Research shows that one of the most dramatic changes in American Catholic attitudes over the last few decades has been the shift with respect to the acceptance of LGBTQ+ people and their relationships.
Catholics, like Vice President JD Vance, who criticize Pope Francis for being too political, claim they long for the days of Pope John Paul II. But the truth is, they did not listen to John Paul when he challenged their political views.
In the third conversation with Sr. Joan Chittister for John Dear's "The Nonviolent Jesus Podcast," Chittister challenges us to build a "Beatitudes Movement" that brings people together in small communities of action, resistance and deep faith.
For some U.S. members of the ascendant Catholic traditionalist movement, Pope Francis' decline presented an opportunity to criticize him and demand that the Vatican reverse course on what they see as a dangerous tack to the left.
Vance and Trump seem confident in their grasp of Christian ethics, but don't be fooled by all the Catholics in the Cabinet. Their policies are destroying people's livelihoods and lives, and can't be supported by anyone.
This Black History Month, we must turn our attention to the harmful part played by the U.S. Catholic Church, in actions, rhetoric and silence, from slavery to segregation to Trump 2.0.
