Our January issue included a feature story by the political scientist Maria J. Stephan, “When Catholics Confront Authoritarianism.” Dr. Stephan recounted times when, domestically and abroad, Catholics have varyingly aligned themselves with authoritarianism and defended democratic freedom. She warned of current threats from authoritarianism and concluded, “Catholics can and must be a vital force for democratic freedom in the United States and around the world.” Our readers had much to say in response. 

Several of the [readers commenting on this article] seem to think that authoritarian “government” is overt, using China and North Korea as examples. Authoritarians can also be subtle. Using pressure to make others comply without forcing the issue is one way, and giving special perks to the ultra-wealthy is another. Timothy Snyder’s book On Tyranny is an excellent read, explaining how authoritarianism works without most of us even realizing it. We need to get out of our comfort zone and look around at the subtle signs. The church should be leading the way instead of cheerleading the slide into total authoritarianism.
Stephen Healy

Wonderful, well written and researched. Thank you for not only pointing out the problems and issues in these troubled times in America, but for reminding me how Catholics are making a difference. Also, this article clearly gives solutions. I was getting tired of all the hand-wringing. I will join up with at least one of the organizations [mentioned by Dr. Stephan], become a more active participant and encourage others to do the same. The whole world is watching.
Kathleen Foote

The church needs to do some introspection on this whole concept. Our church has been one of the most authoritarian organizations in history. They just don’t have the power anymore. Thank the Lord for this.
David Rios

The United States just held an election wherein a socialist won the mayorship of the most important city in the world. This inconvenient truth doesn’t bolster Dr. Stephan’s claim that Mr. Trump is king and that we live under an all-powerful authoritarian regime. I don’t know any authoritarian regime that would allow free/fair elections, along with the election of such a vocal opponent as Mayor Elect [Zohran] Mamdani.
Kevin O’Neil

It is heartening to read moral reflection on the actions of the current government of the United States. As a Canadian I have watched the hate-fueled actions of the current administration. The degradation of people arrested by ICE is appalling to watch and is in sharp contrast with the messages of love and peace Jesus gave us. The contempt for Canadians is sending a very different signal than I have experienced over the years on visits to the United States or from visitors from your lovely country visiting Canada. I hope in the future, Canadians, immigrants, people of color and people whose religious faith is other than extreme right-wing un-Christian will be heard above the sometimes deafening roar of hate and intolerance.
Tom Webb

The basic premise of the article is suspect. While there are problems with the implementation of immigration law, the evolution of the Voting Rights Act, for example, is coming from the Supreme Court, not some authoritarian. Comparing the United States to communist Poland, the Philippines under Marcos, Chile under Pinochet, Nicaragua under Ortega, communist El Salvador, and Zambia is ridiculous. Advising people to disregard what they may consider unjust law is malpractice. Yes, people should express themselves in the public square, informed by faith; but let’s not hide politics, which this article clearly is, behind the curtain of faith.
Joseph Eastburn

Sadly, where I live, the current [presidential] office holder and his administration are well regarded by a number of Catholics. I will share this article with my Catholic friends as they, too, have been disheartened at our Catholic clergy, family members and friends who have not seen the overt threats to our human rights, and the leaning into authoritarianism, as counter to our Catholic faith and the embrace of Jesus and his teaching. God help us.
Maryanne Malone

This article appears in February 2026.