Leftover Embryos
It should come as no surprise to readers of this column that I find President Bush profoundly deficient in implementing his culture of life theme. Sometimes, when I fail in charity and am tempted to judge his character, I even suspect it a cynical move to use an expression famously invoked by Pope J
Hopes for U.N. Reform
Some suspect that the Holy See has no interest in United Nations reform. To be sure, the Holy See is not a full member of the United Nations; it holds the status of special observer. This status does not diminish its interest in the reform of the United Nations. At the United Nations, observer state
Orthodoxy Online
What does the number 26,300,000 signify? It’s not the number of seconds in a day (734,400); it’s not the population of France (61,000,000); it’s not Donald Trump’s salary for his work on The Apprentice this year ($3,200,000 to say "You’re fired" 34 times). It
Catholic Universities and Interreligious Dialogue
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the document from the Second Vatican Council that outlined the church’s relations with the great non-Christian religions in light of a renewed theology. The declaration was the first systematic, positive and comprehensive presentation ever
Benedict: What’s in a Name?
By their choice of a name, newly elected popes have tried to project an ideal for their pontificate.
Of Many Things
Of Many Things
Tom Reese was almost always on the phone. As editor in chief of America, his job mainly entailed reviewing manuscripts, editing articles and proofreading galleys. In the midst of these duties, he also spent time, like any good editor, puzzling over ways to boost circulation and improve the magazine.
Letters
Letters
Challenging Times
In his article Is This Transparency? (5/16), Russell Shaw asks whether the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is operating in a public and transparent manner. He suggests the answer may be no. Unfortunately, I think the answer is a definite yes.
Could it be possible that the secrecy of the American bishops is not…
Editorials
Speaking the Truth in Love
Since Paul confronted Peter, the church has known diverse tendencies within it.
Faith in Focus
Teach Us to Pray
"Lord, teach us to pray. Are there any words in the Gospel more poignant than these? Here is a phrase that pulls us to the very core of belief – a request that cries out for consolation, instruction, guidance and hope. Throw us a lifeline, Jesus. We need help. Teach us to pray! After two…
Books
Living by the Sword
Today as never before in their history Americans are enthralled with military power So begins the introduction to Andrew J Bacevich rsquo s thorough and prophetic examination of our increasing dependence on guns and bombs to insure our domestic security and spread our ideals of democracy abroad Ba
The Democratic Project
The newest book by the papal biographer and social commentator George Weigel owes much of its theory to the late Pope John Paul II and its main questions read like a sermon by the new pope Benedict XVI The Cube and the Cathedral is an excellent read It is clear to the point and engaging…
Six Faces of Temperance
At the closing of the interreligious World Day of Peace in Assisi in 1986 Pope John Paul II articulated the essence and value of the day rsquo s fasting and prayer ldquo Let us see in it an anticipation of what God would like the developing history of humanity to be a fraternal journey in…
The Word
Openhearted Hospitality
In the ancient world hospitality was not merely a point of etiquette it was a requirement for survival in a perilous world There were no general stores and travelers depended upon the goodwill of others for food shelter and necessary supplies while they were on a journey The custom assured str
Three Cheers for God!
Although it is not Trinity Sunday the readings for today invite us to reflect on the mystery of our triune God and on the way of living to which intimacy with God calls us It is really the psalm that sets the stage for our reflections It summons us to praise God for the goodness…
News
Signs of the Times
Catholic Press Group Silent on ResignationCatholic Press Association members voted 48 to 28 on May 26 against a statement expressing concern about the resignation of Thomas J. Reese, S.J., as editor in chief of America magazine and emphasizing the importance of Catholic journalists’ exercising
Politics
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Culture
Vatican
Scripture
Podcasts