Kentucky Lay Catholic Group Calls-Out Bishop John Stowe

Advocates for the Holy Family, a group of dedicated lay Catholics in the Diocese of Lexington, recently marked their one-year anniversary. Formed to address concerns over Bishop John Stowe’s leadership, the group critiques his focus on three issues—the LGBTQIA+ agenda, immigration, and climate change—while alleging he neglects broader spiritual challenges within the Church and society.

The Advocates assert that Bishop Stowe intertwines religion and politics, often clashing with conservative Catholics and publicly criticizing President Donald Trump. In January 2025, Stowe reportedly called Trump a “convicted rapist” from the altar, a claim tied to a settled defamation lawsuit. ABC News and anchor George Stephanopoulos recently paid Trump $15 million after falsely reporting he was convicted of rape, highlighting the legal risks of such statements.

Amid declining faith in the U.S.—With 29% of Americans identifying as atheist, agnostic, or unaffiliated (Pew Research), 69% of Catholics doubting the True Presence (Pew Research), and church membership dipping below 50% for the first time (Gallup)—the Advocates argue Stowe prioritizes a personal agenda over these pressing spiritual crises. They accuse him of promoting views that contradict Church doctrine, citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church on gender (CCC 1515), marriage (CCC 1625), and homosexuality (CCC 2353, 2357, 2359). Specific grievances include Stowe’s support for a transgender hermit, promotion of transgender practices, and endorsement of blessings for same-sex couples.

The Advocates highlight several actions they deem problematic:

• Stowe’s intent to end the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) in the diocese, expressed during a June 2023 Deacon Formation class, where he reportedly called kneeling for Communion “diabolical.”
• His cancellation of at least four priests for adhering to traditional practices.
• His affiliations with New Ways Ministry, Pax Christi USA, and the Association of US, Catholic Priests (AUSCP) — groups the Advocates label as heretical and at odds with U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) guidance.
• His use of diocesan funds to sponsor Lexington’s Gay Pride Festival as a Red Level Sponsor, despite denying involvement when questioned by Concerned Catholics, a separate local group.
• His support for a woman identifying as a man to become a hermit within the diocese (Brother Christian Matson), whom Stowe praised as sincere.

Financial transparency also concerns the Advocates, who question the funding for Stowe’s frequent travel to speak at events hosted by the aforementioned organizations. Additionally, they opposed his attempt to hire Aaron Bianco — a self-identified gay man in a 17-year same-sex “marriage” — as Director of the
Office of Worship. After pushback, the diocese cited insurance issues for Bianco’s partner, and the hiring appears to have been shelved.

Advocates for the Holy Family call for renewed focus on Church teachings and spiritual leadership, urging accountability and fidelity to Catholic doctrine in the Diocese of Lexington.

TAKE ACTION: Support the Advocates for the Holy Family by visit https://advocates4hf.org.