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Could It Be the Hand of Cupich Driving Charlotte? Unpacking the Rhetoric of “Unity” in TLM Restrictions

Traditionis Custodes was issued in 2021, purportedly to unify the Church under a “single and identical prayer.” U.S. bishops have responded in diverse ways. Some have quietly restricted the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM), citing Vatican rules or pastoral priorities. Others, though, have leaned into a specific buzzword: “unity.” This term, while rooted in the Pope’s directive, takes on a unique flavor in the hands of Cardinal Blase Cupich—and, intriguingly, in the recent actions of the dioceses of Charlotte and Tyler. So unique is this coercive weaponized use of “unity” that it’s like a rhetorical fingerprint. So unique is this fingerprint that it begs us to explore whether Cupich is behind the scenes, particularly in Charlotte? Let’s explore.

What Makes Cupich’s “Unity” Stand Out?

Cardinal Cupich has a history with the word “unity” that’s hard to miss. Back in 2002, as Bishop of Rapid City, he famously padlocked a TLM parish on Good Friday, barring parishioners from their church. His reasoning? It was an “invitation to unity,” a call to join him in worship as “one church under one bishop” (reported here citing Rapid City Journal, 2002). Years later, as Cardinal of Chicago, he doubled down. After Traditionis Custodes, he framed TLM restrictions as essential for a “single and identical prayer” to heal division (Pray Tell, 2021), and by 2022, he’d pressured the Institute of Christ the King to suspend their TLM Masses in Chicago.

What’s notable here isn’t just the restrictions, I mean, plenty of bishops have cracked down on the TLM — but the way Cupich wields “unity.” It’s not a vague platitude; it’s a justification, positioning the TLM as a threat to cohesion and restrictions as the cure. Critics call it coercive, a way to strong-arm traditionalists into the Novus Ordo. Whether you agree or not, it’s a rhetorical choice that marks his approach. It’s like a fingerprint.

Cupich’s “Unity” Beyond the Liturgy: A Political and Civic Tool?

Cardinal Cupich doesn’t just lean on “unity” to shape liturgical debates—it’s a Swiss Army knife he pulls out in political and civic contexts too. And boy, does he seem to love this word. It’s not just a buzzword for him; it’s a tactic, often wielded with a coercive edge to nudge people into line. Let’s unpack a few examples:

Cupich’s “unity” isn’t just a recurring theme. It’s his power move. In each context, he spins it to align with his goals, whether that’s cozying up to political agendas or pushing a singular vision of civic life. Opposition gets cast as disunity, a sin against the collective good he’s defined. Sound familiar? It’s the same playbook he’s used in liturgical battles, like the TLM crackdown—unity as both shield and sword. He doesn’t just like the word; he wields it like a maestro, coaxing, or strong-arming, everyone into the his key. (and everyone else out)

Is This “Unity” Rhetoric Really Unique?

To see if this is Cupich’s fingerprint, let’s compare it to other bishops who’ve restricted the TLM:

I could go on and on, but I selected just a few of the many. Even among bishops enforcing Traditionis Custodes stringently, “unity” isn’t a go-to phrase. Most stick to practical or Vatican-driven explanations. Cupich’s spin on it, that is by casting it as a proactive fix for division, stands out like a sore fingerprint.

The Same Footprint in Tyler and Charlotte

Now, let’s look at Tyler and Charlotte, where this “unity” rhetoric pops up like a familiar footprint in the mud:

This isn’t the standard boilerplate you’d expect from Traditionis Custodes compliance. It’s a specific lens that mirrors Cupich’s playbook: unity as the goal, restrictions as the tool.

It’s worse that Bishop Martin allegedly said “some pain is necessary for unity.” See the fingerprint there?

Timing and Influence: More Than Coincidence?

The plot thickens when you consider the timing. Strickland’s ousting in November 2023 came under scrutiny, with some pointing to his clashes with Vatican priorities — like his TLM support — as the trigger. Who was on the Dicastery for Bishops, advising on such moves? Cardinal Cupich, appointed by Pope Francis in 2016 (you know, he was appointed by three popes, not just Francis). Then there’s Charlotte: Bishop Martin’s appointment in 2024 coincided with chatter about Cupich’s sway over U.S. bishop selections, a topic that heated up when appointments reportedly stalled that year.

Cupich’s role in the Dicastery gives him a direct line to bishop appointments and removals. His alignment with Francis’s liturgical vision — cracking down on the TLM to streamline worship — is no secret. Insiders have long speculated that he’s shaping the U.S. episcopate, though hard proof stays behind closed doors. The “vibes” of his influence were strong enough to raise eyebrows when Vásquez and Martin, both new to their roles, rolled out TLM policies with Cupich-esque flair.

A Fair Question, Not a Slam Dunk

You tell me: could Cupich be driving Charlotte’s approach—and maybe Tyler’s too? The evidence isn’t ironclad, but the pattern’s too striking to dismiss. The “unity” rhetoric isn’t common; it’s a deliberate choice, and its near-identical use in these dioceses feels like a fingerprint tying them to Cupich. Add his Dicastery role and the suspicious timing, and it’s a question worth asking.

That said, we’re not in the room where it happens. No leaked memos or public statements pin Cupich to these decisions. Even if they did, we don’t know if it’s influence by imitation or decree. Local factors or Vatican pressure could explain the overlap too. Still, the fingerprint’s there—sharp, distinct, and hard to unsee. For anyone tracking the TLM’s fate in America, wondering if Cupich’s hand is at work isn’t just fair—it’s unavoidable.


This article, Could It Be the Hand of Cupich Driving Charlotte? Unpacking the Rhetoric of “Unity” in TLM Restrictions is a post from The Bellarmine Forum.
https://bellarmineforum.org/could-it-be-the-hand-of-cupich-driving-charlotte-unpacking-the-rhetoric-of-unity-in-tlm-restrictions/
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