Bishop Blase Cupich, the newly appointed archbishop of Chicago, is a longtime contributor to America. Readers of the magazine and our website will know him for his many pastoral, thoughtful and forthright articles that have appeared over the years. Here a few from recent years, with some highlighted quotes:
"Staying Civil" March 5, 2012 (Looking at the USCCB's response to the HHS mandate): "[I]n the long run threats and condemnations have a limited impact."
"Francis as Witness," Oct. 21, 2013 (Reviewing the historic interview with Pope Francis in America in Sept. 2013, "A Big Heart Open to God"): "Ultimately, it is only the witness who convinces people, not the teacher."
"The Bishops's Priorities" May 30, 2011 (Examining the John Jay Report on Sexual Abuse): "This is not a time for the bishops to sit back and applaud themselves for getting a handle on a shameful moment in church history."
"Twelve Things the Bishops Have Learned from the Clergy Sexual Abuse Crisis" May 10, 2010 (Responding to the sexual abuse crisis in the church): "Bishops need to resist the defensiveness that institutions often fall back on in crisis moments. Resorting to a conspiratorial interpretation of attacks and adopting a 'circle the wagons' approach only prolongs a problem and does nothing to settle it or heal the victims."
"Racism and the Election" Oct. 27, 2008 (On the Presidential Election that elected Barack Obama): "Racism can be called our nation’s own specific “original sin.”
"Don't Forget about the Baby: A Homily for Respect Life Mass Jan. 22, 2013: (On abortion, in the wake of the Newtown shootings): "We should not be disheartened or bitter if many of our fellow citizens do not heed us at this moment, nor should we pull back on our efforts to join hands with others to improve the lot of suffering people in need just because they don’t fully agree with us on everything."
