Distinctly Catholic

Michael Sean Winters analyzes the worlds of religion and politics and the always fascinating estuary where the two collide.

As new Philadelphia archbishop, Perez could be a strong legacy for Pope Francis

by Michael Sean Winters

Jan 27, 2020

Distinctly Catholic: I hope the new archbishop of Philadelphia will be a champion of Francis and help communicate the Holy Father's vision to reconceive what power means.

Do the religious beliefs of Trump's attorneys in the impeachment trial matter?

by Michael Sean Winters

Jan 24, 2020

Distinctly Catholic: One of the most remarkable oddities of our time is that the political party led by someone whose career is one continuous form of self-promotion has been embraced by many people who claim to believe that he who said "blessed are the meek" is the savior of the world.

Links for 1/23/20

by Michael Sean Winters

Jan 23, 2020

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: Ethicists on the Soleimani assassination; bystanderism and the lessons of the Holocaust; taking down "political hobbyists"; rebuilding Notre Dame.

On both sides of abortion debate, Catholics largely fall short

by Michael Sean Winters

Jan 22, 2020

Distinctly Catholic: By lashing itself to President Trump, the mainstream pro-life movement has morally and indelibly compromised its cause. But the Catholic left also appears unequal to the moment.

Columns ›

As new Philadelphia archbishop, Perez could be a strong legacy for Pope Francis

Do the religious beliefs of Trump's attorneys in the impeachment trial matter?

Links for 1/23/20

On both sides of abortion debate, Catholics largely fall short

Links for 1/21/20

Where has the aspirational quality of American democracy gone?

The whole co-authoring drama looks bad

Links for 1/16/20

Post-debate in Iowa: Still a toss-up

Links for 1/14/20

The religious left is busy, but small

For next census, expect every dirty trick in the book from GOP

US Supreme Court can strengthen recovery effort for Puerto Rico

Links for 1/9/20

We stand at the brink of war, and no one is exactly sure why

Links for 1/7/20

Geofencing at church is dead wrong

Impending bishop appointments set to put a stamp on US church in 2020

Divided nation: Looking ahead to 2020 in US politics

Links for 12/31/2019

I was right, I was wrong, I was human

We are living in an 'in between' time politically

Links for 12/24/19

Democratic candidate race still fluid, but any would be better than Trump

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