Michael Voris Age, Height, Education

Gary Michael Voris, a prominent American Catholic author, speaker, and apologist, has long been a figure of both admiration and controversy within the Catholic community. Known for his role as the former president of St. Michael’s Media, the journey of Voris in the realm of Catholic media has been marked by twists and turns, leading to his recent resignation amidst allegations of breaching the Church Militant morality clause.

Founding St. Michael’s Media: A Digital Venture Takes Flight

In 2006, Michael Voris embarked on a new chapter by founding St. Michael’s Media in Ferndale, Michigan. This digital television studio aimed to produce catechetical and news content, giving rise to the website known as Church Militant. The mission was clear: to provide a platform for videos and articles that aligned with a Christian right-wing perspective.

Michael Voris
Image Credit: San Diego Union-Tribune

Struggles with Church Authorities: The “Catholic” Identity Dispute

The journey of St. Michael’s Media has not been without its share of challenges. In 2011, the Archdiocese of Detroit, citing canon law, raised concerns about Voris and RealCatholicTV using the term ‘Catholic’ in their public activities. This led to a name change from RealCatholicTV.com to “ChurchMilitant.tv” and, eventually, ChurchMilitant.com. The dispute, fueled by questions about non-profit status and authorization, underscored the complex relationship between Voris’s media outlet and official church authorities.

Controversies and Criticisms: A Polarizing Figure

Michael Voris has been no stranger to criticism, both from within and outside the Catholic Church. Some critics argue that his remarks promote division and extremism, accusing him of using rumors to cast aspersions on priests and bishops. The Church Militant website itself has displayed critical content about U.S. bishops, labeling them as Marxists and anti-American.

In 2019, Voris faced accusations of heresy, reflecting the divisive nature of his commentary and perspectives within the Catholic community.

Inclusion in Hate Group Lists: A Tarnished Reputation

The Southern Poverty Law Center, in 2021, included Church Militant/St. Michael’s Media in its list of anti-LGBTQ hate groups. This classification, which has been in effect since 2018, further heightened the controversy surrounding Voris and his media outlet.

Resignation Amidst Morality Clause Breach: A Recent Development

In November 2023, the narrative took a dramatic turn when Voris was asked to resign as president of Church Militant/St. Michael’s Media by the board of directors. The reason cited was his alleged breach of the Church Militant morality clause. Voris confirmed his resignation through a video posted on his personal X.com account.

Scranton Ban and Continuing Challenges: A Complex Relationship

Voris’s controversial remarks on Rabbinical Judaism led to a ban on his speaking engagement in the Diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 2011. The ban was rooted in concerns about his extreme positions on other faiths. This incident, among others, highlights the ongoing challenges and conflicts surrounding Voris’s perspectives and the broader implications of his media presence.