Of Many Things
How to encounter Latino Catholics in America (and why you need to)
The nation has changed, once again. This time we are becoming more Latino. The demographic shift is not the future; it is the present.
Your Take
The Letters
Has the church been wrong on the issue of the death penalty as morally acceptable up to now?
Have you gotten involved in local politics since the last presidential election?
As the first anniversary of the 2016 presidential election nears, America asked readers about their engagement with politics on the local level. Ninety-eight percent of our reader sample told us that they intended to vote in upcoming local elections—though voter turnout in municipal elections in major cities rarely comes close to 50 percent. “Democracy begins…
Editorials
The Editors: Patriotism loses its meaning when it is used as a political weapon
There is nothing patriotic about a disregard for facts.
The bail system punishes the poor—here are some more just alternatives.
It costs more to be poor in the United States.
Short Take
When we lose endangered species, we lose God’s creation
With the E.P.A. under threat, Catholics should remember our responsibility to protect all of the earth’s most vulnerable inhabitants.
Dispatches
U.S. bishops urge Trump administration to extend protected status for Central Americans
Around 200,000 Salvadorans and 57,000 Hondurans have been residing in the United States for more than 15 years under Temporary Protected Status. But that status is set to expire in early 2018.
Global meeting of Catholic families in Dublin to include outreach to L.G.B.T. people
Some church leaders in Ireland say the World Meeting of Families, to be held next year in Dublin, should be open to all kinds of families, including gay couples.
As scandals proliferate, South African bishops seek an anti-corruption court
The bishops “urge constitutional experts and the law reform commission to guide the nation on the feasibility of establishing an anti-corruption court, with specialized prosecutors, that would ensure speedy and efficient disposal of corruption cases and financial crimes.”
Hundreds of U.S. Catholic leaders challenge President Trump on Iran and North Korea
The president’s threats, according to the statement, “have brought the world to the brink of a nuclear catastrophe and have intensified global insecurity.”
Features
Meet these Catholics who voted for Trump and love Pope Francis
The voters I spoke with were not single-issue voters, and they showed a comfort with, even insistence on, complexity around a range of issues that are part of our national conversation.
10 ways Hispanics are redefining American Catholicism in the 21st century
Rapid demographic changes and the fear of the unknown may explain the anxiety of many U.S. Catholics.
What would Martin Luther say about today’s migrant and refugee crises?
We need to revisit the views of this 16th-century reformer on hospitality now more than ever.
Faith in Focus
The life of Catholic foundress Cornelia Connelly was ruled by men. Was her obedience to them holy?
To reflect upon Cornelia’s life today is inevitably to lament it.
Ideas
The Ghosts of Toni Morrison: A Catholic writer confronts the legacy of slavery
This year, Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” and “Song of Solomon” turn 30 and 40, respectively. What role did the author’s conversion to Catholicism play in her writing?
Jason Isbell’s gorgeous, challenging music is not your standard Dad rock
Jason Isbell wants to be a better man and he uses his songs as a road map to get there.
Books
Daniel in the lions’ den: A Berrigan biography
Daniel Berrigan, S.J., went from a poet to an activist, and turned activism into poetry.
Seeking the Spirit in a secular age
From the open arms of “Who am I to judge?” to the strict boundaries of the Benedict Option, the question of how to be a church community is a prominent one for Christians in our secular age. The knot caused by the two kinds of answers commonly given to this question lies at the heart…
How did she lose? Bob Shrum on Hillary Clinton and the 2016 election
This is a real book, written by a real person, suffused with the raw wounds of her defeat.
Can we overcome racism? Ta-Nehisi Coates grapples with white backlash to the first black president
‘We Were Eight Years in Power’ is a sort of “I told you so,” though Coates takes little pleasure in having to say it.
Film
Greta Gerwig’s ‘Lady Bird’ is a rallying cry for Catholic schoolgirls everywhere
Greta Gerwig is not a Catholic, but she did attend Catholic school and wanted to make a film that reflected her joyful experience there.
Poetry
Incense Maker
My hands are an ancient trade
The Word
A Talent for the Gospel
When the Master returns, he will want to know what we did to further the compassion, humility, freedom and love he entrusted to us.
Inherit the Kingdom
God’s “sheep” know their dependence. Knowledge of their own need for grace opens their hearts to the needs of others.
Last Take
How can the church and laity work together to promote ‘Amoris Laetitia’?
It is time for the laity to speak out and act like true disciples of Christ in spreading the joy of the Gospel.
Faith
A Talent for the Gospel
When the Master returns, he will want to know what we did to further the compassion, humility, freedom and love he entrusted to us.
Inherit the Kingdom
God’s “sheep” know their dependence. Knowledge of their own need for grace opens their hearts to the needs of others.
10 ways Hispanics are redefining American Catholicism in the 21st century
Rapid demographic changes and the fear of the unknown may explain the anxiety of many U.S. Catholics.
Seeking the Spirit in a secular age
From the open arms of “Who am I to judge?” to the strict boundaries of the Benedict Option, the question of how to be a church community is a prominent one for Christians in our secular age. The knot caused by the two kinds of answers commonly given to this question lies at the heart…
The life of Catholic foundress Cornelia Connelly was ruled by men. Was her obedience to them holy?
To reflect upon Cornelia’s life today is inevitably to lament it.
How can the church and laity work together to promote ‘Amoris Laetitia’?
It is time for the laity to speak out and act like true disciples of Christ in spreading the joy of the Gospel.
Global meeting of Catholic families in Dublin to include outreach to L.G.B.T. people
Some church leaders in Ireland say the World Meeting of Families, to be held next year in Dublin, should be open to all kinds of families, including gay couples.
What would Martin Luther say about today’s migrant and refugee crises?
We need to revisit the views of this 16th-century reformer on hospitality now more than ever.
Magazine
The Letters
Has the church been wrong on the issue of the death penalty as morally acceptable up to now?
Politics
Faith
Culture
Vatican
Scripture
Podcasts