We need more from the Catholic bishops than a mixed response to racism Catholics deserve better leadership from the bishops in the struggle against racism. Damarra Atkins pays her respects to George Floyd at a mural at George Floyd Square on April 23, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) April 28, 2021 (RNS) — The American Catholic bishops are frequently criticized by the left and the right for what they say in the political arena. Conservatives want them to speak out more on abortion and gender issues and less about immigration and the poor. Progressives, on the other hand, want them to do exactly the opposite.