Jeffrey Grob said he and the other bishops invited “should never have been put in that position by the White House”
WASHINGTON —
Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob issued an apology after visiting the White House and appearing in social media posts praying over President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.
In a statement posted to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee website on Oct. 25, Grob said he and the 11 other bishops invited “should never have been put in that position by the White House” and the administration posted the content “without the consent of the participants.”
Grob said he was invited “to discuss matters of importance to the Church and our people, including immigration enforcement, religious worker visas, and human dignity.” He said they were told the meeting would be a private discussion.
“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. I pray for our elected officials on a daily basis, so it seemed appropriate to do so in person,” Grob said.
He said following the 90-minute meeting, White House staff ushered the group of bishops into the Oval Office and directed them to stand behind Trump and pray. He said “unbeknownst to the group of bishops” several videos and photos were taken and “permission for the public distribution or posting of either the video or photos was not given by the bishops.”
“I soon began receiving messages of serious concern over the possibility that I had inadvertently participated in a political event less than two weeks before a national election,” Grob said. “I feel a heavy sadness, not only over the pain I caused, but also for the fact that something so sacred to a group of religious leaders, prayer to our Heavenly Father, would be manipulated in that way.”
Grob said the meeting was “in no way” an endorsement of the president, his policies or his party.
“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,” Grob said.