Faith is not a prop.
The sacred is not a costume.
And God is not a branding tool.
We are deeply troubled by the continued misuse of religious language, imagery, and symbols for personal glorification, political theater, and public spectacle. What we have witnessed is not clever, humorous, or harmless. It is blasphemous — In other words, it is improper, profane, sacrilegious and offensive.
For people of faith, sacred symbols carry meaning far beyond performance. They point us toward humility, repentance, mercy, justice, and love of neighbor. They remind us that true greatness is found not in self-serving domination or applause, but in service to others, especially the poor, the vulnerable, and those pushed to the margins.
When faith is manipulated to elevate ego, even cause harm or cloak cruelty in religious language, believers have a responsibility to speak plainly. Silence in the face of such distortion is what causes greater harm and cruelty.
We reject the mocking of what millions hold sacred. We reject the false witness that confuses power with righteousness. And we renew our commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who chose humility over pride, truth over deceit, and love over fear.
At a time when so many are suffering from war, poverty, division, and injustice, the world does not need more derision. It needs moral courage., compassion and leaders who understand that reverence for God is shown not in self-serving performance, but in how we treat one another.
We pray for conversion of heart, for integrity in our public life, and for the wisdom to recognize that the holy must never be used in service of the self.
Leadership Team, Sisters of Charity of New York
Sr. Donna Dodge, Sr. Margaret O’Brien, Sr. Mary Mc Cormick,
Sr. Mary Ann Daly, Sr. Sheila Brosnan, Sr. Margaret Egan
Thank you for defending the true Christian faith so eloquently in the face of those who use it as theatre or disguise.
Thank you, women of Gospel!! Your message is shared by many, many persons everywhere!!
Peace,love,
Mary Beth
Thank you for your courage and for speaking out.
My mother and her siblings attended the Institute of the Sacred Heart (Sacro Cuore) in Florence, Italy, and later after they immigrated to the United States, attended Visitation Academy in Brooklyn, NY. I was brought up to respect others, be kind, and live by the Ten Commandments. I am also a relative of Sr. Carol DeAngelo, Director of Office of Peace, Justice and Integrity of Creation at Sisters of Charity of New York.
I am writing to express my deep concern and upset, of late. I stand in full support of the recent statement issued by the Sisters of Charity of New York. Your words reflect a deep truth: faith is not a tool for personal gain, nor should it ever be distorted for spectacle, power, or division.
I share your concern and sense of urgency. The misuse of religious language and imagery in public life is not only inappropriate—it undermines the very values faith is meant to uphold: humility, compassion, justice, and love of neighbor.
I am especially troubled by the recent imagery and disparaging remarks made by the President of the United States regarding His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV. Such comments are not only disrespectful, but they also fail to reflect the dignity and responsibility of the office. He does not speak for all Americans, and he certainly does not represent my views.
Pope Leo XIV embodies qualities desperately needed in our world today—he is conciliatory, benevolent, and kind. His example reminds us that true leadership is rooted in service, empathy, respect for others, and a commitment to the common good.
At a time of deep division and suffering, we should be lifting up voices that seek unity and understanding—not tearing them down. I join the Sisters of Charity in calling for greater integrity in our public discourse and a renewed commitment to the values that honor both faith and humanity.
Excellent. I am so proud to be an Associate member of the Sisters of Charity whose membership continue to speak out and speak for those impacted by the cruelty of those in power. God bless you all and thank you.