[US] Bishops Disavow Link to Politically Oriented ‘Catholic’ Newspapers

The National Catholic Register ^ | 11/4/22 | Jonah McKeown

[marshmallow]

Bishops in several states have stressed that the papers are not affiliated with the Church and have reiterated that Catholics should vote based on their own well-formed consciences, and not necessarily for or against any particular person or political party.

(photo: Courtesy photo / Diocese of Grand Rapids)

In recent days, residents of at least four U.S. states have received newspapers in the mail bearing variations of the name Catholic Tribune and featuring mostly pro-Republican articles along with quotes from U.S. bishops, among other Catholic-oriented content.

“[Democratic Sen. Mark] Kelly Co-Sponsored Bill Bishops Call ‘Most Unjust and Extreme…Ever Seen’” reads one recent headline from the Arizona Catholic Tribune.

Their names and Catholic-focused content suggest the papers are locally published — and possibly affiliated with the Catholic Church. But that’s not the case, and bishops in Arizona, Iowa, and Michigan have come out with statements in recent days denying any connection to the publications.

I need some crowd sourcing help her. Anyone get this Arizona Catholic Tribune in the mail? Who is this— No disclosure, masthead or contact info. https://t.co/1vYDRl4i5o

— Mary Jo Pitzl (@maryjpitzl) November 1, 2022

In addition to Arizona and Michigan, the papers have also shown up recently in mailboxes in Iowa and Pennsylvania. A similar newspaper was mailed to residents of Wisconsin in 2020 just two weeks before the presidential election. Catholic Tribune sites for Minnesota and Florida both exist online, too, although it’s not yet clear if physical newspapers have been mailed in those states.

Bishops in several states have stressed that the papers are not affiliated with the Church and have reiterated that Catholics should vote based on their own well-formed consciences, and not necessarily for or against any particular person or political party.

[No name given]

I’m not surprised they would do that.