At the U.S. Catholic Bishops' annual fall meeting, a call was made for a renewed commitment to share the church's teachings, especially on controversial and hot-button issues such as abortion, euthanasia, surrogacy, and gender-affirming surgery. Several bishops emphasized the importance of speaking boldly about these teachings, even in the face of societal pressures and opposing views.

Bishop Robert Barron, the influential leader of the Winona-Rochester diocese in Minnesota, addressed the bishops with a direct message: “We have been too apologetic for too long,” he said, underscoring the need for the church to stand firm on its principles. Bishop Barron, known for his media-savvy approach, emphasized that the church should not be intimidated by celebrities or cultural figures who espouse beliefs contrary to Catholic doctrine.

The remarks were made in the context of a presentation on the Vatican’s "Dignitas Infinita" document, released in April. The declaration clarifies the Catholic Church’s stance on the inherent dignity of every human being, advocating for the protection of life from conception to natural death. This includes a strong condemnation of abortion, euthanasia, and certain practices like surrogacy and gender-affirming surgery.

Bishop Barron praised the declaration for its ability to speak with a distinctively Catholic voice that transcends political divides. “It is not Democratic or Republican, liberal or conservative,” he said, stressing that the teachings laid out in “Dignitas Infinita” focus on universal values of life and dignity.

The call for bishops to share these teachings comes at a time when society is increasingly divided on issues such as abortion and gender identity, with many advocating for more progressive stances. However, the church continues to stand by its traditional views, encouraging its leaders to uphold and promote these teachings regardless of their unpopularity in mainstream culture.

As the bishops discussed the practical application of “Dignitas Infinita” in American society, the hope is that Catholic leaders will find new ways to communicate these timeless teachings, ensuring they resonate with the faithful while challenging the broader cultural trends that conflict with Catholic doctrine.