President Biden caused controversy during a rally against abortion restrictions in Tampa when he made the Sign of the Cross while Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried criticized Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state’s six-week abortion ban. The Sign of the Cross is a sacred gesture used by Catholics and Orthodox Christians as a form of blessing. Biden’s use of this gesture in support of abortion was seen as disrespectful to Christians, particularly Catholics. Brian Burch, president of CatholicVote, called it a “disgusting insult,” as Biden has turned a sacred Christian practice into an endorsement of abortion extremism.
Despite identifying as a devout Catholic, Biden has faced criticism for his support of abortion and his disregard for non-negotiable church teachings. Last week, a bishop in Michigan accused Biden of “stupidity” for his misunderstanding of the Catholic faith. Bishop Robert Gruss of the Diocese of Saginaw expressed concern over Biden’s inability to grasp the core tenets of Catholicism. Burch emphasized that no Catholic could support Biden’s abuse of religious piety in endorsing abortion, calling on voters of faith to understand the stakes in the upcoming elections and reject the “new abortion religion” that seeks to mock and destroy Christianity.
The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops has spoken out against Amendment Four, which aims to legalize abortion before viability or to protect the patient’s health as determined by a healthcare provider. The bishops urged Floridians to oppose the amendment, stating that it would harm both the most vulnerable human lives and women throughout the state. Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, who holds jurisdiction over Tampa, has consistently taught about the Catholic Church’s position on abortion. The bishops have issued a statement educating people on the church’s teachings and urging them to vote against Amendment Four to protect the sanctity of life.
Critics have voiced concern over Biden’s manipulation of religious symbols to support abortion extremism. The manipulation of the Sign of the Cross, a sacred Christian practice, for political purposes was seen as a deeply disrespectful act. Biden’s actions have reignited discussions about the intersection of politics and religion, particularly within the context of Catholicism. The controversy surrounding Biden’s gesture reflects broader debates about faith, morality, and public policy, highlighting the complexities of navigating these issues in the public sphere. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder of the challenges of reconciling personal beliefs with political actions in a diverse and pluralistic society.
