Sir, – People of faith in Ireland, specifically Christians, should disassociate themselves from the racist, misogynist and warmongering policies of the US president Donald Trump while he is being hosted by the Irish Government on his forthcoming visit.
The Trump administration has weaponised the gospel message to support his illegal and unjust attack on Iran and politicised it into a Christian white nationalism movement where immigrants fear for their lives.
Trump is continuing to purvey his brand of Maga Christianity to entice the support of US Christians on whose support he depended in the 2024 presidential election, when he was backed by approximately 80 per cent of the Christian electorate.
Approximately 60 per cent of Protestant voters favoured Trump while he was also supported by a majority of voting Catholics.
Circumstances have changed, however, as Trump now has to contend with the strong critique of his policies and actions by Pope Leo.
During the Palm Sunday Mass, Leo repudiated the absurd notion that the God he serves and worships heeds the call of warmongers. The pope said: “Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war.”
By joining the planned protests during Trump’s visit, people of faith, specifically Christians, have the opportunity to repudiate Trump’s perverted version of the gospel while encouraging US Christians to cease their support of a president whose policies contradict gospel values. – Yours, etc,
BRENDAN BUTLER,
Dublin 9.