Trump’s new conservative Catholic advisory council

Trump’s new conservative Catholic advisory council September 22, 2016

The Trump campaign, beset by an flurry of articles and commentaries suggesting the New York billionaire is struggling with white Catholics, announced an advisory group of well-known Catholic Republicans.

Faith Whittlesey, an executive branch political appointee from the Reagan years, laid out the argument:

“The choice for Catholics in this presidential election could not be more stark,” Whittlesey said in a statement.

“Clinton support a breathtakingly radical cultural agenda and judicial nominees which leave no room for the legal protection of the unborn and the ability of Christians to fully and freely practice their faith that is constitutionally protected by the First Amendment,” she said. “Trump will fight for Catholics in defense of life, and their religious liberty.”

The list includes figures who are have good reputations among #NeverTrump conservatives, including direct mail pioneer Richard Viguerie, presidential candidate Rick Santorum, and Kansas governor Sam Brownback.

One interesting new Trump enthusiast is National Catholic Prayer Breakfast founder Joseph Cella, who previously signed a letter with several dozen Catholic professors and journalists calling Trump “manifestly unfit to be president.” Perhaps we should circle back to that list and clarify if any other signatories have changed their mind about Trump’s manifest unfitness for the presidency.

Trump has repeatedly boasted of extramarital affairs, strongly supported abortion as recently as 15 years ago, praised authoritarian leaders, suggested defying U.S. and international law, and shown indifference and disdain toward vulnerable people. He has never, to my knowledge, expressed a shred of appreciation for any aspect of Catholic social teaching.

But Catholics must vote for him.

These people really hate Hillary Clinton. Perhaps they’ve been reading Trump’s gospel.

Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay

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