Follow-up to my Statement on Bishop-elect Hennen

Many faithful Catholics have expressed concern over my recent comments regarding Pope Leo XIV’s appointment of Fr. Thomas Hennen as Bishop-elect of Baker. I write now not to backtrack, but to clarify and deepen what must be said – for the sake of the flock and for the integrity of the Church.

A bishop is a shepherd, yes – but also a watchman. And if the watchman sounds the alarm only once the wolves are already among the sheep, many souls will be devoured. The shepherd’s call must go out when the wolves are still circling – even when they wear friendly faces or familiar collars.

In light of Pope Leo XIV’s recent episcopal appointments, including Fr. Hennen’s, the wolves are indeed circling. And it is no slander to say so – it is a sober warning based on what is plainly evident.

Regarding Fr. Hennen, he was noted to have been a key contributor to the Diocese of Davenport’s 2023 Guidelines for Pastoral Accompaniment of Sexual and Gender Minorities, a document that appears to speak more about “inclusion” and “listening” than about conversion, repentance, or truth.

Much of the language in this document, as well as statements attributed to Fr. Hennen, would seem to imply that it is the Church’s perennial teaching itself that is the source of harm – a dangerous suggestion. Also, the document frames the false anthropology behind gender ideology, rather than upholding the truth that God made them “male and female” (Genesis 1:27).

What is especially significant is that New Ways Ministry, an organization that departs from the moral teachings of the Church, praised the Davenport guidelines that Fr. Hennen helped craft, labeling them a milestone for LGBTQ+ pastoral care. Therefore, as I highlighted, “those who support these approaches” would see this appointment as a sign of continuity with Francis-era pastoral blurring.

It has been stated that Fr. Hennen has worked with Courage International, which faithfully helps men and women with same-sex attraction live chastely. That is commendable, but his involvement with the Davenport document and his lack of clear opposition to those who distort Church teaching is worrisome.

To those who think I spoke out of turn, I would encourage you to ask this question: Why would Pope Leo appoint a bishop whose record is openly celebrated by those who reject the Church’s moral teachings? It is especially significant at this time, when the faithful are looking for signs that past wrongs will be made right.

We must remember what came before – Pope Francis’s era of confusion – where blessing same-sex unions was approved under the banner of Fiducia Supplicans, where doctrinal clarity was sacrificedfor “pastoral flexibility,” and where the Lavender Mafia grew bolder under his protection.

We cannot wait until every appointment is compromised or every diocese is confused. We must speak now – when the pattern is still forming. We must resist this creeping corruption while the door is still ajar – not after it has been shut behind us.

The Church belongs to Jesus Christ, not to networks of influence or the spirit of the age. And every bishop must one day answer to Christ the Judge for whether he warned the sheep or stayed silent.

I do not write this to sow division, but to speak truth in love. The people of God deserve shepherds who are both merciful and courageous – who love the sinner but never affirm the sin.

When the wolves circle, the watchman must cry out.

Let me conclude by saying that I am praying for Fr. Hennen that he may remain steadfast on the plumb line of God’s truth and shepherd the faithful with integrity. I urge all the faithful to join with me, and to also join me in praying for our Holy Father, that he may lead with clarity, courage, and fidelity to the Gospel of Christ.

+Bishop Joseph E. Strickland
Bishop Emeritus of Tyler