Parishioners in the Oakland diocese gathered outside diocesan offices to protest Bishop Michael Barber, calling on him to reject a White House video clip that showed a delegation of Catholic leaders meeting and praying with President Donald Trump. Demonstrators argued that the bishop was utilized for partisan political advantage ahead of the midterm elections, creating the misleading impression that the Catholic Church and its leadership endorsed the president and his policies.
The controversial video, captioned “Catholic Archbishops and Bishops pray with President Trump in the Oval Office,” was published by the Trump administration on Oct. 22, roughly two weeks before the midterm elections. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers defended the event, stating that “there has never been a greater president for Catholic Americans than President Trump, and his strong record proves it.”
Local church members, however, voiced deep dismay over the appearance. Roberta McLaughlin, a parishioner and protest organizer, noted that the gathering was a major topic of discussion among churchgoers following Sunday services. Claire Broome, another diocesan parishioner, expressed concern that the administration manipulated the bishop to project broad institutional backing. Berkeley Catholic Jim Pawlak echoed those sentiments, characterizing the trip as a political gimmick that failed to represent the diverse views of the diocese.
Bishop Barber declined to grant interviews at the protest but pointed to an online statement explaining his rationale. He did not issue an apology, maintaining instead that the Catholic Church holds significant disagreements on matters of faith and morals with both major political parties. Citing a call to foster constructive dialogue between the local church and public authorities, Barber wrote that his goal was to communicate and participate as a faithful citizen. “I was grateful to be invited to the White House and meet with the President of the United States,” Barber stated, adding that he hoped sharing Catholic values would contribute to the betterment of the nation.
Protesters contrasted Barber’s response with public apologies issued by several other Catholic leaders who attended the Oval Office meeting. Archbishop Jeffrey Grob of Milwaukee stated that he attended in good faith based on assurances that the gathering would be a private discussion, expressing heavy sadness that a sacred act of prayer was manipulated for a partisan photo opportunity. Bishop William Joensen of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, similarly expressed regret, noting that numerous administration policies are blatantly at odds with Catholic teaching and explaining that he wished he had been more shrewd against those who exploited the meeting.
Oakland demonstrators emphasized that the timing of the visit so close to the election made the appearance particularly damaging. Kristin Collins, an Oakland parishioner, criticized the bishop’s published defense, asserting that he failed to grasp the political implications of his presence. Representing a broader coalition of concerned local Catholics, the protesters announced plans to send formal letters outlining their grievances to both Bishop Barber and Pope Leo.
