Will US bishops find their voice and defend democracy?

Will US bishops find their voice and defend democracy? 

Garibaldi's success did not help the American cause. Rome was feeling the brunt of defending their own tyranny from democracy. They did not notice that British subjects were already used to democratic ideals - although given their opposition to the Glorious Revolution (which was the result of defeating Catholic James II), the British roots of American democracy were also a problem.

While Kennedy was important, Catholic chaplains serving in the war touched many who began the war thinking the Pope was the anti-christ. Catholic leadership at the time fit in with the post-war vision of American civic culture with its white picket fences and loyal White majority. The whole idea of individual rights was not on the Church's to do list. It was on America's however - including John Courtney Murray, who opened the door at Vatican II.

Mario Cuomo and Joe Biden understand the implications of Dignitatis Humanae. In battles between human dignity and authority, authority must lose (and would be better surrendering). To restore unity to the Church, it is the bishops who must yield. Many of them have embraced the authoritarianism of Trump. It is a sin that they must atone for. 

There is much more to do than reject Trump and make nice with Biden, although this could be a starting place. Endorsing the Child Tax Credit's continuation at higher levels with refundability will shake things up enough