Commentaries

Guidance for the Catholic voter’s conscience

Every four years, some Catholics tell other Catholics who they must vote for, but Greg Erlandson points out a U.S. bishops' guide to considering four principles of Catholic social teaching.

Woe to those who gossip

Some of the worst online backbiting spread on Catholic keyboards, undermining the unity Christ longs for in his church, writes Elise Italiano Ureneck.

Debunking the myths of Little Sisters’ unwanted fight

The Little Sisters of the Poor only want to continue to quietly serve the elderly poor. But while defending religious liberty, they've been smeared, and Sister Constance Veit sets the record straight.

For which imperfect candidate should I vote?

Deciding for whom to vote comes down to a voter's "properly formed conscience," say the U.S. bishops, who treat Catholic voters as adults, writes Hosffman Ospino.

In these ‘interesting’ times, make the best of this gift

There's never been a boring time to be blessed to live on this precious earth, and 2020 is no exception. Honor this brief time, writes Effie Caldarola, and try to cover someone you love with warmth.

What comes after the pandemic?

Pope Francis is pointing out the vulnerabilities of our sick society. But after we leave the field hospital, we face the temptation to return to the same disparities, injustices and degradation that we have lived with for so long.

Why is our discourse destructive? We enjoy anger

Taking pleasure in the abuse of our political or religious opponents for its own sake is not just coarsening, it's wrong, writes John Garvey. Or as his kids would say, that's messed up.

President Trump’s actions are irreconcilable with Scripture

Many moral issues are at stake in the upcoming presidential election. But local parishioner David Koppisch sees a gap too big to ignore between what Christians believe and what the president stands for.

A reminder to speak the truth in charity

Declaring people beyond the mercy of God because of their political positions, we sin against the Holy Spirit and indulge the evil found in our own heart.

To walk in our divided political land, try buddy system

Some people despair that they will ever have a fruitful conversation with a person of another political party, so Amy Uelmen suggests pairing charitably with a person whose views differ.