A small c catholic

Bill Tammeus, former Kansas City Star faith columnist, seeks to connect the Protestant and Catholic worlds by exploring issues that affect both. His ecumenical columns challenge Catholics to embrace insights not their own.

My sister's memory brings trauma of child separation home

by Bill Tammeus

Jul 10, 2018

A small c catholic: One of my sisters emailed her siblings as this border-crossing story grew hot in the news. "I have a story about being separated from a parent," she told us.

Reflecting on the recent past can lead ecumenical dialogue forward

by Bill Tammeus

Jun 8, 2018

The events of 1968 made it a year of singular consequence for both church and society. Fifty years later, we have a perfect moment for Catholics and Protestants to assess our journeys and learn from our different experiences.

Bible literacy requires more than grasping meaning

by Bill Tammeus

May 8, 2018

A small c catholic: It appears many Catholics didn't get much encouragement to read the Bible. Yet we Protestants sometimes get so focused on the Bible that it becomes an idol. For all people in the pews, it is vital to be biblically literate.

Use idea of 'meanwhile' to recognize how far we've come

by Bill Tammeus

Apr 9, 2018

A small c catholic: We Christians live in a sometimes-frustrating interim. Catholic and Protestant sources assert that the reign of God has started but hasn't reached full bloom. Yet the Gospel invites to see the world in a unique way.

Columns ›

My sister's memory brings trauma of child separation home

Reflecting on the recent past can lead ecumenical dialogue forward

Bible literacy requires more than grasping meaning

Use idea of 'meanwhile' to recognize how far we've come

Fr. Norm Rotert's legacy still inspires community action

Catholic funerals are consistently better theologically

Evangelicals, non-evangelicals are divided by common religion

It's time for Christianity to re-emphasize resurrection of the body

'Be the Church Sunday' reminds us to go beyond church walls

Protestant or Catholic, we're theological and biblical illiterates

Past battles don't concern today's Catholics, Protestants, and that's OK

Consistency, change run through Presbyterian history

The pluses and minuses of married priests

Maybe it's time to reconsider calling priests 'Father'

With declining numbers, women religious are invisible to many non-Catholics

It may be time to radically rethink ordination

Delve into the Bible during Reformation anniversary

Nothing focuses the mind more intensely than death

How can 21st-century minds draw meaning out of Marian apparitions?

Beware the 'prosperity gospel' of the Trump administration

Write down doubts and certainties to live an examined faith

After 500 years, Christian unity still seems far off

Reformation anniversary is a chance to move the church forward

How can we be peacemakers in a violent world?

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