Voices
Thomas J. Reese, S.J., is a senior analyst for Religion News Service. Previously he was a columnist at The National Catholic Reporter (2015-17) and an associate editor (1978-85) and editor in chief (1998-2005) of America.
FaithNews
Although the Catholics invented the practice of excommunication to deal with severe sins, other religious groups have also adopted it for their own purposes.
FaithShort Take
Being a member of the “I don’t know club” means you will be attacked by both sides. It does not mean you have nothing to say.
FaithShort Take
We will have to endure the current flawed translation of the Roman missal unless liturgists, priests and people in the pews support the synod’s call for change.
Politics & SocietyShort Take
The Catholic partisan divide provides an opportunity for the church to model proper civic behavior.
FaithFaith in Focus
God sending Jonah to Nineveh would be like telling a modern-day rabbi to preach in Iran or Gaza.
Politics & SocietyShort Take
Congress could learn something from the way cardinals elect popes in conclaves.
FaithFaith in Focus
God does not comfort us so we can simply be comfortable. God comforts us so we can comfort others.
FaithNews Analysis
We can miss important opportunities for church reform if we only focus on the hot-button issues.
FaithExplainer
It will not be enough to read any document that comes from the synod; Catholics must experience the synod, must do synod. The best place to do this is in your parish.
FaithShort Take
You either control the narrative, or the narrative is controlled by anyone who grabs the media’s attention.