Show-Me-State Bishop Shows True Colors?

Nobody's shocked to hear prelates like Chicago's Cdl. Blase Cupich or San Diego's Bp. Robert McElroy telling people to mask up and get the jab. But from time to time, a prelate considered solid raises eyebrows for joining the likes of Cupich and McElroy. Church Militant's William Mahoney looks at recent reports that raise questions about one such prelate in Missouri.

Featured this month in two stories, Jefferson City's Bp. Shawn McKnight has many Catholics scratching their heads. 

In a list provided by The Pillar, his name appeared as a signatory on a now-infamous letter.

The letter was reportedly signed by 68 prelates and sent to the president of the U.S. bishops' conference, requesting it kill discussions on worthy reception of Holy Communion when the bishops meet this month. 

Some who appeared on The Pillar's list have distanced themselves from the letter since the list was published.

But as of this report, McKnight has neither offered any explanation nor denied signing the letter.

And this week, McKnight's name surfaced again in conjunction with McElroy.

In a U.S. Catholic article on religious freedom and COVID-19, quotes from both bishops show they're on the same page when it comes to getting the jab.

That page? The common good supposedly impels Catholics to get the stick.

Regarding the use of aborted fetal cells, McKnight said, "It's so remote that it does not outweigh the good that is achieved by [the vaccine's] use."

The Missouri prelate also opined, "Respecting someone's conscience isn't the same thing as overturning or exempting the requirements of the common good."

McKnight was assumed to be solid in 2018, coming out strongly against clergy sex abuse in the wake of disgraced homosexual pederast Theodore McCarrick's exposure.

But now many are wondering if Jefferson City's bishop is adrift or just showing his true colors. 

McKnight succeeded Bp. John Gaydos, an enthusiastically pro-gay bishop who provoked ongoing tensions in the diocese over his incessant push to normalize homosexuality.

Gaydos resigned one year earlier than normal, citing health challenges.