Morning Briefing

News about an NCR friend: We learned late yesterday that Rosemary Radford Ruether, feminist theologian and frequent NCR contributor, suffered a stroke on Wednesday, Aug. 24, and is hospitlized. The family has asked for prayers. We will report more as we receive more information.

World Peace Day is Jan. 1 for Catholics: Francis to focus 2017 peace message on non-violence as 'political method'

What are the chances Pope Francis read NCR's latest editorial: Editorial: Let next synod be about peacemaking Catholics have found practical, workable solutions to the violence that plagues our world. Now is the time to make peacemaking a primary ministry of the Catholic church.

Election 2016: Clinton says Trump campaign built on 'prejudice and paranoia' (Video and text)

Election 2016: Watchdogs warn of 'serious' conflicts of interest for Clinton Foundation They are urging adoption of tough new firewalls to eliminate any perception that Clinton Foundation donors could use their wallets to gain undue access to a Hillary Clinton White House.

Election 2016: Michael Sean Winters asks the question Should the bishops denounce Trump? His answer may surprise you.

Durant, Miss. -- Two nuns who worked as nurses and helped the poor in rural Mississippi were found slain in their home, perhaps victims of a break-in and vehicle theft, officials said Thursday.

What do you look for when you look for a new church congregation: Preaching and hospitality fill churches

A related story: Brian Harper relates an experience he had recently with preaching in a Catholic church: the priest listed what he perceived to be the most serious threats to the family unit. Homosexuality and bestiality topped the list. What we say and how we say it If you read only one story today on NCR, read this one.

Dublin, Ireland -- Trainee priests in Ireland face curbs on their internet access and are to be encouraged to mix more with women after claims over the use of the gay dating app Grindr at the country’s main seminary.

Ocean City, N.J. -- Resort town churches look to summer supply priests to fill empty posts.

Dawhan, Ethiopia -- St. Louis Sisters' mission in rural Ethiopia has adventures, challenges, and beauty. You have to check out the video.

Commentary: Scandel at Irish national seminary should be seen as a chance to renew an outdated seminary system by Michael Kelly

Here's your scary headline for the day: Enough 'comfort Catholicism.' The Church must prepare for persecution. "It is long past dark in our culture, but in most parishes and dioceses it is business as usual ..." Whoa!

Mentor, Ohio -- Lake Catholic High School forfeits weekend game after hazing suspensions

In recent years, assigning junior high and high school students a very lifelike baby doll to "care" over the course of days or weeks, has been a widely used practice to introduce them to the rigors of parenthood. Now a study is saying Robot baby dolls don’t curb teen pregnancies. In fact, they may increase abortions.

Start your day inspired with daily scripture reflections. Join NCR's sister publication, Celebration, for Daily Bread, a series of short reflections written by four authors who meet regularly to share the readings.

Or reflect on Pencil Preaching by Pat Marrin. Every morning Pat Marrin breaks open the Word with a pencil sketch and a short meditation.