Bishop Flores gives his view on 'Trump with bible' event

Bishop Daniel Flores has given his view on President Trump’s decision to pose for photos in front of a boarded up church near the White House with a bible in his hand.The episode has drawn lots of commentary from around the world. According to news reports, federal officers used force to clear a large crowd of peaceful demonstrators from the street between the White House and St. John’s Episcopal Church.The decision to move the demonstrators was made by Attorney General William Barr in order to clear a path for the president. The White House says tear gas was not used. Media reports and those in the crowd say otherwise.  Trump visited the boarded up church the day after a fire was set in its basement. Trump stood in front of the world’s media with his back to the church and held aloft a bible. He did not speak about unrest in the country, nor open the bibleThe Right Rev. Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, said she was “outraged” by the episode, believing the president used the church as a political prop.Bishop Flores was asked about the episode during a webinar held by the Diocese of Brownsville to celebrate World Communications Day. Normally, Flores would hold the annual event at the San Juan Basilica. However, due to the coronavirus he spoke to reporters online.Asked about Trump’s visit to St. John’s and his actions there, Flores said: “I found it very difficult to watch. I fear that both parties would use kinds of religious symbols to promote a certain agenda, on one side or the other. I think that is something that happens.”Flores said the separation of church and state is not something that only protects the state. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.