Following are NCR reader responses to recent news articles, opinion columns and theological essays with letters that have been edited for length and clarity.
Pray for Trump
While I would agree with Fr. Peter Daly that there is much we seniors can still do to foster the democratic ideal in our country, bad mouthing our duly-elected president is not one of them (NCR, April 1, 2026). Nor is it in keeping with our call to Christian holiness.
I enjoyed reminiscing with Daly regarding the good-old-days of Catholic activism that, for many of us, included rallies and marches for civil rights as well as remembering the mentors of that era who inspired us to action. But, may I remind Daly that Thomas Merton, like Donald Trump, was not perfect either — causing great consternation to his superiors for his illicit affair with a nurse two years before his untimely death. Not to mention the sexual proclivities of our '60s heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and César Chávez.
Daly’s disappointing judgment of Trump as "arrogant", "a bully", "obscenely rich and proud of it", "a liar", and a vilifier of his enemies could just as easily apply to countless Catholic bishops in their systemic mistreatment of clergy abuse victims. Maybe praying for our bishops and our president might be the better course of action?
NANCY McGUNAGLE
Kalispell, Montana
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Trump v. Barbara
Unlike Mr. Winters, I am not sanguine about the Supreme Court's ruling concerning birthright citizenship (NCR, March 30, 2026). Trump v. United States was a case-in-point wherein they overruled all the lower court rulings to find the president immune if his actions were expressions of his enumerated powers. Similarly, Trump v. Anderson found that states could not remove a person implicated in insurrection from the ballot even though the 14th Amendment clearly stipulates that restriction.
I am concerned that the language of section one of the fourteenth amendment regarding persons "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" will be interpreted not as an affirmation that those born in the United States are subject to federal jurisdiction but rather as an indication that those who arrived illegally have separated themselves from that jurisdiction and therefore their children, being here illegally, are likewise not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and not citizens by birth. What may unfortunately result from a ruling in Trump's favor is the targeting of any U.S.-born persons whose parents at the time of their birth were not yet citizens of the United States.
CHARLES LE GUERN
Mount Holly, North Carolina
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César Chávez
I'm really saddened by the recent accusations of sexual abuse against César Chávez (NCR, March 19, 2026). My heart is with Dolores Huerta, with the two women who have come forward, and with all survivors. Speaking up is never easy, especially when there’s power or community pressure involved.
As people of faith, we take every allegation seriously and make sure concerns are reported to the proper authorities. Abuse grows in the shadows of silence or unhealthy structures. Moments like this remind us how important it is to build communities where people can speak the truth without fear.
My heart also goes out to all the families affected by this news—the families of those who have spoken up, and also the family of César Chávez. This is painful for everyone involved. I pray for clarity, healing, and peace for all who are carrying the weight of this situation.
And even in the middle of all this, we remain committed to defending the dignity of immigrants and anyone vulnerable, doing our work with integrity, transparency, and compassion.
(Fr.) MISAEL AVILA
Turlock, California
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