Christine Schenk

Sr. Helen Prejean accompanied Ivan Cantu through his Feb. 28 execution. Her act "mirrors that of the many courageous women who stayed with another man executed for a capital crime," writes Christin Schenk. 

The synthesis report from the first session of the synod on synodality calls for significant structural changes that could have profound implications for how governance and ministry function in the church. Christine Schenk offers an analysis.

The legacy of Rosemary Torrence, who died Nov 11, speaks to the powerful influence of Catholic school teachers. 

Sr. Christine Schenk reflects on the LGBTQ policies issued in the Cleveland Diocese and on the response of her Sisters of St. Joseph community.

Nicole Bernardi-Reis speaks to GSR about the award-winning documentary she co-directed, "With This Light," which chronicles the extraordinary life of Honduran Sr. María Rosa Legoll of the School Sisters of St. Francis.

Rather than spend millions on the Eucharistic Revival, the US bishops should be responding to eucharistic and ministerial scarcity, says columnist Sr. Christine Schenk.

Whether it's the process of birthing or a church synod, the addition of women — even in small numbers — can be a leaven that prompts change, says Sr. Christine Schenk.

Many of my sister-"sheros" are dealing with diminishment and the frailty of aging. We are accustomed to doing great things for the people of God. It can be hard to not be at the forefront of ministerial action anymore.

It is perhaps easier to feel discouraged and hopeless than to accept that life comes with both suffering and joy. Advent calls us to a deeper faith in Jesus' power to reconcile these lion-lamb opposites.

National synodal documents from around the world call for more lay inclusion in church decision-making, reports Sr. Christine Schenk. But will the process itself include laypeople in the deliberations?

While moral considerations are important in making individual decisions, a rigid moral approach has significant limitations. When considering legislation on abortion, there are additional facts to consider. 

Christine Schenk: "The rich Biblical resources about the role of women in the Old Testament, and especially in the early Christian communities, are still simply unknown," Ursuline Sr. Eileen Schuller said. She's right.

Christine Schenk: If we are to ever emerge from Catholic polarization, it will be through dialogue, respect for differences, and the kind of nonviolent love practiced by New Ways Ministry and so many LGBTQ+ Catholics

Christine Schenk: What could better witness the power of an unpredictable God than to raise up a long-awaited Messiah from the least powerful of humans — a child born of an unwed mother? What better witness than a son with no apparent biological father, and therefore no claim to patriarchal privilege?

Commentary: Sr. Christine Schenk's review of major U.S. dioceses' websites presents a heartening (though inconclusive) picture of synod events planned by church leaders of both "liberal" and "conservative" persuasions.

Simply Spirit: More than 420 Catholics from all over the world gathered in an online event to celebrate Ludmila Javorova, who courageously served the underground church in communist Czechoslovakia as an ordained priest.

Simply Spirit: As one who often cannot find herself in the masculine pronouns of today's liturgical offerings, I am profoundly grateful for Wil Gafney's rendition of texts I have loved since childhood.

Simply Spirit: On her feast day, I want to reflect on something St. Mary of Magdala might find puzzling: What is the big deal about recognizing women's leadership in today's Catholic faith communities?

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?

Simply Spirit: The mental state of acedia tells us that the world and our church are beyond the power of God to save. This is where our Advocate, the Holy Spirit — our Advocate-Spirit — comes in.