Catholic parishioners gathered Thursday, Oct. 29, on the steps of Oakland’s Cathedral of Christ the Light by Lake Merritt to protest Bishop Michael C. Barber’s part in an Oval Office prayer with President Donald Trump.

What happened

On Oct. 22, a dozen Catholic bishops and archbishops gathered around Trump as Denver Archbishop James Golka led a prayer. The White House posted the video with the caption “Catholic Archbishops and Bishops pray with President Trump in the Oval Office.” The Oaklandside reported that, according to the Catholic outlet The Pillar, the meeting was organized by Mario Enzler of the Heritage Foundation. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers told KTVU, “There has never been a greater president for Catholic Americans than President Trump, and his strong record proves it.”

Two attendees later expressed regret. Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob said the bishops were told the meeting would be private and that “unbeknownst to the group of bishops a video was also taken.” Des Moines Bishop William Joensen said, “I pray I am more prudent and wise going forward.”

Barber’s response

In a statement on the diocese website, Barber did not apologize. He said the clergy discussed abortion, IVF, “fear in our community over deportations and arrests,” visas for international priests and school tax credits. “There are significant points of disagreement on matters of faith and morals between the Catholic Church and the Democratic and Republican parties,” he wrote. “It is urgent, therefore, that we communicate with one another and participate as faithful citizens.” He added, “That is why I went to Washington.”

What protesters want

Organizer Roberta McLaughlin said dialogue matters but the timing was wrong: “This is 12 days before the midterm and that’s very dangerous because it says things that maybe you didn’t intend to say.” Claire Broome told KTVU she felt the bishop “was manipulated by the Trump administration.” Berkeley Catholic Jim Pawlak said the visit “just seemed like a political gimmick.” Protesters said they want Barber to say he would not attend a similar event again.