NCR Connections

Executive editor Heidi Schlumpf aims to help readers understand how recent news stories fit together. NCR Connections will provide guideposts and markers to help lead readers through key issues and stories.

Pope Francis looks at a copy of the April 11, 1920, edition of the "Catholic News Sheet," during a meeting with members of the Catholic News Service Rome bureau at the Vatican Feb. 1, 2021.

Catholic News Service shutdown is about more than just the news

by Bill Mitchell

May 19, 2022

NCR Connections: In eliminating so much of what CNS produces, the U.S. bishops are cutting off access to crucial news and information about the church at precisely the time Pope Francis is calling for synodal listening.

The importance of a lay independent voice

by Steve Miller

May 6, 2022

NCR Connections: NCR differs from other media that report on the Catholic Church because it is independent of the church and is controlled by a lay board. The board's job is to support those who report the news.

Pope Francis holds a candle as he attends the Easter Vigil celebrated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican April 16. (CNS/Paul Haring)

An 'Easter of war': A Holy Week diary from Rome

by Christopher White

Apr 21, 2022

NCR Connections: The shadow of the war against Ukraine loomed large over the Vatican's Holy Week festivities, while Pope Francis had his own Via Crucis, as the 85-year-old's health was the subject of much concern.

Lunch sandwich and salad (Unsplash/Lucas Sandor)

Here's an idea: Have lunch with a bishop

by Heidi Schlumpf

Apr 6, 2022

NCR Connections: After chatting with a bishop in a lunch line, I wonder: If there were more opportunities for church leaders to hang out, in person, with everyday Catholics, could we better understand one another?

Columns ›

Catholic News Service shutdown is about more than just the news

The importance of a lay independent voice

An 'Easter of war': A Holy Week diary from Rome

Here's an idea: Have lunch with a bishop

NCR board 'journeys together' in synodal listening session

Women's ordination, synodality and hope for the future

Don't give up TikTok for Lent, at least not this year

Catholic schools should extend free speech rights to student journalists

Why following conservative Catholic money is more critical than ever

Listening, investigating, reporting: A message from Francis and an invitation to readers

What Gomez could learn from Catholic social and racial justice activists

Don't overromanticize adoption in pursuit of pro-life goals

Synod must be a safe place for all to be heard

Father Bill was one of the good guys

On Pope Francis, EWTN and cracking down on criticism

Is the tide turning on LGBT firings at Catholic schools?

Introducing NCR's new contributing writers

Remembering 9/11 at NCR

Q & A with activist Kathy Kelly on Afghanistan, US withdrawal and what's next

NCR readers' favorite Catholic novels

NCR wouldn't have published the Grindr story. Here's why.

A hunt for the memory of my Italian and Mexican grandparents

Why was bishops' vote on Communion document secret?

NCR, EarthBeat, Global Sisters Report receive 32 Catholic media awards

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