Michigan Catholic bishops slam Whitmer over viral skit accused of mocking Communion

The Michigan Catholic bishops conference on Friday slammed the state's Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer over a skit that appeared to mock people receiving Communion. 

The video, which was posted on social media by podcast host Liz Plank, showed Whitmer placing a Dorito onto the kneeling Plank's tongue in the same manner that priests place a wafer on the recipient's tongue in the Holy Eucharist. 

Critics of the video have blasted it as being anti-Catholic, but supporters claim that it was meant to be part of a trend on TikTok where people feed each other food. 

“The skit goes further than the viral online trend that inspired it, specifically imitating the posture and gestures of Catholics receiving the Holy Eucharist, in which we believe that Jesus Christ is truly present,” Paul Long, Michigan Catholic Conference President and CEO, said in a statement. “It is not just distasteful or ‘strange;’ it is an all-too-familiar example of an elected official mocking religious persons and their practices."

The video was not the first time that a Democratic official has been blasted as being anti-Catholic. 

Newt Gingrich accused Vice President Kamala Harris of being "anti-Catholic" in 2020 because of her treatment of U.S. District Judge Brian Buescher during his Senate confirmation hearing, and her alleged involvement in the closure of a number of Catholic hospitals in California while she was California attorney general. 

The FBI has also been accused of promoting anti-Catholic rhetoric after a memo went out last year in Richmond that characterized Catholics that attend traditional Latin Mass as potential violent extremists. However, the Department of Justice cleared the bureau of "malicious intent" in April.

Long said the video on Thursday was another example of the decreased "civility and respect" given to people of faith, and urged state leaders to "return a level of respect, civility, and appreciation for those who have found peace and fulfillment in life by worshiping God and serving their neighbor.”

Whitmer issued a statement to the Diocese of Lansing after speaking with the Michigan Catholic Conference, apologizing for the miscommunication with the video, and claiming she never intended to offend Catholics.

“Over 25 years in public service, I would never do something to denigrate someone's faith. I’ve used my platform to stand up for people’s right to hold and practice their personal religious beliefs," the governor insisted. "What was supposed to be a video about the importance of the CHIPS Act to Michigan jobs, has been construed as something it was never intended to be, and I apologize for that.”

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage