Grace on the Margins

Columnist Jamie Manson writes about issues of equality in the church, particularly those that affect women and LGBTQ individuals.

Pope Francis meets with 850 superiors general May 10, 2019, at the Vatican, who were in Rome for the plenary assembly of the International Union of Superiors General. The organization represents more than 450,000 sisters in more than 100 countries. (CNS)

Women need to be the church's new anti-pope

by Jamie Manson

Jan 21, 2020

Grace on the Margins: Rather than clutching my pearls at the fiasco of dueling popes, the whole situation has me dreaming dreams of women taking charge.

Women are on the verge of constitutional equality, but some Catholics still stand in the way

by Jamie Manson

Jan 14, 2020

Grace on the Margins: This week, Virginia becomes the final state needed for ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment, but anti-abortion rhetoric keeps putting it in jeopardy.

Pope Francis delivers his blessing as he celebrates Mass on the feast of Mary, Mother of God, in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Jan. 1. (CNS/Paul Haring)

The church must face its own role in violence against women

by Jamie Manson

Jan 7, 2020

Grace on the Margins: Pope Francis may want to condemn violence against women, but my own experience of domestic violence showed me that sometimes church teaching only makes things worse.

A crucial connection was missed at Amazon synod

by Jamie Manson

Nov 1, 2019

Grace on the Margins: In my time in Rome in October, I frequently heard the synod fathers lament the degrading treatment of the Amazon and the indigenous in the region, particularly women. Yet none of them seemed conscious about the root of all of this suffering: patriarchy itself.

Columns ›

Women need to be the church's new anti-pope

Women are on the verge of constitutional equality, but some Catholics still stand in the way

The church must face its own role in violence against women

A crucial connection was missed at Amazon synod

Desecration of sacred images demands bolder action from Vatican

As US 'nones' increase, we must start asking different questions

Young intentional community is 'promise of Vatican II' realized

At Benincasa community, a new model for religious life unfolds

New generation emerges at CTSA convention, as theologians play long game

Why does Francis' passion for justice and unity stop short of women?

Young progressive Catholics really do care about the church

Pope Benedict explains things to me

The quick and wondrous radicalization of Lucetta Scaraffia

Why the sex abuse summit accomplished nothing

I got a glimpse of the future of women deacons, and it's troubling

Column: With his treatment of Cardinal Pell, Pope Francis shows his clericalism

So, what are 'deep-seated homosexual tendencies' anyway?

After brief embrace with prelates, activists clash with Italian police

Catholic Women Speak network calls for church reform, focus on women

In Dublin, the rejection of the pope was the reckoning of a people

Chasing rainbows at World Meeting of Families

When in Dublin, Francis should apologize for Magdalene laundries, too

Humanae Vitae's ban on contraception causes suffering

Women and LGBTQ people must find solidarity in struggle for a just church

Pages