Bishops leave politics out as they work to promote the faithful, common good

I am writing today from Baltimore where the bishops of the United States are gathering for their annual meeting.  The agenda is not too heavy but it is clear that the motivation for this yearly assembly of the American hierarchy is promoting and fostering the good of the faithful in so many dimensions of their daily life as Catholics.

Leading up to the meeting, I was amused by the predictions of certain news outlets, including some Catholic media, about the concerns of the bishops and what would be the focus of our attention.  The prediction that the recent presidential election would be "the" or "a" prominent discussion topic was widely predicted.  It was not. 

Other than some commentary on the Christian approach to immigration, there were very few references to the election. In many publications, blogs, etc., much of the reporting about the bishops and their concerns and priorities has been viewed and presented through the eyes of American politics.  While that is the viewpoint suggested by some media, I don't feel that is an accurate read of how the bishops reflect together on the issues they face in their ministry.

I have been involved in USCCB meetings for over 14 years as a member and, before that, as president of CUA, the bishops' university, for 12 years. I have listened carefully to the bishops' comments and interventions.  Christ, the Gospel, the faith and teachings of the Catholic Church, the spiritual and human good of the faithful, the common good of humankind have always been the foundation and center of what we bishops consider and talk about in our several days together.  

Whether a bishop is conservative or liberal is irrelevant in the shadow of the Cross of Christ whom we serve through our episcopal teaching and ministry.