The Archdiocese of Detroit responds to Governor Whitmer’s viral video

DETROIT (WXYZ) — The Archdiocese of Detroit has released a statement in response to a recent viral video released by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

In the video posted by Tik Tok content creator Liz Plank, Whitmer is shown feeding Plank a Dorito, similar to receiving communion during Catholic Mass while Plank is on his knees.

Here is the archdiocese’s full statement:

Archbishop Vigneron:

“The Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) serves as the official voice of the Catholic Church in Michigan on public policy issues and facilitates the Church’s civic engagement elected leaders and supporting the work of bishops in Michigan’s seven dioceses. I’m grateful that they accomplished something in this rolethis clear and uncompromising answer to the current video with our governor.

“As believing citizens, it is our responsibility to participate in the political order in light of the teachings of Christ and the Church and to engage with one another and with our elected officials in ways that further our concerns of charity – Christian love – expresses and at the same time maintains the inherent dignity of every human being. Both St. Peter and St. Paul exhort early Christians to pray for those in positions of civic leadership who, through God’s providence, have become his stewards of the common good in our communities. Let us pray for our governor that her public service will always reflect this reality, including a commitment to religious freedom and promoting a culture of respect for all faiths.”

Michigan Catholic Conference:

A video featuring Gov. Gretchen Whitmer posted yesterday on the social media platform Instagram prompted the state’s Catholic Bishops’ Conference to express deep disappointment and offense over the actions shown in the video. In the skit, Whitmer places a Dorito chip on the outstretched tongue of a woman who kneels as the camera pans in the same manner as one would receive communion on the tongue. The governor then stares blankly into the camera.

“The skit goes beyond the viral online trend that inspired it, specifically imitating the posture and gestures of Catholics as they receive the Holy Eucharist, in which we believe that Jesus Christ is truly present,” said Paul A. Long , President of the Michigan Catholic Conference CEO. “It’s not just tasteless or ‘weird’; It’s an all-too-familiar example of an elected official mocking religious figures and their practices. While dialogue on this issue with the Governor’s Office is appreciated, whether or not the insult to Catholics and the Eucharist was intended, it had an offensive effect.

“People in this state and across the country are fed up and continue to express concern that civility and respect for people of faith is diminishing by the day. Michigan is a religiously diverse state and includes thriving communities of Christian, Jewish and Muslim believers. “It is now time for those in public office, their superiors and strategists to return a measure of respect, courtesy and appreciation for those who have found peace and fulfillment in life through the worship of God and service to others.”

Governor Whitmer also released the following statement following the release of the video:

“In my 25 years of public service, I would never do anything to denigrate another person’s faith. I have used my platform to advocate for people’s right to embrace and practice their personal religious beliefs. My team spoke with the Michigan Catholic Conference. What was originally intended to be a video about the importance of the CHIPS law for Michigan jobs, but was interpreted as something it was never intended to be, and I apologize for that.”