Bishop Strickland calls Alabama IVF ruling ‘correct’ in CPAC address
Bishop Strickland calls Alabama IVF ruling ‘correct’ in CPAC address
WASHINGTON (OSV News) — Bishop Joseph E. Strickland, the former leader of the Diocese of Tyler, Texas, stated on Feb. 23 during his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference’s annual Ronald Reagan Dinner that “we must stand firm in the sanctity of life, along with all of its consequences.”
Bishop Strickland spoke about the Alabama Supreme Court’s recent decision confirming that human embryos involved in in vitro fertilization will be safeguarded under Alabama’s Wrongful Death of a Minor Act, stating to the crowd at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, “As a Catholic pastor, I must discuss an issue that is relevant today, at this moment.”
“I recognize that in the current debates, a lot of us may lack understanding, but we need to become informed, and we must lead our esteemed politicians, those we trust will steer this nation towards a more promising future,” he stated. “We must direct them in the moral principles surrounding the sanctity of life.”
In response to criticism, Bishop Strickland supports Alabama decision.
Bishop Strickland did not refer to former President Donald Trump directly, but earlier that day, the leading candidate for the GOP presidential nomination released a statement urging the Republican Party to endorse IVF access nationwide and for Alabama legislators to follow suit, in light of the criticism regarding the ruling and IVF providers in the state halting treatments.
“We need to assist them in understanding that the disputes currently being reported in the news, this ruling by Alabama’s court was accurate,” Bishop Strickland stated.
CPAC, formerly a gathering of conservative politicians, policymakers, and commentators with diverse ideologies and perspectives, has become more contentious and unified into a coalition of steadfast supporters and supporters of former President Donald Trump, also set to address the conference. The 2024 conference allegedly showcased an exhibit featuring a virtual pinball game that included images from the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, where Trump supporters invaded the Capitol in an effort to impede the certification of President Joe Biden’s win in the 2020 election.
In his statements, Bishop Strickland remarked, “We must not permit this invaluable treasure known as the United States to be lost, and it will not come to pass if we remain faithful to God.”
Not promoting a political agenda
Before addressing the conference, Bishop Strickland informed OSV News, “I want to clarify that I did not consent to speak at CPAC to promote any political agenda.”
“The church is not associated with any political organization or bound to any political framework,” he stated. “We recognize that no politician, political party, or platform will completely match the Gospel. Nonetheless, the reason I consented to speak at CPAC was due to the chance to present the truth. Truth remains steadfast — and it does not appear in red or blue attire. Yet, when you seek truth, you discover it where traditional values are upheld and where human dignity is supported. And since these principles are upheld by this group, I believe this is an advantageous place for proclaiming the truth.”
Pope Francis dismissed Bishop Strickland from his pastoral leadership role within the diocese on November 11. without giving a public reason for his dismissal. Nonetheless, earlier conjecture regarding his position within the diocese had intensified following the bishop’s online statements alleging that the pontiff was “undermining the deposit of faith.” Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo from Galveston-Houston noted, in a statement on Nov. 11, that after a June apostolic visit to the Tyler Diocese, “the recommendation was presented to the Holy Father that Bishop Strickland’s continuation in office was not viable.”
The pope’s action came after Bishop Strickland’s speech at an Oct. 31 event in Rome, during which he recited a letter from a “close friend” that labeled Pope Francis as a “usurper of Peter’s chair” and remarked that Pope Francis was also endorsing an “assault on the sacred.” According to Cardinal DiNardo’s announcement, Bishop Strickland was requested to resign on Nov. 9, but he refused, leading to Pope Francis dismissing him from his position.
Tension with Rome
When inquired about his present situation, Bishop Strickland stated to OSV News, “It was explicitly communicated to me that my dismissal was not due to any allegations or misconduct, but rather my candidness in proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ, in safeguarding the deposit of faith, in not aligning with my fellow bishops, and in declining to carry out orders within my diocese that I believed would be spiritually detrimental to my parishioners.”
“I hold the same power that all bishops in good standing possess to celebrate Mass, administer sacraments, and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” he stated. “I have embraced the Holy Father’s decision, and I am not seeking reinstatement as a diocesan bishop.”
When questioned whether he intended to engage in discussions with other CPAC speakers or participants if he faced viewpoints at odds with church doctrine on matters such as migration, Bishop Strickland responded, “I am not attending CPAC to initiate a discussion or to take part in one. I accepted the invitation to speak to convey the truth, and that encompasses remaining steadfast on the deposit of faith, which is undoubtedly demonstrated in the teachings of the church.”
“Nevertheless, should other speakers express views that oppose church doctrine on any matter, then, if the chance arises, I would certainly be open to discussing this and addressing any inquiries from the conference participants,” he stated.
Controversy at CPAC
Matt Schlapp, the chairman of CPAC and co-chair of Catholics for Trump during 2020, faced accusations last year of sexually assaulting a male campaign aide involved in Herschel Walker’s unsuccessful run for a Georgia Senate seat in 2022. Schlapp has refuted these claims via his lawyer.
The Daily Beast announced on Feb. 21 that, in Virginia, records from the Alexandria City Courthouse indicate a subpoena was served to a CPAC official purported to have managed the destruction of documents following the emergence of allegations against Schlapp.
In response to a question from OSV News regarding his thoughts on the accusations against Schlapp, Bishop Strickland stated, “Naturally, I would be worried about any claims of sexual assault if they were confirmed to be true. However, as of now, I am not aware of any allegations against him that have been substantiated.”
Prior to the dinner gathering, an artist performing live at CPAC created two portraits side by side, one depicting the visage of Christ and the other featuring Trump. Both artworks were included in the auction held during the dinner, fetching thousands of dollars.
