Mitt Romney’s participation in a racial justice march Sunday brought the startling sight of Republicans’ 2012 presidential nominee avowing that “black lives matter” – a rare statement for a federal lawmaker in his party.

While his presence at a faith-driven march was a matter of timing rather than a deliberate choice, it underscored the influence that Romney’s own faith has had on his decision-making on moral matters.

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany also criticized Romney on Monday, saying he had offered “very empty words” in contrast to Trump’s work to help the black community.

Romney, the first major-party presidential nominee who is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, partly grounded his decision to become the only GOP senator supporting Trump’s removal from office in his faith.

A church spokesman referred a request for comment on Romney’s participation in the march to the senator’s office.