Commentaries

Why repeal the Johnson Amendment? There is wisdom in it

The provision of the tax code prohibiting churches from endorsing candidates should not be repealed, writes John Garvey, because the Catholic Church should not be making political endorsements anyway.

Church, community come together to offer prenatal care to women

Read Father Gus Puleo's award-winning essay on how medical professionals, seminarians and parish-based health promoters are offering care to immigrant Hispanic women at St. Patrick Parish, Norristown.

Today’s judgment on the past may become tomorrow’s indictment

Just as leaders at Yale will be judged for how they handled the legacy of a renowned, pro-slavery alum, so will our actions be judged, writes seminarian Eric Banecker. We must seek God's will above all, knowing people's opinions are fickle.

Only Congress can fix our antiquated, broken immigration system

Blame for the fears stoked by President Trump's immigration orders lies with the failure of Congress to enact comprehensive reform these past 15 years, writes Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski. Most immigrants in the U.S. without proper documents harm no one but work hard to provide opportunities for their families, he writes.

Love and mercy in politics? It’s so crazy it just might work

Political divisions in the U.S. have grown as words are used to attack, not communicate, writes Richard Doerflinger. Catholics can model an approach that begins with love and respect for everyone.

Cupid vs. Christ: What love looks like, and what it truly is

On this Valentine’s Day we see the mischievous Cupid adorning cards, chocolates and ads. But Kim Griffin advises we look not to fleeting appearances of love, but to the lasting, self-sacrificial love of Jesus on the cross.

How a refugee family became ‘our family’

Nebraska resettles more refugees per capita than any other state, which is how Nebraskan Effie Caldarola and friends came to care for one Syrian family there. They know what extreme vetting really means, and we should too.

What President Trump could learn from George Washington’s farewell

A review of Washington's Farewell Address might show our 45th president the commitment to unity, friendship and religion that our first president saw as essential to leadership and security, writes Jesuit Father William Byron.

The ‘whole life’ approach to pro-life advocacy

Pro-lifers should call for legislative action on many issues in support of life, not just unborn life, writes Maria Pia Negro Chin. These include alternatives to abortion, expansion of health care and an end to the death penalty.

A funny thing happened on the way to confession

A little humor and a fortuitous parking space helped Maureen Pratt come to confession. As her breath slowed and she meditated, she began to feel reconciled to the Lord even before receiving absolution.