Readers respond to the November issue’s cover story, “A Pro-life Democrat, a Divided Nation: Lessons From 16 Years in Congress,” by former U.S. Representative Daniel Lipinski.

If we are to differ intelligently and temperately, we must first share a great deal in common. Today, though, claims and counter-claims are made as if they were vindicated by the mere vehemence of their assertion.

In a generation known to shun commitments, these women are embracing lifelong vows.

“We all need God to help us to make sense of our lives, so when we try to live without God, we can become confused,” Archbishop Gomez explained.

The Most Rev. Thomas John Paprocki, the bishop of Springfield in Illinois, and the Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann, the bishop of Orange in California, write in response to America’s interview with Senator Durbin.

They were intent on responding with mercy to a crisis that at the time showed no signs of slowing.

It is not sufficient for contemporary Catholics simply to repeat the formulas of the past.

Archbishop José Gomez is an immigrant, a minority and the president of the U.S.C.C.B. When he speaks on the issue of racism and social injustice, it is worth paying attention.

Gloria Purvis speaks with Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco about some of the most contested issues in the Catholic Church today.

For the last 17 years, Senator Durbin has been unable to receive Communion in his home diocese in Springfield, Ill.