Commentary

Change Is Happening in the Catholic Church, Just Not on Holy Thursday

Published by On Being, USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture, March 24, 2016

Even when I feel disconnected from my faith, Holy Thursday draws me to church. The call to follow Jesus’ example and wash one another’s feet speaks to me, a marginal Catholic more interested in service than doctrine. Continue reading “Change Is Happening in the Catholic Church, Just Not on Holy Thursday” →

March 25, 2016 0

Learning from History: The Japanese Internment and Reactions to Muslim Americans

Published by the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture, November 24, 2015

When Roanoke, Virginia Mayor David Bowers referred to the internment of the Japanese Americans in the context of the terrorist attacks by ISIS, he wasn’t the first to see the parallels between World War II and today. Japanese and Muslim American community leaders also have recognized that the fear of Muslims following terrorist attacks reflects the fear of Japanese following Pearl Harbor. Continue reading “Learning from History: The Japanese Internment and Reactions to Muslim Americans” →

November 24, 2015 0

Is the Pope’s Concern for Immigration Just a “Numbers Game”?

Published by Religion Dispatches, Center for Religion and Civic Culture, September 24, 2015

Pope Francis may differ greatly in tone from Pope Benedict, but on many social issues Francis can expect the same pushback his predecessor received in the United States.

When Pope Benedict brought up immigration on his 2008 trip to the United States, for example, conservative voices argued that his support of immigrants was self-serving. Continue reading “Is the Pope’s Concern for Immigration Just a “Numbers Game”?” →

September 24, 2015 1

Could Pope Francis Change Hearts and Minds on Immigration on a Global Scale?

Published by The Washington Post, Center for Religion and Civic Culture, June 11, 2015

A few months into his papacy, Pope Francis took his first trip out of Rome to Lampedusa, the Italian island through which many migrants enter Europe after a treacherous journey across the Mediterranean.

Noting that shipwrecks of migrant boats happened “all too frequently,” Francis blamed “the globalization of indifference.”

“We have become used to the suffering of others. It doesn’t affect me; it doesn’t concern me; it’s none of my business!” he said.

Continue reading “Could Pope Francis Change Hearts and Minds on Immigration on a Global Scale?” →

July 27, 2015 1

Katy Perry’s Not the Only One Who Wants to Live in a Convent

Published by TIME.com, Zocalo Public Square, Center for Religion and Civic Culture, July 23, 2015

I moved into a convent 10 years ago this summer.

Continue reading “Katy Perry’s Not the Only One Who Wants to Live in a Convent” →

July 23, 2015 1

With Religious Affiliation on the Decline, What Should Happen to Hallowed Buildings?

Published by Washington Post’s Acts of Faith blog and USC CRCC, July 16, 2015

Katy Perry wants to live in a convent. Continue reading “With Religious Affiliation on the Decline, What Should Happen to Hallowed Buildings?” →

July 16, 2015 0

What Ireland’s “Yes” Vote for Gay Marriage Says About Being Catholic

Published by the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture, May 29, 2015

With 62 percent of Ireland voting for the legalization of gay marriage, both liberal and conservative commentators have lamented/celebrated the death of the church in Ireland this week.

“The Irish Church’s failures have caused its people to choose secularism over faith,” bemoaned one headline from the UK Catholic Herald, referencing the church’s sordid sex abuse scandal.

“One wonders what it will take for Americans to become as embittered, and liberated, as the Irish,” Jay Michaelson said on The Daily Beast. Continue reading “What Ireland’s “Yes” Vote for Gay Marriage Says About Being Catholic” →

May 29, 2015 0

National Catholic Reporter Endorses Women’s Ordination

Published by Religion Dispatches, December 6, 2012

With controversial issues, Catholic journalists must walk a fine line between not contradicting Church doctrine and raising issues that real people struggle with. But there is one issue that we cannot touch: women’s ordination. Continue reading “National Catholic Reporter Endorses Women’s Ordination” →

December 7, 2012 0