Commentaries

The Supreme Court as an abortion-law battleground

Richard Doerflinger thinks those foreseeing Roe v. Wade's reversal should calm down. It's more likely the Roberts court will take a gradual path away from Roe, perhaps with these three first steps.

‘Civic disruption’ requires moral, pastoral response

Rooted in the Gospel, Catholic social teaching is not political but principled, writes Bishop Barry C. Knestout. Christ's love makes us one human family, and informs our response to issues from defense of the unborn to immigration.

Counting on the Holy Spirit to turn CEOs into humanity’s wise elders

As an organizer of a Vatican meeting of CEOs from petroleum producers and investment firms, Carolyn Woo knew the Holy Spirit was working the room to help leaders dialogue and ultimately to pass on what we cherish most.

When Catholics gather to share and listen, good things happen

Last year's national meeting of 3,200 Catholic leaders and a recent Georgetown conference on polarization so impressed one participant that he sees such face-to-face-gatherings as ideal for energizing all Catholics.

Synod will study today’s music to hear what youth are saying

The church will listen to the next generation through their music to recognize their distinctive gifts and needs. Young people also must listen to the Lord to discern how be disciples in their culture, writes Father Thomas Dailey.

One brief shining moment

The play "Camelot," which celebrates American optimism, was always a tragedy of the fading dream of idealism. In this charged political climate Greg Erlandson wonders how we can reclaim the American dream.

On America’s birthday, focus on love and compassion

Moises Sandoval sees several ways Americans are responding to the call of Jesus in Matthew 25: "I was hungry and you gave me food ... a stranger and you welcomed me...."

Some advice from America’s only Catholic founding father

A historian looks at the life of Charles Carroll, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and find eight tips for Catholics to navigate the politics of today, with many of the same issues still in play.

Whether here or there, it’s all our house

Maureen Pratt reflects on going to Mass at another church in the summer, and the opportunities to meet people who open their churches to us, building subtle, spirit-filled bridges as we come and go.

Separation from morality

There are not two sides to the issue of separating parents from children at the U.S.-Mexico border. It is immoral, says a guest editorial. The administration's goal of reforming immigration policy does not justify the means.