent Confirmation of ABC anchor Gio Benitez, an openly gay man whose civil same-sex husband served as his sponsor, an event publicly affirmed by several priests. I spoke to my brother bishops and urged them to address this crisis directly, for the sake of souls. But there was only silence. As the Assembly concluded, my heart was heavy, because the profound crisis confronting the Church is not being addressed with the clarity and courage this moment demands. Yet even in this sorrow, my hope remains firm. We must continue to pray, to speak the truth in love, and to entrust everything to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Christ will not forsake His Bride, and He will purify His Church and strengthen us for the path ahead. 

See Pillars of Faith.