Catholic archbishop calls it ‘morally acceptable’ for US troops to defy questionable Trump orders

WASHINGTON, DC: The Catholic archbishop responsible for the Catholic Church’s ministry to the US military said it would be “morally acceptable” for service members to disobey orders that conflict with their conscience.

He also acknowledged that such situations could place troops in difficult positions. Archbishop Timothy Broglio made the comments on US-Greenland diplomacy amid rising concerns about the potential deployment of military force to the region.

Timothy Broglio’s statement and moral concerns on Greenland

Broglio, who leads both the Archdiocese for the Military Services and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, told BBC News on Sunday, January 18, said he “cannot see any circumstances” in which an American military operation to take control of Greenland or another ally’s territory could fulfil the criteria for a just war.

The archbishop also said administration rhetoric on Greenland “tarnishes the image of the United States.” He was asked whether he is concerned about Catholic service members being ordered to participate in a military operation to take control of Greenland.

Broglio responded, “I am obviously worried. He added that they could be put in a situation where they’re being ordered to do something which is morally questionable." He continued "And it would be very difficult for a soldier or a Marine or a sailor by himself to disobey an order such as that."

Broglio further explained, “But strictly speaking, he or she, within the realm of their own conscience, it would be morally acceptable to disobey that order. But that’s perhaps putting that individual in an untenable situation, and that’s my concern.”

When asked if he was “laying out red lines” for the Trump administration, the archbishop said he does not know whether “the powers that be” are open to listening to admonitions from Catholic leaders, but emphasized that he believes it is his duty to speak up.

Timothy Broglio on Trump Administration's foreign policy

Broglio’s comments come at a time when President Donald Trump has sought to position US troops in various domestic and international contexts. According to reports, Trump has sought to deploy troops onto the streets of US cities.

He has also threatened possible military action to take control of Greenland, a territory governed by Denmark and a member of the NATO alliance. The archbishop expressed concern over these possibilities, suggesting that actions such as taking control of the island did not seem necessary.

He noted that existing treaties already allow for the US military presence there. Broglio also told Reuters that it did not seem reasonable for the US to attack and occupy Greenland, highlighting that it is governed by a NATO ally.

In addition to his statements on conscience, Broglio is noted as the latest Catholic leader to voice concern about the direction of US foreign policy. Reports indicated that three fellow archbishops had also criticized aspects of policy under the Trump administration.

Separately, six Democratic members of the Congress in a video reminded military personnel that they have a duty to reject unlawful orders. That action drew strong pushback from the Trump administration, including a Pentagon decision to demote Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona from his rank as a retired Navy captain.

Broglio was elected president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and his term as head of the USCCB concluded in November of last year.