Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, looks on as Msgr. Jeffrey D. Burrill, the conference's general secretary, reads a message to Pope Francis June 16 at the conference headquarters in Washington. (CNS)

In defiance of Vatican, US bishops vote to advance Communion document

by Christopher White
Jun 18, 2021
Column | Distinctly Catholic

US bishops' meeting: Disrespect and disunity on full display

by Michael Sean Winters
Jun 17, 2021
Column | Simply Spirit

White Catholics must lead the way to end white supremacy

by Christine Schenk
Jun 18, 2021

Catholic groups ask bishops across the Americas for leadership on migration reform

by Rhina Guidos, Catholic News Service
Jun 18, 2021
Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington, D.C., speaks June 17 during the second day of the bishops' three-day spring assembly, held virtually due to concern over COVID-19. (NCR screenshot)

Ahead of Communion document vote, Pope Francis' US allies urge delay

by Christopher White
Jun 17, 2021

Pope Francis' closest U.S. allies made an at times desperate appeal during the U.S. bishops' spring assembly not to charge ahead with plans for a divisive document regarding Communion and pro-choice Catholic politicians.

Your thoughts on Indigenous deaths, no apologies from Francis

by NCR Staff
Jun 18, 2021

Your thoughts: NCR readers respond to the news of the discovery of 215 bodies buried on the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in Kamloops, British Columbia.

A collage of photos from conventions of the Catholic Theological Society of America in recent years (Courtesy of CTSA)
Editorial

Editorial: Thank you, Catholic theologians, for your work for the church

by NCR Editorial Staff
Jun 17, 2021

We say: As the Catholic Theological Society of America marks its 75th anniversary, we would like to thank all Catholic theologians who analyze, explore, research, write and share their thinking about God.

Marie Collins, an Irish abuse survivor and former member of the papal clergy abuse commission, speaking during the FutureChurch webinar on June 15 (NCR screenshot)

New Vatican laws on clergy abuse not enough, says former papal commissioner

by Joshua J. McElwee
Jun 17, 2021

Marie Collins, respected former member of Pope Francis' commission on clergy sex abuse, has expressed disappointment in the recent revision of the criminal section of the Catholic Church's canon law.

Coronavirus

The Francis Chronicles

Pope: Post-pandemic economic recovery must seek good of all

by Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News Service
Jun 17, 2021

Even in the rush to recoup losses due to the global pandemic, governments must work for the benefit of all and avoid implementing measures that further isolate the poor and the vulnerable, Pope Francis said.

Dr. Francis Collins, director of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, receives his second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the NIH Clinical Center. (Courtesy of National Institutes of Health)

Dr. Francis Collins: Vatican's COVID-19 vaccine push 'extremely helpful'

by Christopher White
Jun 15, 2021

NCR interview with video: The head of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, Dr. Francis Collins, is praising the Vatican's leadership in the push for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance as "extremely helpful."

Carmelites' 5-bed clinic in Gujarat expands outside for COVID-19 patients

by Saji Thomas
Jun 7, 2021

Catholic colleges ignored faculty handbook provisions in layoffs, report alleges

by Liam Adams
Jun 7, 2021

Finding the body of Christ in different 'spiritual communions'

by Mickey McGrath
Jun 3, 2021

Six mid-Atlantic bishops to reinstate Sunday Mass obligation at end of June

by Christopher Gunty, Catholic News Service
Jun 2, 2021

Opinion

Letters to the Editor

Your thoughts on Indigenous deaths, no apologies from Francis

by NCR Staff
Jun 18, 2021

Your thoughts: NCR readers respond to the news of the discovery of 215 bodies buried on the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in Kamloops, British Columbia.

Smoke rises from the ruins of African Americans' homes following the 1921 race massacre in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (CNS/Library of Congress, Handout via Reuters/National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Records/Alvin C. Krupnick Co.)
Column | Simply Spirit

White Catholics must lead the way to end white supremacy

by Christine Schenk
Jun 18, 2021

Simply Spirit: Racism and white supremacy are killing our Black and brown sisters and brothers. We white people — especially white Catholics — are being called to do something about it. But what must we do?

US bishops' meeting: Disrespect and disunity on full display

by Michael Sean Winters
Jun 17, 2021
Editorial

Editorial: Thank you, Catholic theologians, for your work for the church

by NCR Editorial Staff
Jun 17, 2021

Francis, the comic strip

by Pat Marrin
Jun 17, 2021

Links: Vigneron's hypocrisy; Samantha Power in El Salvador; kudos to US mayors

by Michael Sean Winters
Jun 17, 2021

Accountability

Review board chair urges bishops to focus on healing for abuse survivors

by Dennis Sadowski, Catholic News Service
Jun 18, 2021

Although major steps have been taken to help achieve healing and reconciliation with survivors of clergy sexual abuse, much work remains ahead for the U.S. Catholic Church, the chairwoman of the National Review Board told the spring assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Marie Collins, an Irish abuse survivor and former member of the papal clergy abuse commission, speaking during the FutureChurch webinar on June 15 (NCR screenshot)

New Vatican laws on clergy abuse not enough, says former papal commissioner

by Joshua J. McElwee
Jun 17, 2021

Marie Collins, respected former member of Pope Francis' commission on clergy sex abuse, has expressed disappointment in the recent revision of the criminal section of the Catholic Church's canon law.

Pope and Canadian Indigenous: 'Sorry' must fit the level of suffering

by Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service
Jun 14, 2021

Cardinal Marx surprised by pope's decision to not accept his resignation

by Catholic News Service
Jun 12, 2021

Vatican orders term limits for leaders of lay movements

by Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service
Jun 11, 2021

Canadian bishops: Indigenous delegation to meet with pope by end of 2021

by Catholic News Service
Jun 11, 2021

Politics

Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, looks on as Msgr. Jeffrey D. Burrill, the conference's general secretary, reads a message to Pope Francis June 16 at the conference headquarters in Washington. (CNS)

In defiance of Vatican, US bishops vote to advance Communion document

by Christopher White
Jun 18, 2021

In a vote that was both expected and defying the Vatican, the U.S. Catholic bishops advanced on June 18 plans to draft a document addressing Communion for pro-choice Catholic politicians.

Catholic House Democrats prepare to send bishops 'statement of principles' on Communion vote

by Jack Jenkins, Religion News Service
Jun 18, 2021

A group of Catholic Democrats in the House of Representatives is preparing a "statement of principles" that taps into ongoing debate regarding Communion and politicians who back abortion rights.

Catholic groups ask bishops across the Americas for leadership on migration reform

by Rhina Guidos, Catholic News Service
Jun 18, 2021

US bishops' meeting: Disrespect and disunity on full display

by Michael Sean Winters
Jun 17, 2021

Ahead of Communion document vote, Pope Francis' US allies urge delay

by Christopher White
Jun 17, 2021

Supreme Court upholds health care law's individual mandate in 7-2 ruling

by Carol Zimmermann, Catholic News Service
Jun 17, 2021

Vatican

Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, looks on as Msgr. Jeffrey D. Burrill, the conference's general secretary, reads a message to Pope Francis June 16 at the conference headquarters in Washington. (CNS)

In defiance of Vatican, US bishops vote to advance Communion document

by Christopher White
Jun 18, 2021

In a vote that was both expected and defying the Vatican, the U.S. Catholic bishops advanced on June 18 plans to draft a document addressing Communion for pro-choice Catholic politicians.

Archbishop Di Noia says his letter to Archbishop Gomez was routine

by Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service
Jun 17, 2021

Archbishop Augustine Di Noia, adjunct secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, said a letter he sent in late May to the president of the U.S. bishops' conference was simply "a letter of acknowledgment" of the receipt of communication from him.

Pope: Post-pandemic economic recovery must seek good of all

by Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News Service
Jun 17, 2021

Rome tribunal backs Vatican in case against Italian broker

by Nicole Winfield, The Associated Press
Jun 17, 2021

US bishops vote to limit debate on controversial Communion document

by Christopher White
Jun 16, 2021

Pope: Jesus prays for everyone each day

by Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service
Jun 16, 2021

Quick Reads

Virtual rally decries rise in anti-Semitism attacks in U.S., around world

by Catholic News Service
May 30, 2021

Pope orders visitation of Cologne Archdiocese

by Catholic News Service
May 28, 2021

'America's first cathedral' to mark 200th anniversary of dedication

by Catholic Review Staff, Catholic News Service
May 28, 2021

California bishop prays for victims of another 'senseless' shooting

by Catholic News Service
May 27, 2021

Italian diocese launches course to help priests avoid financial scams

by Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service
May 21, 2021

Francis to meet John Kerry days after Vatican's warning to US bishops

by Joshua J. McElwee
May 14, 2021

Parish

Los Angeles Archdiocese issues new guidelines to fully reopen parishes

by Alejandra Molina, Religion News Service
Jun 15, 2021

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has issued new guidelines for its more than 300 parishes, which, beginning June 19, are set to fully reopen.

Volunteers prep the community garden, part of the new Community Resource Center at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in San Diego. (Courtesy of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas)

Mercy Sisters, intentional community strive to help immigrants in San Diego

by Julie A. Ferraro
Jun 10, 2021

At San Diego's Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 14 miles from the border, Mercy Sr. Mary Waskowiak and retired businesswoman Adela Garcia have launched the Community Resource Center to assist immigrants.

Report on U.S. diaconate shows declining numbers, few young deacons

by Mark Pattison, Catholic News Service
Jun 3, 2021

Six mid-Atlantic bishops to reinstate Sunday Mass obligation at end of June

by Christopher Gunty, Catholic News Service
Jun 2, 2021

'America's first cathedral' to mark 200th anniversary of dedication

by Catholic Review Staff, Catholic News Service
May 28, 2021

Survey: Religiosity seems to be 'buffer' against some pandemic stresses

by Kurt Jensen, Catholic News Service
May 27, 2021

World

Catholic groups ask bishops across the Americas for leadership on migration reform

by Rhina Guidos, Catholic News Service
Jun 18, 2021

A group of at least 162 organizations are asking bishops' conferences in the U.S., Central America and Mexico to "hear the cries of our brothers and sisters on the move and respond with bold leadership."

Bolivian bishops detail their role in pacifying the country in 2019

by David Agren, Catholic News Service
Jun 18, 2021

Bolivia's Catholic bishops have released a comprehensive document detailing their role in ending public unrest after a disputed election in late 2019. The document's release comes amid accusations from the country's then-ruling party that the church was somehow complicit in its ouster and the installation of an interim government.

Your thoughts on Indigenous deaths, no apologies from Francis

by NCR Staff
Jun 18, 2021

As fighting continues in Myanmar, thousands take refuge in churches

by Catholic News Service
Jun 16, 2021

Secretariat begins discussing new synod process with bishops

by Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service
Jun 16, 2021

Priest killed in crossfire in north-central Mexico

by David Agren, Catholic News Service
Jun 16, 2021

Justice

Smoke rises from the ruins of African Americans' homes following the 1921 race massacre in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (CNS/Library of Congress, Handout via Reuters/National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Records/Alvin C. Krupnick Co.)
Simply Spirit

White Catholics must lead the way to end white supremacy

by Christine Schenk
Jun 18, 2021

Simply Spirit: Racism and white supremacy are killing our Black and brown sisters and brothers. We white people — especially white Catholics — are being called to do something about it. But what must we do?

The Francis Chronicles

Pope: Post-pandemic economic recovery must seek good of all

by Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News Service
Jun 17, 2021

Even in the rush to recoup losses due to the global pandemic, governments must work for the benefit of all and avoid implementing measures that further isolate the poor and the vulnerable, Pope Francis said.

Editorial: Thank you, Catholic theologians, for your work for the church

by NCR Editorial Staff
Jun 17, 2021

Louisiana Catholic environmental justice activist wins Goldman Prize

by Claire Schaeffer-Duffy
Jun 16, 2021

Caritas campaign makes strides, but miles still to go in welcoming migrants

by Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service
Jun 15, 2021

Solidarity, esperanza and our future: sisters' dispatches from the border

by Dan Stockman
Jun 14, 2021

EarthBeat

Liz Chicaje Churay paddles a canoe near her home on the Ampiyacu River in Peru's northeastern Loreto region. (Goldman Environmental Prize)

EarthBeat Weekly: Bora woman in Peru honored for fighting against illegal logging and for park

by Barbara Fraser
Jun 18, 2021

Goldman Environmental Prize winner Liz Chicaje Churay says communities are committed to protecting the forest, but the pandemic has put many of their plans on hold.

An abandoned house that is affected by seawater during high tides stands next to a small lagoon near the village of Tangintebu on South Tarawa in the central Pacific island nation of Kiribati May 25, 2013. Pope Francis said island nations need protection

Faith groups back calls for UN special rapporteur for climate and human rights

by Barbara Fraser
Jun 18, 2021

Organizations are calling on the United Nations to designate the right to a clean, safe and healthy environment as a global human right, and to create a special rapporteur for climate and human rights.

Faith leaders to meet at Vatican in October to discuss climate change ahead of COP 26

by Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service
Jun 17, 2021

Louisiana Catholic environmental justice activist wins Goldman Prize

by Claire Schaeffer-Duffy
Jun 16, 2021

President Biden's baffling inconsistency on Alaska drilling

by Max Steiner, Who What Why
Jun 15, 2021

Philippine bishops welcome halt to mega-dam construction project

by Catholic News Service, Barbara Fraser
Jun 14, 2021

People

Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, looks on as Msgr. Jeffrey D. Burrill, the conference's general secretary, reads a message to Pope Francis June 16 at the conference headquarters in Washington. (CNS)

In defiance of Vatican, US bishops vote to advance Communion document

by Christopher White
Jun 18, 2021

In a vote that was both expected and defying the Vatican, the U.S. Catholic bishops advanced on June 18 plans to draft a document addressing Communion for pro-choice Catholic politicians.

Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington, D.C., speaks June 17 during the second day of the bishops' three-day spring assembly, held virtually due to concern over COVID-19. (NCR screenshot)

Ahead of Communion document vote, Pope Francis' US allies urge delay

by Christopher White
Jun 17, 2021

Pope Francis' closest U.S. allies made an at times desperate appeal during the U.S. bishops' spring assembly not to charge ahead with plans for a divisive document regarding Communion and pro-choice Catholic politicians.

Archbishop Di Noia says his letter to Archbishop Gomez was routine

by Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service
Jun 17, 2021

US bishops vote to limit debate on controversial Communion document

by Christopher White
Jun 16, 2021

Baptist and Catholic leaders grapple with similar problems in different ways

by Thomas Reese, Religion News Service
Jun 16, 2021

Major pro-life advocacy group holds rallies to support denying Communion to Biden

by Christopher White
Jun 16, 2021

Spirituality

Pencil Preaching

The seeing heart

by Pat Marrin
Jun 17, 2021

Pencil Preaching for Friday, June 18, 2021

Pencil Preaching

Teach us to pray

by Pat Marrin
Jun 16, 2021

Pencil Preaching for Thursday, June 17, 2021

Pope: Jesus prays for everyone each day

by Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service
Jun 16, 2021

God sees

by Pat Marrin
Jun 15, 2021

Love your enemies

by Pat Marrin
Jun 14, 2021

Now is the time

by Pat Marrin
Jun 13, 2021

Theology

A collage of photos from conventions of the Catholic Theological Society of America in recent years (Courtesy of CTSA)
Editorial

Editorial: Thank you, Catholic theologians, for your work for the church

by NCR Editorial Staff
Jun 17, 2021

We say: As the Catholic Theological Society of America marks its 75th anniversary, we would like to thank all Catholic theologians who analyze, explore, research, write and share their thinking about God.

A panel discusses the 75-year history of the Catholic Theological Society of America on June 11 during the association's virtual conference, June 10-13. From top left, clockwise: Charles Curran, Paul Lakeland, M. Shawn Copeland, Natalia Imperatori-Lee and

An altar call for action on racial justice at CTSA convention

by Heidi Schlumpf
Jun 16, 2021

M. Shawn Copeland put out an "altar call" for action on issues of inclusion and racial justice on the part of fellow theologians at the Catholic Theological Society of America's virtual conference, June 10-13.

Three women honored with CTSA awards; Susan Wood receives John Courtney Murray Award

by Heidi Schlumpf
Jun 14, 2021

Bishop apologizes to fired LGBT Catholic educator at theology gathering

by Joshua J. McElwee
Jun 8, 2021

Beth Allison Barr's new book a look into complementarianism

by Nyasha Junior
Jun 5, 2021

Francis, the comic strip

by Pat Marrin
Jun 3, 2021

Culture

Jesuit Fr. James Martin is pictured in a still from the 2021 film "Building a Bridge." (NCR screenshot/Obscured Pictures)

Fr. James Martin on LGBT ministry: Love the 'most important' church teaching

by Madeleine Davison
Jun 16, 2021

Jesuit Fr. James Martin's life and work as one of the best-known Catholic advocates for LGBTQ dignity is the subject of a new documentary, "Building a Bridge," which debuted June 15 at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Book Review

Sue Monk Kidd's new novel imagines Jesus' life and fictional marriage

by Diane Scharper
Jun 12, 2021

Book review: In her fourth novel, The Book of Longings, Sue Monk Kidd embellishes the Gospel story of Christ by giving Jesus a wife named Ana. But her book, just out in paperback, should not scandalize most readers. Nor has it been banned by the Catholic Church.

'Kim's Convenience' and one last 'OK See You' for the fans

by Clarissa Aljentera
Jun 12, 2021

Beth Allison Barr's new book a look into complementarianism

by Nyasha Junior
Jun 5, 2021

'Friends: The Reunion' is the one about being 'there for you'

by Jim McDermott
Jun 5, 2021

Joan Baez, singer and peacemaker, finally honored by Kennedy Center

by Colman McCarthy
Jun 5, 2021

Global Sisters Report

(Unsplash/Denise Jones)

Should we expect religion to make us happy?

From A Nun's Life podcasts – "I really feel my life has a lot of unhappiness. Do I need religion to find my way?" Sister Maxine and Franciscan Sr. Shannon Schrein reflect on what religion has to offer us.

Ime Effiong (left, in yellow), one of the women who received mental health care from the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, tends to the birds on the poultry farm under Sr. Catherine Nkereuwem’s supervision in Uyo, a town in southeastern Nigeria

As mental illness rises in Nigeria, nuns offer treatment, shelter to indigent people in Uyo

Up to 30% of Nigeria's population may suffer from mental illness. To address a gap in care, the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul provide treatment and an inpatient home to those rejected by society.

COVID-19 and a daughter of Maria Teresa Spinelli

Solidarity, esperanza and our future: sisters' dispatches from the border

by Dan Stockman
Jun 14, 2021

A deeply disturbing sight that still haunts me

Monday Starter: Corita Kent's studio now an LA Historic-Cultural Monument

by Dan Stockman
Jun 14, 2021

Columns

NCR Today logo

NCR Today

by multiple authors
NCR in conversation logo

NCR in Conversation

by NCR staff

Decolonizing Faith and Society

by Alex Mikulich
Eco Catholic logo

Eco Catholic

by multiple authors

It's Happening

by Colman McCarthy

NCR Connections

by Heidi Schlumpf

Pencil Preaching

by Pat Marrin

Roundtable

by Ken Briggs

Sunday Resources

by Multiple authors

Distinctly Catholic

by Michael Sean Winters

Faith Seeking Understanding

by Daniel P. Horan

The Francis Chronicles

From Where I Stand

by Joan Chittister

The Gospel of Sports

by Mike Jordan Laskey

Grace on the Margins

by Jamie Manson

Just Catholic

by Phyllis Zagano

Priestly Diary

by Fr. Peter Daly

The Peace Pulpit

by Thomas Gumbleton

Signs of the Times

by Thomas Reese

Simply Spirit

by Christine Schenk

Soul Seeing

by Michael Leach and friends
Spiritual reflections logo - black and white silhouette of person standing with shovel

Scripture for Life

by Multiple authors
(Carmen Nanko-Fernández)

Theology en la Plaza

by Multiple authors
Young Voices logo - hands holding speech bubbles

Young Voices

by Multiple authors