Standard-Bearers: Applying ‘best practices’ to Catholic parishes and nonprofits
Too often the Catholic Church learns the value of accountability and transparency the hard way. In Philadelphia, for example, a senior member of the archdiocesan staff walked off with more than $900,000 in church proceeds before the theft was uncovered in the summer of 2011. The newly arrived archbi
Children First: How safe-environment programs are preventing abuse
The reverberations can be heard nationwide. As church employees and volunteers receive notices requiring them to attend safe-environment trainings, their responses have become familiar: “Again?” “Didn’t we just do that?” “I went through this where I teach; do I ne
Of Many Things
Of Many Things
Contrary to Barry Manilow’s decades-old assertion, the Copacabana is apparently the hottest spot south of Havana. At least it was for seven days in July when Pope Francis visited Brazil for World Youth Day. To be fair, Mr. Manilow’s 1978 disco power ballad refers to the famed Manhattan n
Letters
Reply All
Living In ChristMy interest was piqued by Bill McGarvey (“The Sexual Devolution”) and Christina A. Astorga (“Save Yourself”) in the July 1 issue. Both writers touch upon the consequences suffered by the hookup generation. Of course, the predominance of youthful hookups is not
Editorials
Making Peace With Iran
A respectful engagement with Iran could mean significant progress on a gamut of issues.
Features
When priests hear about sex abuse in confession, should they be forced to report it?
Addressing new legal challenges to the seal of confession.
Books
Founding Sisters
‘Called to Serve’ chronicles the lives of thousands of women religious.
No Need to Argue
Jonathan Sacks, the retired chief rabbi of Britain, argues for intellectual pluralism.
A Uniter of Nations
Dag Hammarskjöld’s life paralleled Ignatius’ idea of a contemplative in action.
Art
Ever Present: The celebration of the Eucharist in the Middle Ages
A new exhibit provides a glimpse into the celebration of the Eucharist in the Middle Ages
Poetry
Ignored Woodwork in Old Churches
I want to know what kind of wood
and how the hinges will convert the seat
into a stall where a monk can stand for a while
The Word
All the Nations
The question was put to Jesus ldquo Lord will only a few be saved rdquo His answer like many a teacher rsquo s regarding more mundane matters like quizzes and tests is a variation on ldquo study hard rdquo Jesus instructs the questioner and the crowd ldquo Strive to enter through the na
The Flame of Truth
It can be hard to tell the truth Sometimes no one wants to hear it either because people have already determined a path they feel is more advantageous to them or they are more comfortable ignoring it Sometimes we are all those people For those who read Flannery O rsquo Connor the shocking real
Columns
Faith, Hope and Zombies
Why had I succumbed to being bitten by this mythic monster?
Eye on Ecuador
President Rafael Correa emphasizes the rights of labor over capital.
Current Comment
Current Comment
Justice in Bangladesh; Political Forgiveness; She Spoke Her Mind
Faith
When priests hear about sex abuse in confession, should they be forced to report it?
Addressing new legal challenges to the seal of confession.
Signs Of the Times
Free but Moral Trade
When entering trade agreements, the United States should support principles that “defend human life and dignity, protect the environment and public health, and promote justice and peace in our world,” wrote the bishops who oversee the justice and peace committees of the U.S. Conference o
Pope Francis Calls for Solidarity and Dialogue
World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, drew tens of thousands of young people from around the world. It was also attended by a senior citizen from Rome who managed to cause the greatest excitement on the streets of Rio and among the W.Y.D. participants themselves. After a somewhat chaotic arriva
News Briefs
David Gonzalez, an editor at The New York Times and a member of the board of directors of America, has been named to the Hall of Fame of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. • A crackdown on militants in Sinai by Egyptian military is hurting Gaza’s already fragile economy bec
Under Siege In Pakistan
Conditions for religious minorities in Pakistan are dire, according to a panel of experts.
Renewed Fighting In Eastern Congo
The United Nations refugee agency expressed concern for the welfare of civilians.
Upholding Vatican II?
An Austrian priest is urging the church to adopt a series of reforms, including greater lay involvement.
Politics
Faith
Culture
Vatican
Scripture
Podcasts