The Pillar Podcast Ep. 237: Live (and united) from Baltimore!
Nov 14, 2025
JD and Ed dive into the highlights from the U.S. bishops’ fall meeting in Baltimore, discussing positive votes and Bishop Flores' rise as vice president. They explore revisions to Ethical and Religious Directives, Cardinal Pierre's defense of Vatican II, and Archbishop Broglio's strong stance on unity. Light-hearted games keep the atmosphere lively, including guessing how many times Cardinal Pierre mentioned Pope Francis. With financial issues and new leadership on the horizon, the future of the U.S. bishops' conference is on everyone's mind.
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Metered Parking Confession
- Ed admits he often parks at metered spots without paying and treats it like a roll of the dice.
- JD and others react with mock chastisement and ask listeners to pray for him, making it a running joke.
ERD Changes Follow Doctrinal Note
- The USCCB updated ERDs to address gender-related medical care using the 2023 doctrinal note as groundwork.
- The DDF's Dignitas Infinita later narrowed debate and reduced calls for wider lived-experience consultation.
Migration Statement Process Flaw
- A migration statement was drafted in executive session then rushed into limited public debate, producing a procedural muddle.
- A late insertion about opposing "indiscriminate deportation without due process" created unintended clarity and media fodder.