It seems to me that the author is identifying church with clergy. I suspect that the abstention of clergy overshadows participation by a significant cadre of catholics (including nominal and "former") among the bigotry resisters, the equality supporters. 
Our clergy, it seems, do not wish to jeopardize their position with their bishops who in turn, are significantly aligned with the likes of Jerry Falwell types.  They have no interest in compromising their advantageous allegiance to Trump, money and political influence.  More sensitive hierarchy have no interest in "calling out" their brothers, touting human moral values of equality, decency, civility, peace, justice by participating. 
So much for demanding a voice in the public square.