The concept of the separation of church and state, enshrined in the Constitution, has been subject to misuse and misinterpretation, according to Bishop Joseph Strickland, who was honored with the Ronald Reagan Award at the Conservative Political Action Conference over the weekend.
Strickland remarked that this constitutional provision has been “weaponized” in contemporary discourse, deviating from its intended purpose as a prudent separation beneficial to both religious and secular interests.
Strickland gained national attention after Pope Francis removed him from his position as Bishop of Tyler, Texas, last November. While church officials did not specify the reasons for his removal, many speculate that it was due to his public stances conflicting with Francis’ views on issues such as marriage and gender.
During the interview, Strickland pointed out that even Jesus Christ engaged with political matters, referencing his interactions with religious leaders and Roman authorities. He emphasized the importance of speaking truthfully in the public sphere, acknowledging that while the church should not endorse specific candidates or parties, it has a duty to convey God’s love and truth to all individuals.
At the CPAC event, Strickland delivered a speech highlighting the significance of humility in advocating for righteous causes. He stressed that humility, rooted in truth, is a potent force against ideologies like Marxism and socialism. According to Strickland, recognizing the ultimate power of God is essential amid societal shifts, emphasizing the need to remain steadfast in truth and faith.
In conclusion, Strickland underscored the importance of aligning with divine truth as a means of confronting contemporary challenges and upholding enduring values.
