Two former F.B.I. agents who went on to hold leadership roles in the church say a memo characterizing traditionalist Catholics as possible domestic threats is a troubling example of the bureau not following its own guidelines.
Michael J. O’Loughlin
Michael J. O’Loughlin is national correspondent at America and author of Hidden Mercy: AIDS, Catholics, and the Untold Stories of Compassion in the Face of Fear.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Los Angeles Bishop David O’Connell, advocate for peace and migrants, shot and killed
Bishop David O’Connell, an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles known for his advocacy for peace, was shot and killed Saturday, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Posted inFaith, Scripture Reflections
Listen with the ear of your heart
A Reflection for Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time, by Michael J. O’Loughlin
Posted inNews Analysis, Politics & Society
Analysis: What’s really driving criticism of Cardinal McElroy’s call for LGBT inclusion
In addition to the critique of Cardinal McElroy’s focus on welcome and inclusion, critics are also reacting to the process through which that could happen: the ongoing synod of bishops.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Decriminalization and dialogue: What statements from Pope Francis and Cardinal McElroy mean for L.G.B.T. Catholics
The pope and Cardinal McElroy both made statements this week on L.G.B.T. issues, which have until recently not been discussed by church officials.
Posted inFaith, Scripture Reflections
How Martin Luther King Jr. helped me make sense of today’s Gospel
A Reflection for Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time, by Michael O’Loughlin
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Inside President Biden’s car ride along the border with Bishop Seitz
Two days before the president’s arrival in El Paso, Bishop Seitz had released a statement on behalf of the U.S. bishops critical of the Biden administration’s recently announced immigration plans.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
‘A renowned theologian, a holy man’: President Biden, Cardinal Dolan, other U.S. Catholics respond to Pope Benedict XVI’s death
In the wake of the death of pope emeritus Benedict XVI earlier today, U.S. Catholics offered public condolences and prayers.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
‘Longest Night’ services bring comfort to Catholics dealing with loss this Christmas season
Coinciding with the winter solstice, the Longest Night is a prayer service aimed at offering comfort to people who struggle with the in-your-face, over-the-top joy sometimes demanded during the Christmas season.
Posted inFaith, Scripture Reflections
Darkness is all around. But light awaits us.
A Reflection for the Memorial of St. John of the Cross, by Michael J. O’Loughlin