Pat Perriello, a retired educator from the Baltimore City Public Schools, served as the coordinator of Guidance and Counseling Services and an associate professor at Johns Hopkins University. He is a former seminarian from St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore. Pat has long been interested in religion and politics and is currently concerned about the direction of the institutional church as well as the state of politics in the country.
NCR Today: Power and wealth became driving forces that caused the church to lose focus on the message of Jesus. As we celebrate his resurrection, we need to return to the Gospels.
One could argue there is strong evidence to begin impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump. But the question has to be asked: To what end? What would be accomplished?
NCR Today: The divisiveness at the Vatican's conference to address sex abuse by priests does not bode well for progress. But a recent report in the U.S. offers some first steps.
NCR Today: There is a need for a moderate lane to put Trumpism behind us. Biden can appeal to portions of the electorate needed to win, without alienating more progressive voters.
Congress has three weeks to reach a deal that the president will sign, or the government could shut down again. I feel confident in saying that is not going to happen.
NCR Today: Investigations and legal challenges to this president and his administration continue. Perhaps our Founding Fathers knew what they were doing when they wrote the Constitution.
NCR Today: It is too easy to look at religious institutions and religious leaders today and see everything that is wrong with Christianity as we see it practiced.
NCR Today: Some intriguing signs have me feeling a cautious note of optimism about the future of our country. It is difficult to see how President Donald Trump could be reelected in 2020.
Indecision and uncertainty are not friends of Pope Francis right now. Why would he want to appear reticent to move on an issue that endangers his entire papacy?
NCR Today: The church's practice of confession offers an opportunity for the clergy to acknowledge their complicity in the sins of the crisis and seek forgiveness from God in front of the whole Christian community.
NCR Today: It is not a time for Democrats to be purists. When one considers how divided the country is, it makes no sense to insist on getting everything you want.
NCR Today: The midterm congressional elections are just a few days away. Early voting has begun in many states. Unfortunately, very little of substance is being said by candidates.
NCR Today: U.S. bishops led a novena in connection with Judge Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings. May I suggest the bishops consider initiating novenas for some other issues?
A climax is building in the Trump presidency. Regardless of the outcome of the mid-term elections, it seems likely that dramatic events will be occurring faster than one can imagine.
NCR Today: This group of traditionalist clerics has opened a chasm in the church, and my impression is they will not be satisfied by anything less than total capitulation.
