Right now, the bishops have a problem. They are unable to speak to native-born, working-class Americans. They are looked at with suspicion by the poor the Church is supposed to serve.
From Appalachian coal mines to Texas oil fields, these people view the Church with suspicion because it does not seem to act in their interests or understand their plight. Fortunately, Vice President JD Vance is uniquely positioned to bridge the clergy with this group of people whom they have not been able to reach. Unfortunately, the Church hierarchy seems unwilling to listen to him. That needs to change. I see three reasons why the bishops have lost this trust.
