John Wester

Michael Sean Winters: The politics of abortion are in great flux. But liberal Catholics should cling to the consistent ethic of life, the only intellectually and morally serious ground upon which to stand when assessing the morality of abortion.

The Pillar's controversial reporting on Msgr. Jeffrey Burrill gained national attention. Yet a review of past operations, the connections of its editors, undisclosed conflicts of interest and improper use of anonymous sources reveals a history of questionable journalistic ethics.

Following a meeting at which a majority voted to advance a divisive document on the Eucharist, the U.S. bishops' conference is seeking to clear up its own mixed messaging and is insisting the document will no longer target Catholic politicians.

A bishop, an archbishop and several Catholic groups and leaders released a letter March 31 with the Human Rights Campaign condemning discrimination and violence against transgender people and affirming their dignity.

While some U.S. Catholic bishops recently signed a statement in support of LGBTQ youth, others released a statement opposing a Biden executive order extending federal nondiscrimination protections to LGBTQ people.

Distinctly Catholic: 2020 taught us we never know what unforeseen events will enlighten or becloud all else. We can discern major themes that will shape 2021, but just before the year's end, a new one emerges.

Distinctly Catholic: 2020 began with the U.S. bishops' ad limina visits offering the chance for frank conversations with Pope Francis, but by year's end, opposition to him in the U.S. church was as strong as ever.

Behind the news of suspended Masses, COVID-19 has prompted layers of response that bring into focus how the church is intertwined with the wider society, reliant on revenue and served by people on payrolls.