Charles Thompson

Two Indianapolis high schools caught in summer controversy with Archbishop Charles Thompson about firing — or not firing — gay teachers start up the school year with a new status quo.

If Catholic bishops hope to reclaim their moral credibility after revelations about covering up clergy sexual abuse, church leaders should take a year of abstinence from preaching about sex and gender.

Distinctly Catholic: At meetings of the U.S. bishops' conference, one of the staples is the election of new committee chairs and other officers. This year, the bishops must elect a new treasurer, and one of the most interesting contests is for the chairmanship of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.

The Field Hospital: Friendships have emerged and discussions have flourished among St. Benedict Cathedral Parish, First Presbyterian, Temple Adath B'Nai Israel and the Islamic Society.

The latest news on active nonviolence: Chapel Hill church campus offers sanctuary to Honduran mother; Kings Bay Plowshares follow-up tips; Indianapolis clergy back Mexican immigrant.

The Field Hospital: Students write letters of support to women who placed children for adoption; Parishioners, clergy celebrate Mass with prison inmates; medical student fights against father's deportation

In discussions Oct. 5-6 at Boston College, cardinals, bishops, and other participants will discuss the "new momentum" Amoris Laetitia gives local bishops to renew pastoral practices toward families.