Wilton Cardinal Gregory, the Archbishop of Washington, and the Ret. Reverend Mariann Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, discussed President Biden’s faith on Easter Sunday. Cardinal Gregory expressed his belief that Biden is “very sincere” about his faith but noted that the president chooses certain aspects of the faith to highlight while disregarding or contradicting others. Despite this, Cardinal Gregory emphasized that Biden’s faith is genuine and important to him.
During the conversation, Cardinal Gregory also touched on the role of faith in politics and society. He highlighted the importance of recognizing the diversity of religious beliefs in America and the need for politicians to respect and uphold the values of all faith traditions. Cardinal Gregory emphasized that faith can be a unifying force in society, bringing people together and inspiring them to work towards a common good.
The discussion on faith in America also addressed the challenges faced by religious communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cardinal Gregory and Bishop Budde discussed the impact of the pandemic on religious gatherings, the shift to online worship services, and the ways in which faith communities have adapted to the new reality. They highlighted the resilience and creativity of religious leaders and communities in continuing to practice their faith during difficult times.
Cardinal Gregory and Bishop Budde also discussed the role of faith leaders in promoting social justice and addressing systemic issues such as racism and inequality. They emphasized the importance of speaking out against injustice and working towards a more just and equitable society. Cardinal Gregory commended President Biden for his efforts to address these issues and his commitment to promoting values of compassion, empathy, and justice.
In conclusion, Cardinal Gregory reiterated his belief in President Biden’s sincerity and commitment to his faith, acknowledging that while there may be discrepancies in how Biden interprets and practices his faith, his beliefs are genuine and important to him. The conversation highlighted the importance of faith as a guiding force in both personal and political life and the role that religious leaders play in promoting social justice and unity in society. Despite the challenges faced by religious communities during the pandemic, the discussion underscored the resilience and adaptability of faith communities in continuing to practice and uphold their beliefs.
