Just Catholic

Just Catholic is a Catholic perspective on the news—especially when the church itself becomes the news—from Phyllis Zagano.

Newly ordained priests kneel to receive Communion, depicted in an illumination circa 1390-1402. (British Library)

Married priests and women deacons: It's about law, not doctrine

by Phyllis Zagano

Oct 22, 2019

Just Catholic: Laws on clerical marriage and the ordination of women arise from the same misogynistic swamp. And each is what canon lawyers call a "merely ecclesiastical law."

Women walking together, away from the church

by Phyllis Zagano

Sep 23, 2019

Just Catholic: The Amazon synod has no voting women. It was not always like this. Years ago, the abilities, intellects and legal authority of women were respected.

People are suffering, dying; please stop the rhetoric!

by Phyllis Zagano

Aug 22, 2019

Just Catholic: For the developed world's pundits and politicians, the discussion is not about people who are poor. It's about themselves. As our collapsing world writhes in pain, they break out in Twitter wars.

Boundaries and borders serve 'us,' while all others suffer

by Phyllis Zagano

Jul 23, 2019

Just Catholic: The situation on the U.S. southern borders is disgraceful. In Texas alone, some 16,000 persons jam detention centers, hoping for asylum. They came in hope. They may be sent back. What is going on?

Columns ›

Married priests and women deacons: It's about law, not doctrine

Women walking together, away from the church

People are suffering, dying; please stop the rhetoric!

Boundaries and borders serve 'us,' while all others suffer

The problem of clericalism makes transparency impossible

Women Deacons 101: Final Exam

Look up at the altar, where are the women?

Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel

The catechism of Cardinal Gerhard Müller

It's not about women priests

The sky is falling and media help it fall

Why not have a woman run a diocese?

The synod: Who is listening to whom?

What can we say about the Synod of Bishops? The optics are not good

Will we ever know the truth?

#MeToo, Your Excellency

As US secures its borders from women and 8-year-olds, the Gospel gets blamed

Imagining Catholicism at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

On messages and messengers

Cloning animals, humans has scandalous implications

Dear Parkland students: This land is your land

Why can 'Catholic' bloggers disrespect the pope?

The church cannot succumb to hurry sickness

We can't forget the poor among us

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