Editorial - Issue 14

by Richard Luthmann

When did the Democratic Party turn against Catholics? This question gains urgency following Joe Biden’s recent actions and a history of skepticism toward religious nominees. Biden’s declaration of “The International Transgender Day of Visibility” on Easter Sunday is the latest in a series of moves that critics argue show a disregard for Catholic and Christian beliefs.

The Democratic Party’s actions, from questioning the faith of judicial nominees to Biden’s Easter proclamation, signal a challenging time
for Catholics and religious Americans. This Easter’s events are a stark reminder of the growing divide, emphasizing the need for a political landscape that respects and upholds religious freedom.

This trend has been evident for over a decade, notably during the Trump administration. Democratic senators regularly interrogate judicial nom-inees based on their faith. Their focus often zeroes in on connections with the Catholic Church or organizations like the Knights of Columbus. These inquiries hint at a belief that adherence to Catholic teachings might disqualify someone from public service.

In 2018, then-California U.S. Senator Kamala Harris questioned Brian Buescher about his Knights of Columbus membership, focusing on the organization’s opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage. Similar questions were directed at other Catholic nominees. These actions raised concerns about a bias against Catholics and an inability to separate personal beliefs from professional duties. Buescher was ultimately confirmed as a United States District Judge for the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska, but not until after he and the good name of the Knights of Columbus were dragged through the mud for their religious convictions.

The Knights, founded in 1882, is a lay order of the Roman Catholic Church that serves Catholics and the larger community by promoting charity and fraternity. However, its core principles, including opposition to abortion and support for traditional marriage, have drawn scrutiny from critics like Harris. Yet, these principles refl ect Church teachings and the beliefs of millions of Americans, not extremism.

Joe Biden’s recent proclamation, aligning “The International Transgender Day of Visibility” with Easter Sunday, sparked further controversy. Critics see it as an insult to Christians, overshadowing a day meant to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Responses from conservatives, including calls for an apology, refl ect a deepening rift between the Biden administration and religious Americans.

Biden claims his Irish Catholicism is a vital part of his identity. In both philosophy and style, he resembles the populist, genial, handshaking, back-slapping, and often-underestimated Irish American Democratic Party bosses of the past. While often conservative in their values (e.g., abortion, the relationship of church and state), Irish Catholics formed the backbone of the Democratic Party from the massive immigration in the 19th century onward. As late as 1964, 76 percent of U.S. Catholics voted for Lyndon Johnson.

However, in recent elections, most non-Hispanic Catholics have voted for the Republican Party, which has become increasingly the national party identified with the needs of the religious. Supporters often cite Donald Trump’s tenure as the most significant presidential defense of religious freedoms and values in U.S. history—even better than the “Reagan Revolution.” Instead of running away from religion, the first Trump presidency embraced the moral demands of practicing Catholics and Christians. Trump’s judicial appointments and policies are viewed as fully supportive of Judeo-Christian beliefs and religious rights, standing in stark contrast to the current administration’s approach of attack and marginalization.

The Democratic Party’s stance on religion, particularly its handling of Catholic nominees and the recent Easter proclamation, suggests a departure from its traditional respect for religious beliefs. This shift has not gone unnoticed, prompting calls for reflection among voters of faith. The contrast with Trump’s approach underscores a significant divide in American politics over the role of religion and the respect afforded to religious beliefs. Joe Biden may very well become the last national Democratic Party leader who will be permitted to identify as Roman Catholic.