Heidi Schlumpf

"Gospel nonviolence" is moving from the margins of the church to its center, said panelists at a webinar marking the 60th anniversary of Pope John XXIII's landmark encyclical Pacem in Terris.

Executive editor Heidi Schlumpf heard two compelling speakers in one week — one about young people and another about synodality — and wonders if they might be related.

Among the concerns of the synod delegates, who were handpicked by bishops, were restrictions against the Latin Mass, possible changes to doctrine, and the synod process itself, said Bishop John Stowe of Lexington, Kentucky.

Shannon Evans' new Feminist Prayers for My Daughter makes a great Confirmation gift — or really one for women of all ages, says executive editor Heidi Schlumpf.

Speakers and attendees at a three-day conference at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, praised Pope Francis, but several called for more movement on women's roles in the church.

Has the annual Catholic-fest become less progressive? Executive editor Heidi Schlumpf found speakers talking about LGBTQ and women's issues, and people in the crowd wanting more.

Having received God's mercy, Christians must become merciful, Pope Francis reminds us. It's a good plan for our Lenten discipline, says executive editor Heidi Schlumpf.

Women aren't inherently better preachers than men, but many of them have the gift and the vocation, says executive editor Heidi Schlumpf.

The National Catholic Reporter, EarthBeat and Global Sisters Report introduce updated and newly redesigned websites today.

NCR Connections: The Holy Spirit was the guest of honor at a recent gathering of church leaders on the topic of synodality. Literally.

NCR Connections: To try and step our family's Season of Creation game, I've come up with three ways for our family — and possibly yours — to connect with God's creation during this month-plus celebration.

NCR Connections: Peter Dwyer retired from Liturgical Press this spring, after 33 years of service, including 21 years as director. With more than three decades in Catholic publishing, Dwyer says change is a constant.

NCR Connections: Catholic outrage about an Atlantic article connecting the rosary and Christian nationalism was misplaced, argues Heidi Schlumpf. But don't let "rad-trads" be the only ones picking up the prayer beads.

NCR Connections: Though she's had to read less this summer, editor Heidi Schlumpf still has some books worth recommending — along with some noteworthy TV shows, two stellar concerts, and a gift of an icon.

NCR Connections: Pope Francis recently named three women to the Vatican's Dicastery of Bishops. But it will take a lot more to undo centuries of misogynistic oppression than the naming of three women to a Vatican office.

Feminist and liberation theologian Rosemary Radford Ruether influenced generations of men and women in the causes of justice for women, the poor, people of color, the Middle East and the Earth. The scholar, teacher, activist, author and former NCR columnist died May 21. She was 85.

NCR Connections: After chatting with a bishop in a lunch line, I wonder: If there were more opportunities for church leaders to hang out, in person, with everyday Catholics, could we better understand one another?

Connections: While I doubt that immediate post-synod change is likely, the process signals the openness to talk about issues such as women's ordination that have previously been off the table.

NCR Connections: I'm excited to announce that NCR is now on TikTok — yes, TikTok, the reason your kids or grandkids may be glued to their phones watching short videos of people dancing or doing silly jokes and stunts.

NCR Connections: Although private institutions are not legally compelled to offer free speech rights, they could do so voluntarily. Denying students' freedom of expression is no way to educate.