Each year at this time, near the Fourth of July, we contemplate freedom. But maybe we are also being called to do an extended examination of our own fears.
Short Take
Posted inFaith, Short Take
What Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral campaign can teach the Catholic Church about reaching Gen Z
On Tuesday night, Mr. Mamdani pulled off a shocking upset and finished first in the initial round of vote-counting in the Democratic primary for mayor. What can his campaign teach the Catholic Church about energizing “Gen Z”?
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
On hearing Trump invoke God after bombing Iran on the feast of Corpus Christi
How should American Catholics respond to the U.S. attacks on Iran? Perhaps the Feast of Corpus Christi offers a counterpoint to the god of war, power and vengeance invoked by so many today.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
Cops—and ICE—need to stop wearing masks
Masked police undermine trust and amplify fear. They do not fit a democratic society.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
A Catholic bishop and a Jewish candidate for NYC mayor go to immigration court
The direct action of San Diego Bishop Michael Pham is likely to leave a stronger impression in the minds of the public—and of the immigrants who are circling in and out of court—than any written statement.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
Israel, Iran and the deadly results of abandoning international laws
In judging the morality of an act of war, an easy ask is always: “Was the belligerent party left with no other recourse?” That does not appear to be true in this case.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
I fought in Afghanistan. Watching Trump’s Army parade, I didn’t feel proud.
My primary problem with the parade wasn’t just that it broke a norm. My problem is that it reminded me how easily we tell ourselves comforting stories instead of asking hard questions.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
A survivor of Nazi-occupied France asks: Who will protect Trump’s migrant targets?
My Jewish family was sheltered in a Christian village in Nazi-occupied France. Now I am a naturalized American citizen, but can I count on similar courage and good will from my neighbors?
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
The L.A. immigration raids: This is what it feels like to be occupied by a foreign army.
No one I knew in Los Angeles was afraid to go downtown. That is, they were unafraid until President Donald Trump called in the National Guard and then the Marines.
Posted inFaith, Short Take
An early test for Pope Leo: Addressing the intersection of sexual and spiritual abuse
In my work as both a catechist and mental health professional, I have seen the impact of spiritual abuse firsthand.