Catholic business leaders must fight ‘woke’ wave

I’ve been focused on this crisis for some time, and last year, I even hosted a conference on the topic of woke capitalism. The crisis has only worsened since then. On issue after issue, political and cultural activists are pressuring companies to toe an extreme ideological line. While this effort defies a simplistic left-versus-right distinction, it’s undeniable that so-called “progressives” are leading the charge to take America backward.

Dangerous trajectories

Where to start? How about the campaign to weaken America’s electoral process. Activists have pressured countless companies to oppose common-sense voting reforms at the state level. Businesses like Major League Baseball have canceled big events in states like Georgia. Plenty of other businesses are boycotting states. Now activists are demanding that companies support federal legislation – the misnamed “For the People Act” – that would give D.C. control over state elections and undermine free speech. Businesses are jumping on the bandwagon, fearing they’ll be attacked if they don’t.

That’s bad enough, but it gets worse. Companies are being pressured to embrace the Equality Act, a bill in Congress that would redefine gender and gut religious liberty. This bill, which recently passed the House of Representatives and has the support of the White House, would obliterate the legal distinction between men and women, force transgenderism on society, and hasten the collapse of the family. Activists want it to become a litmus test for businesses. Support it, and you’re safe. Oppose it, and prepare to be savaged.

It’s a similar story with abortion. Nearly 50 years after Roe vs. Wade, abortion extremists have co-opted the business community to oppose pro-life laws – see the 180 CEOs who recently signed a letter opposing any abortion restrictions. The goal is to get every business in America on board with abortion-on-demand.

And of course, activists are pushing businesses to accept a radical approach to race. They want companies to focus on “equity” instead of “equality” in hiring, promotions, and public statements. But that’s just code for judging people by the color of their skin, which is rightly called racism. This overtly political campaign is pushing companies to undermine human dignity, while calling it justice.

Today’s Catholic ambassador

In the face of these assaults on truth, human dignity, and common sense, what is a Catholic business leader to do?

Some may be tempted to stay quiet or, worse, go along with the woke wave. That would violate everything we stand for and move America further away from its moral foundation. It would make businesses tools of the state. That’s the path to crony capitalism and, ultimately, socialism.

It’s just as unacceptable to fight fire with fire. Companies shouldn’t wade into political and policy fights from the opposite direction. Our role as job creators is to unite society by serving society, not divide people by picking sides. If companies get in the business of politics, then politics will dominate business.

But Catholic business leaders can still speak up, forcefully and respectfully. As individuals, we can and must use our platforms and positions to shine a light on all that’s wrong with woke capitalism. Some are doing just that by calling out woke companies directly – check out the Consumers First Initiative, which is running ads against woke companies.

Just as important, we can illuminate what’s right for our communities and country. We should point out the timeless principles and precepts that we hold dear while advocating for an ethical approach to business. We have the opportunity – and the obligation – to act in service to truth and justice. And we must always and everywhere pray, fast, and give alms, combatting evil with the goodness of God.

Our leadership is urgently needed. The woke wave is crashing into America. It’s up to us, as people of faith, to be the wall that beats it back.

TIM BUSCH, a Legatus member for 31 years, is founder and CEO of Pacific Hospitality Group and founder of the Napa Institute, a Catholic lay organization.