The Catholic Church in the United States is in danger of losing its relevance if its presentation of the Gospel is alien to the world in which people live.

All of us like to associate ourselves with the faith and courage of the abolitionists and civil rights activists. But white Catholics, like most white Americans, generally opposed the abolition of slavery and desegregation efforts.

In April 1962, Archbishop Joseph Rummel of New Orleans not only denied Communion to three Catholics in his archdiocese; he formally excommunicated the three, who vehemently opposed his efforts to desegregate Catholic schools.

“The fundamental reality of children dying at these boarding schools is not a new story.”

“Scandal” is a word often heard used in recent months by U.S. bishops regarding the best ways to provide pastoral care and communicate authentic church teaching to pro-choice politicians who identify as Catholic.

When U.S. bishops meet virtually next week, most eyes will be focused on a controversial vote related to the Eucharist that some fear politicizes Communion by taking aim at the nation’s second Catholic president.