Denver Archbishop Golka Answers Criticism of White House Prayer Over President Trump "No matter whether we agree or disagree on anything, we always pray for our country and leaders"

Following a high-profile White House meeting and Oval Office prayer circle with President Trump on October 22, Denver Archbishop James Golka has addressed the intense public reaction and the reasons behind his participation.

Organized by the White House Faith Office, the three-hour gathering allowed Catholic bishops to discuss key advocacy priorities—such as immigration, religious worker visas, religious freedom, school choice, and the protection of life—with administration officials. Reflecting on his decision to attend despite concerns over how it might be perceived, Archbishop Golka shared with the Denver Catholic:

“I wasn't sure what to do. On one hand, it was a great opportunity to raise important issues for the Church's benefit. On the other hand, I knew people might be upset. Though I originally thought it would be a private meeting, I knew that it could be shared and that some might use it for political purposes,” the archbishop said. “But as I prayed about it, I thought that this is what Catholics do. We pray for people. No matter whether we agree or disagree on anything, we always pray for our country and leaders.”

After the discussions, the bishops were invited into the Oval Office, where Archbishop Golka was asked to lead a prayer over the president. He emphasized that the engagement was purely pastoral rather than political:

“One meeting does not change policy. I was able to say what the Church teaches, and I would say the same to a president of either party,” he said. “As Catholics, we're called to share our faith in season and out of season and to witness to the dignity of every human person.”

When an administration video of the prayer was published 12 days before an election, critics viewed it as a political endorsement. The archbishop firmly rejected that interpretation:

“I understand that many people saw the video, posted by the Administration twelve days before an election, as an endorsement. That was never my intention,” the archbishop emphasized. “The bishops of the United States teach that the Church cannot champion any candidate or party. I hold to that. However you vote, you ultimately belong to Jesus who loves you infinitely more than you can imagine.

Acknowledging the hurtful division online following the event, he added:

“I'm heartbroken that people are hurt, and that there are people intentionally using this moment to sow disunity. That's not a fruit of the Spirit,” he noted. “As Christians, we're called to look beyond the headlines, which are often crafted to provoke, towards the full truth.”

Despite the backlash, Archbishop Golka stressed the necessity of bringing the concerns of ordinary families, immigrant communities, local priests, and Catholic schools directly to leaders, vowing to maintain a bipartisan message:

“Unborn children, immigrant families and the poor all need advocates. This work helps only if the Church carries the same message to leaders of both parties. We will,” Archbishop Golka said. “I will keep praying for our president, our governor and everyone who serves in public office, regardless of their party or position on divisive topics.”