Posted on November 14, 2025, 06:30 PM PST
On this crisp November afternoon, Bishop Joseph Strickland, the emeritus bishop of Tyler, Texas, has once again thrust himself into the spotlight with a fiery X post that reverberates with the urgency of a prophetic call. Accompanied by a striking image of a lone wolf standing resolute amidst a flock of sheep, Strickland’s message is a direct declamation against Pope Leo XIV and his fellow American bishops. Issued at 12:26 PM PST today (Post ID: 1989309016342753727), this statement marks a significant escalation in his ongoing critique of the Catholic Church’s leadership, blending biblical fervor with a pointed accusation of moral failure. He issued a declension.
The Declaration: A Call to Choose Sides
In his post, Strickland invokes the spirit of the prophet Elijah, asking, “How long will you halt between two masters?” He demands that Pope Leo XIV, the Vatican Curia, and the U.S. bishops choose unequivocally between Christ and the world. His words are unsparing: he accuses them of profaning the sanctuary, betraying the Cross, and harming “the little ones”—a term he uses to encompass both the faithful and vulnerable children caught in global crises. He specifically condemns the bishops for turning the Holy Mass into a “bauble” for worldly schemes, welcoming sinful lifestyles without repentance, and ignoring the lawlessness enabled by open border policies, which he links to rapes, murders, and the exploitation of migrants.
Strickland’s rhetoric escalates further with a vivid metaphor: a “massive stockpile of millstones” awaits distribution—one for the Pope, a truckload for the Curia, and cargo ships full for the bishops—echoing Jesus’ warning in Matthew 18:6 about those who lead the little ones astray. This is not a subtle critique; it is a public rebuke, a declaration of war against what he perceives as a betrayal of Catholic doctrine.
Why Strickland Is Right to Voice Concerns
Bishop Strickland’s concerns cannot be dismissed outright. His post highlights several pressing issues that resonate with many traditional Catholics. The inclusion of openly gay couples in sacred rites, such as the recent confirmation ceremony at St. Patrick’s Cathedral involving ABC anchor David Muir and his same-sex spouse—officiated with the involvement of Jesuit priest James Martin—has sparked widespread debate. Strickland’s intervention at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) meeting in Baltimore on November 12, 2025, where he raised this issue, reflects a legitimate worry about doctrinal consistency. Similarly, his reference to the exploitation of unaccompanied minors at the border, supported by whistleblower testimonies from 2024 (e.g., Thread 2, Post 1811472054178447452), points to a real humanitarian crisis exacerbated by inadequate vetting processes, as documented in reports from the HHS Office of the Inspector General.
As a bishop removed from his post by Pope Francis in 2023 for his outspoken criticism, Strickland has a history of championing Eucharistic devotion and defending traditional teachings. His willingness to speak when others remain silent—especially on the trafficking and abuse of children—lends credibility to his voice. The silence of many bishops, as noted in his post and echoed by supporters like @BlueCrab, suggests a failure of leadership that demands attention. In a Church where scandals have eroded trust, his call for shepherds to protect the flock rather than tiptoe around wolves is a clarion call that many find compelling.
The Risk of Scandal and the Shadow of Martin Luther
However, while Strickland’s concerns are valid, his approach carries significant risks. His public denunciation of the Pope and bishops, framed in such absolutist terms, risks causing scandal within the Church. By naming Pope Leo XIV and threatening millstones, he challenges the unity of the Catholic hierarchy, potentially alienating the faithful and deepening existing divisions. The image of the wolf among sheep, while powerful, could be interpreted as casting the Pope and bishops as predators—a portrayal that, intentional or not, undermines the respect due to their office.
This boldness draws an uncomfortable parallel to Martin Luther, the 16th-century reformer whose Ninety-Five Theses sparked the Protestant Reformation. Like Luther, Strickland questions papal authority and accuses Church leaders of compromising truth for worldly gain. Luther’s challenge to Pope Leo X over indulgences led to his excommunication in 1521, and while Strickland was already removed from his diocese, his current stance could be seen as flirting with schism. Historical parallels are imperfect, but the comparison is apt: Luther’s actions, though rooted in a desire for reform, fractured the Church, and Strickland’s rhetoric could similarly inspire a breakaway movement among traditionalists. Critics, such as @FrTotleben92742, warn of a “folk hero problem” where such figures, by claiming to be the sole bearers of truth, justify divisive tactics that harm the broader community.
A Call for Balance
Bishop Strickland is correct to voice concerns about doctrinal drift and the protection of the vulnerable. The Church must address the scandals he highlights—whether liturgical abuses or border crises—with transparency and action. Yet, his method risks mirroring Luther’s rebellion rather than Christ’s redemptive patience. The faithful deserve shepherds who confront sin, but also those who foster unity. Strickland’s passion is a gift, but it must be tempered with humility to avoid becoming a catalyst for division.
As Catholics, we are called to pray for our leaders, including Pope Leo XIV and the U.S. bishops, that they may lead with courage and fidelity. We should also support Strickland’s call to protect the little ones, advocating for reforms like DNA testing for sponsors of unaccompanied minors, as suggested by whistleblower Deborah White (Thread 2, Post 1812199856494071913). The Church’s strength lies in its ability to balance truth with charity—may this moment be a turning point toward that ideal.
What are your thoughts? Share them in the comments, and let’s continue this vital conversation.Dear Faithful Catholics-
— Bishop Joseph Strickland @ Pillars of Faith (@BishStrick) November 14, 2025
These words came to me after awakening this morning. They are words I should have said to break the silence after my intervention at the USCCB meeting. I say them now to Pope Leo, to the bishops and to all who claim to be disciples of Jesus Christ.
“How… pic.twitter.com/5zyW2g9YrR
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Note: This blog post reflects the author’s analysis based on the provided X post and related context as of November 14, 2025, 06:20 PM PST. For further details, consider exploring the linked X threads or contacting the author for a deeper dive into the issues raised.
