CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s new Catholic bishop will be the Rev. Evelio Menjivar Ayala Most, an immigrant advocate originally from El Salvador, known for his opposition to the immigration policies of former President Donald Trump. The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston made the appointment public on Friday.
Menjivar Ayala, 55, fled El Salvador’s civil conflicts as a teenager in the late 1980s. After entering the United States illegally in 1990, he quickly gained humanitarian protection and subsequently obtained his visa as a religious leader, ultimately becoming a U.S. citizen two decades ago. He empathizes deeply with migrants facing challenges today, stating, “That could have been me.”
The Catholic Church has long championed the humane treatment of immigrants and refugees. Menjivar Ayala, alongside other church leaders, voiced strong criticism of the Trump administration’s mass deportation policies while also affirming states’ rights to secure their borders and promote reconciliation among communities.
Focus on Community Engagement
In his initial remarks after being appointed, Menjivar Ayala refrained from discussing immigration policy. Instead, he expressed his eagerness to connect with and learn from West Virginians. Notably, he addressed part of his audience in Spanish, emphasizing his commitment to inclusivity.
“I have a lot to learn, but my heart is ready and wide open,” he said, adding that he intends to prioritize listening to those marginalized by society, including the poor, workers, and immigrants, echoing the biblical teaching of Matthew 25.
In the Archdiocese of Washington, which encompasses the District of Columbia and parts of Maryland, over 40% of parishioners identify as Latino. In contrast, only 2.4% of West Virginia’s population is Latino, with a staggering 92.6% identifying as white among its 1.77 million residents.
Transitioning Leadership in Wheeling-Charleston
Menjivar Ayala takes over from Pastor Mark Brennan, 79, who has led the Diocese of West Virginia since 2019, following a tumultuous period marked by scandals involving sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement under a previous bishop. During Friday’s joint news conference, Brennan emphasized the significance of embracing diverse backgrounds within the community.
“He loves all the people here. He will not be the bishop of just one group in the diocese. He will serve everyone. I can guarantee that,” Brennan affirmed.
Having spent much of his pastoral career in the Washington area, the new bishop faces the challenge of ministering to rural communities with fewer Catholics while overseeing the diocese’s 61,000 parishioners across 92 parishes in West Virginia. Acknowledging the state’s scenic beauty, he also highlighted the ongoing hardships faced by many residents grappling with poverty and social inequality.
Recognition for Advocacy Work
Cardinal Robert McElroy of Washington praised Menjivar Ayala for his unwavering commitment to justice and the welfare of Hispanic and immigrant communities. “His passion for justice and sensitive care will sow seeds of grace that promise to bear fruit for years to come,” McElroy stated.
In a previous article for the Catholic Standard, Menjivar Ayala condemned the Trump administration’s treatment of immigrants. He described the situation as increasingly dire, accusing the federal government of orchestrating a campaign characterized by aggressive and questionable immigration enforcement practices.
Menjivar Ayala’s appointment comes on the heels of the recent presidential election, reflecting ongoing societal debates surrounding immigration policy and justice. The White House has not responded to inquiries regarding his new role.
In a related development, Rev. John Gomez, a Colombian-born priest, was also appointed as bishop in the Diocese of Laredo, Texas. He will officially take on his role on June 30 after becoming a U.S. citizen in 2021.
The trend of appointing foreign-born clergy as bishops underscores the declining number of priestly ordinations in the United States, highlighting the growing importance of diverse leadership within Catholic dioceses nationwide.
