The Synod on Synodality has raised the question of the role and authority of bishops’ conferences. In 1998, another moment when the question gained prominence, a leading authority on ecclesiology weighed in.

Avery Dulles was widely respected across the Catholic theological spectrum for his scholarly acumen and even-handed, measured approach to complex doctrinal questions.

The church's teaching on servile work as it developed over the centuries is another indicator of how the church constantly sought ways not only to extend its evangelization but to challenge itself to recognize fully the others for whom Christ died.

Greg Hillis, who died on the morning of Oct. 8, leaves behind a large and diverse community of family and friends all over the world. For so many of us, he was a true friend in the Lord.

Pope Francis preaches about synodality, but the canon lawyers are showing us how to make it more than a pious wish that can be ignored by pastors and bishops who prefer to stick to the old ways.

The church's teachings on just war place limits on the permissible methods to bring someone to justice. So too does international law, and hiding explosives in everyday items like pagers and walkie-talkies is a violation of the 1899 Hague Convention, which prohibits “treacherous killing.”