As I read about early Catholic history, I learned of the schisms, differences of opinions, and persecutions that the Church experienced. I also learned that many men, women, and children died for the faith, including those that refused to renounce their faith. Over the past 2,000 years, the Church has grown, but people continue to be fooled by those who use religion for their own gain, while leading believers astray.
The prophets of old shared God's message and warned the Israelites when they fell away from God. The Israelites were also misled by their political and religious leaders. In today's world, it appears that religious leaders are less likely to be vocal on political issues out of fear, apathy, a lack of understanding of biblical teachings, and, in some cases, a failure to practice what they preach.
America’s religious leaders are no exception. Our nation is thought to have the most religious freedom and tolerance, yet our Christian leaders are failing the faith with their silence. It is okay to be aligned with a political party or ideology, but not to the extent that one becomes silent about immoral words and deeds.
In the current American moment, some Catholic bishops have spoken out against the immigration raids, but where are the rest of them, and other Christian leaders? Where have they been when President Donald Trump calls people “garbage” and other disrespectful names? Where are they when the Catholic vice president JD Vance and other elected officials use derogatory and mean-spirited words or spread misinformation? Who is speaking out against podcasters and others that distort the truth and promote discord?
The shepherd is supposed to lead the flock, not follow its whims when it comes to what is morally acceptable as a Christian. Are not religious leaders to speak up in favor of what the Bible teaches, rather than praise the worst offenders?
Currying favor with the president, for example, is great for the ego, but what message are you sending to the faithful? Through your silence, you are telling us to lie, cheat, steal, and do whatever we can to get ahead, and to not worry about our eternal soul because we can live for today and not worry about eternity. That is one of the devil’s oldest tricks. How is it that religious leaders are doing his work through their silence?
In another example, antisemitic behavior is on the rise. What are Christian leaders saying and doing to discourage such behavior? There are wars throughout the world and Pope Leo XIV is the only voice I hear trying to bring about peace. Where is everyone else? Are they not concerned because America is not at war?
Racism also still exists in America and throughout the world. Does anyone care? People and nations are being exploited. Human trafficking is a global problem. Who is speaking out against it? Who is taking action to reduce or eliminate these problems? Are you being made aware of these matters in your church?
Recent political decisions, including this year's tax cut and Medicaid reduction bill, the government shutdown, ICE raids in states with Democratic governors, gerrymandering political districts before the next census, and cowardly decisions by the Catholic-majority US Supreme Court have not been adequately addressed by religious leaders. Why? Were those political actions ones that will help people or are they vindictive political actions designed to keep people in their place?
Ronald E. Smith
One could take the approach that today's religious leaders are not bold enough to stand behind what they proclaim to believe and follow. For example, they are not leading the protests, demonstrations, and opposition to poor governance, immoral behavior, and divisive legislation that pits people against each other. Shouldn't Church leaders lead with the hope that their constituents and elected officials will follow? Shouldn't they be willing to suffer and even die for the faith and for the betterment of others?
Are Church leaders afraid to lead on social justice issues? Have their hearts been hardened or do they feel apathy because the issues do not directly impact their congregations? As Christians, it is our responsibility to fight for the oppressed, feed the poor, cloth the naked, shelter the homeless, educate children, and heal the sick. Need I go on?
Our nation's tax-cutting efforts over the past 25 years, combined with our rising debt, prevents our nation from fulfilling its duty to its most needy citizens. This fiscal irresponsibility has led to a failure to help our brothers and sisters who are in need at home and abroad. Our decisions to cut back on social programs and foreign aid so that wealthy people and businesses can get more tax cuts is counter to the teachings of Jesus.
When will we learn that we cannot do as prior societies have done and expect a different outcome. God's wrath can overtake us in an instant, so why do religious leaders fail to preach a message of repentance and change? Why is their voice so low, or even inaudible on these matters? The silence of the shepherds has led to a silencing of the lambs, and worse, a willingness to accept behavior that is not Christ-like. Let me offer you St. Paul’s words:
“Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people. But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”
If that does not move you to search your soul for the truth of Christ and what wisdom to follow, certainly the rest of the wisdom in Scripture will lead you where God intends.
At the start of the Jubilee year, I offered prayers for change. I prayed that the Trump administration would do good things and lead in a positive direction. I prayed that political leaders would work together for the betterment of the nation and world—not continue to divide us. I also prayed for religious leaders as they need all the strength they can muster to lead in this age.
Today, I offer similar prayers as the world is worse off than it was a year ago. America is further in debt, and our problems are far from being fixed. We continue to prioritize the affluent at the expense of the poor. We fail to solve our problems and we blame others for it. We tolerate immoral behavior and give praise to those who act most sinfully.
Let us pray for positive change in 2026 and beyond. Let us pray for religious leaders that are willing to suffer for standing up for Christ. Let us pray for leaders that will lead people toward salvation from sin. Let us actively live our lives as the shepherds Christ created us to be. Let our voices speak out against injustice and wrongdoing while praising God. Amen.
Ronald E. Smith, Ed.D is a lifelong Catholic who enjoys writing. He is a Rotarian, member of the Thea Bowman Council #406 of the Knights of Peter Claver, and a parishioner at St. Edward the Confessor Church in Dana Point, California, and St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Rubuguri, Uganda. He and his wife Sandy recently founded Friends of St. Kizito Rubuguri Primary School in Rubuguri, Uganda, where they serve as missionaries. He can be reached at resmithinc@aol.com.
