Press Release: Sister Simone Campbell Responds to Donald Trump… Again

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For Immediate Release: October 14, 2016
Contact: Ashley Wilson, awilson@networklobby.org, 202-601-7856

Download as a PDF

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his latest attempt to pander to voters, Donald Trump and his campaign released What They are Saying About the Clinton Campaign’s Anti-Catholic Bigotry based on leaked emails from February 2012. In response, Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, Executive Director of NETWORK and leader of Nuns on the Bus said:

“Donald Trump’s concern for alleged anti-Catholic bigotry is a farce. We at NETWORK have worked at the intersection of faith and politics for the past 45 years, and know a farce when we see it. What we know is that our faith calls us to address the needs of people at the margins of our society. Mr. Trump and his partisan allies who are outraged by these ‘anti-Catholic’ statements don’t know, or have forgotten, the foundational message of Catholicism.

As Catholics know, Pope Francis has said, “I beg the Lord to grant us more politicians who are genuinely disturbed by the state of society, the people, the lives of the poor!” If Mr. Trump were truly concerned about the interests of Catholics, he would promote the dignity of work, stand with those who are living in poverty against the structures of injustice, and rise above individual interest for the good of the whole community.

Mr. Trump’s rhetoric in this campaign has led us down a path of hate and bigotry reminiscent of the nationalism of pre-World War II Germany.  Let me be clear: the bigotry that has occurred in this election is Donald Trump disparaging immigrants as criminals and rapists, advocating for sexual assault and the exploitation of women, denigrating Muslims, demeaning people of color by labeling them thugs, and calling people in poverty losers.

As a Catholic Sister, I call on Mr. Trump and the media to focus on issues, rather than manufactured hysteria over leaked email comments about my own Catholic faith. Catholics will recognize the desperate political move of Mr. Trump’s, and not be fooled by it. We the people need a substantive conversation, not this foolishness.”

###

NETWORK, advocates for justice inspired by Catholic sisters, educates, organizes, and lobbies for economic and social transformation. They have a more than 40-year track record of lobbying for critical federal programs that support those at the margins and prioritize the common good. www.networklobby.org

Sister Simone Campbell, SSS is available for interviews. For inquiries, contact Ashley Wilson awilson@networklobby.org or 202-601-7856.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]