Anti-LGBTQ+ Church Militant Founder Michael Voris “Asked to Resign” For Breaching Morality Clause

William FurneyDec 1, 2023

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The founder of a far-right, Michigan-based group called Church Militant has effectively been fired, and in response he said he needed to deal with “horrible, ugly things.”

Request to Resign

Michael Voris, a vocal opponent of issues ranging from climate change to gay rights, stepped down following a board request and is spending some time looking after himself, the organization said.

‘Breach of Morality Clause’

The group said in a statement: Michael Voris has been asked to resign for breaching the Church Militant morality clause. The board has accepted his resignation.”

‘Personal Health Focus’

The Board of Directors continued in their statement: “We understand this is a shock to you all, but our founder and former CEO is stepping aside and focusing on his personal health.”

No Public Disclosure

The board added: “The Board of Directors has chosen not to disclose Michael’s private matters to the public. The apostolate will be praying for him, and we kindly ask you to do the same.”

No Explanation

In a lengthy video posted on X, formerly Twitter, Voris acknowledged he had been asked to resign but didn’t say what the issue was.

‘Personal Failings’

Voris said in his post: “There have been failings in that area with regard to me — my own personal behavior. I don’t want to make any excuses for what I’ve done. There aren’t any for what I’ve done … Sometimes it takes horrible events, even at your own hand in your own life to surface certain things that need to be faced.”

‘Horrible, Ugly Things’

He continued: “There are some very, very ugly truths from my past that I have avoided facing because I didn’t want to … There are things I have to go away and address and work on — horrible, ugly things. Not going to share them; nobody else’s business but mine. The consequences of me not dealing with those obviously are some people’s business.”

Battle to ‘Conquer Demons’

Voris added: “I need to conquer these demons,” saying they were “like spiritual terror” and were ruining his life and threatening the group he founded.

Outpouring of Support

Many people responded to Voris’ video with messages of support. One wrote on X: “God bless you, Michael Voris. You have my prayers. Being somewhat wrecked by the loss of my husband, I feel compassion with you in your brokenness and soreness. May God bring much much good out of your collaboration with His Grace.”

‘Praying for You’

Another person said: “Heartbreaking! God is merciful Michael, remember that! No sin is greater than God’s mercy. I am praying for you and hope we will see your talents once again offered in service of the church.”

‘Horrible Spiritual Battle’

Someone else commented: “My heartfelt prayers go out to you. We are all horrible sinners compared to what our heavenly Father deserves from us. You fight that horrible spiritual dark battle. You will win that battle because we will be praying for you. You are made in God’s image and you are beautiful!”

‘Dedicated’ to Church

In an interview with The Associated Press last year, Voris said he was dedicated to working for the organization he created. “As long as I’m physically able and mentally able to do this, this is my work,” he said.

‘Erosion of Faith’

Voris had previously said he created Church Militant due to “the serious erosion of the Catholic faith in the last 50 years.”

‘Sinful’ Gay Relationships

Voris said in 2016 that he had had a number of gay relationships, with men he lived with. He had also had relationships with women, he said. But years later he said he realized they had all been “extremely sinful.”

Vatican Criticism

Officials at the Vatican have criticized Voris and his organization, in particular for his praise of Donald Trump’s election in 2016 as president, which Voris termed “divine.”

MAGA Support

Image Credit: George Sheldon/Shutterstock.

Voris is also a supporter of Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) campaign slogan and movement, regularly reposting MAGA posts on his X account. Trump is running for election again, having controversially lost the 2020 vote to Joe Biden, and is the GOP frontrunner for its nomination for the 2024 presidential election.

‘Crazy Christmas Trees’

In its most recent post on its website, Church Militant reported on “satanic and trans Christmas trees” being allowed at a festival.

“The Festival of Trees opened earlier this month, and of the 66 decorated trees on display, one was submitted by the Satanic Temple of Wisconsin and another by the Bay Area Council of Gender Diversity,” the post said. It quoted Republican Congressman Mike Gallagher as saying the trees were “absolutely crazy.”