MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee’s Archbishop Jeffrey Grob has issued a public apology after social media video circulating shows the religious leader praying over President Trump.
Grob writes that he was asked to the White House on October 22 to discuss important topics for the church including immigration enforcement, religious worker visas, and human dignity.
“The meeting was in no way an endorsement of the president, his policies, or his party,” says Grob. “I took some time to weigh the decision and ultimately felt that, if I had the opportunity to offer my voice in a way that might improve the lives of God’s children, I ought to take it.”
The religious leader was told the prayer would be private and he was unaware a video was being taken.
“I pray for our elected officials on a daily basis, so it seemed appropriate to do so in person,” says Grob.
Grob explains he, and the 11 other bishops, did not give permission to be recorded or photographed, nor did they give permission for the video to be distributed.
“We came in good faith to try to work for the betterment of our fellow human beings, to ease their suffering, to build up the common good, and to pray with a president, not to pose for a political photo opportunity to benefit the few. We should never have been put in that position by the White House.”
Grob says he received messages of “serious concern” that he was participating in a political event less than two weeks before a national election.
He also wrote he feels “heavy sadness” after hearing many felt “wounded” because of the ways “they or their family had been harmed by the president’s policies.”
“I did not go without reservations. I wish I had heeded them. Please know that I have heard these concerns, understand how I caused them, and I apologize for any damage my actions have done,” says Grob.
