Candace Owens Becomes Catholic

Candace Owens has converted to Catholicism, describing it as a "decision to go home."

The Context

The conservative commentator, who previously identified as a Reformed Evangelical Protestant, announced her conversion on social media.

What We Know

Owens completed her conversion at the Brompton Oratory in the exclusive neighborhood of Knightsbridge in her husband's native London.

She is married to George Farmer, a Catholic himself and the former CEO of Parler, a social media platform favored by conservatives.

The pundit posted two photos of her at the church holding a candle and posing with Father Julian Large who serves as Provost of the Oratory. Large is described as "one of the best known preachers in England," by Christian aid group, Nasarean.

"Recently, I made the decision to go home. There is of course so much more that went into this decision and that I plan to share in the future," Owens captioned the post. "But for now, praise be to God for His gentle, but relentless guiding of my heart toward Truth.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Owens added: "I do not fear. Christ is King. ✝️"

She had previously hinted at making the conversion to Catholicism multiple times over the past year, including revealing she attended Mass with Farmer and their two children.

Owens made the revelation in May 2023 when she hosted a theological debate between her husband and Fox News commentator Allie Beth Stuckey on her former podcast, The Candace Owens Show.

Then in March she replied "almost there" when a person on X, formerly Twitter, asked if she was Catholic.

Farmer opened up about the difference in the couple's outlook on religion in a rare interview.

"We have different brands," he told the Catholic Herald. "She is very outward-facing, and pretty much everything she says becomes a news story, whereas I am exclusively interested in faith."

Farmer added: "Sometimes I find myself getting dragged into political whirlwinds which, honestly, I believe to be distracting from my end goal, which is cultural renewal of the West.

"Christianity does not sit within any one political ideology; the Church sits above all of them."

Views

People reacted to Owens' announcement in the replies to her post.

Scripture teacher Jeff Cavins said: "Congratulations and welcome to the church! We will lift you up in prayer and pray that God continues to use you for his glory!"

Podcast host Caroline Coram commented: "God is God. If you have true belief, it should not matter what building you pray on or what rituals you carry out."

"Catholicism is a false religion based on man-made beliefs that aren't found anywhere in the Scriptures, such as purgatory, the rosary, confession, works-based righteousness, veneration of the saints, immaculate conception, and much more. Beware of Catholicism," wrote self-described "servant of Jesus," Trevor Sheatz.

What's Next

Owens said she would reveal more about her conversion at a later date.

In the meantime, she is likely reassessing her career options after she was fired from her role at the Daily Wire, which hosted her podcast.

CEO Jeremy Boreing announced on social media platform X on March 22 that the Daily Wire and Owens had ended their relationship. It was widely believed she was fired for her views on Israel's military assault in Gaza, which was at loggerheads with the Daily Wire's editor emeritus Ben Shapiro.

Israel retaliated to Hamas' attack on the country in October. The military arm of the Palestinian political group killed 1,200 and captured around 250 Israelis. Large areas of Gaza have subsequently been razed in strikes from Israel, and the vast majority of the Strip's 2.3 million residents forced to flee their homes. Around 34,000 people in Gaza have been killed since the conflict began, according to Gaza's health authorities, cited by the Associated Press.

Owens said she would bring her show back on her own YouTube channel after a brief hiatus.

UPDATE: 04/23/2024, 4:30 a.m. EDT. This article was updated to include additional information.