“I know that I live in safety. I know that I don’t have to worry about being kidnapped, being hurt; I don’t have to worry about being hit by an I.E.D.” Ahmad wishes that same security for his family and the people of Afghanistan.

At some parishes a battle line has been drawn between parishioners willing to mask up again and those who perceive masks as unnecessary, ineffective or, at worst, a violation of their freedom.

“The Mass itself is a reminder that you don’t just have mariachis you tip at tableside in a cantina,” said Alberto Ranjel. “It is a representation of my culture.”

The results of our survey reveal that many divisions within the church run along political lines.

The August issue of America featured the results of a comprehensive survey of U.S. Catholics by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, commissioned by America Media. Please see this current issue for more results from the survey about politics, church finances and other issues.

There’s still a lot of confusion among Catholics about the sex abuse crisis. And with good reason.