Michael Sean Winters

Distinctly Catholic: Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez is charging ahead with steps to approve the drafting of a text about pro-choice politicians being barred from holy Communion.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: The president welcomes George Floyd's family; a Republican officeholder with a conscience; Working-Class Bill of Rights; Lesley Stahl's journalistic ethics.

Distinctly Catholic: Pope Francis' decision to postpone and widen the planned 2022 synod is extraordinary. Yet I worry how the U.S. bishops will manage to engage in this new and promising synodal process.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: A nightmare scenario with state election officials; Are climate goals still possible? Hamas and responsibility; Giggles via Scientific American

Distinctly Catholic: An increasing number of Americans on the left have bought into a narrative on Israel and Gaza that is not only one-sided; it is difficult to see how it will improve the lives of Palestinians.

Distinctly Catholic: Michael Sean Winters has a tongue-in-cheek reaction to the extravagant "FOCUS Founder's Forum."

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: The mental health crisis made worse by the pandemic; ballot recounts in Arizona; New York to open criminal probe into Trump organization; how to get people to pay attention to President Joe Biden

Distinctly Catholic: I joined the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States for the second day of their two-day virtual colloquium. The meeting's focus was refreshing and, I suspect, seminal.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: New survey of U.S. Jews; from George W. to Trump; an emerging GOP megadonor; arguments for canceling student debt; art in the U.K. and architecture in China.

Distinctly Catholic: As they withdraw their states from federal unemployment benefits, the GOP governors are correct that the government should not provide a disincentive to work — but that does not exhaust the moral responsibility of government.

Round-up of political news and commentary: Gaslighting unites; inflation fears; infrastructure solutions over the rails; synodality analysis from Massimo Faggioli; and cows

Distinctly Catholic: With the conservative media acting like the Ladaria letter doesn't say what it said, the U.S. bishops' conference finds itself once again in an awkward situation when it comes to credibility, autonomy and unity. 

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: Update on the Catholic University of America; time and the pandemic change Democrats; a chaplain's experience at a contemporary liberal arts school.

Cardinal Luis Ladaria's letter systematically pulls apart the rhetorical building blocks that had been assembled by the advocates of denying Communion to President Joe Biden.

Distinctly Catholic: The TV game show "Jeopardy!" first aired in 1964 — the same year NCR was founded. Alex Trebek hosted the show from its 1984 revival until his death in 2020. "What is, 'Let's have a little fun'?"

Distinctly Catholic: A big lie has emerged at the heart of the GOP — that Donald Trump is the legitimate president because the 2020 election was stolen. Until that lie is dispatched, American democracy is radically unsafe.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: CEOs waffle on voting; the way to organize solidarity; reuniting migrant families separated at the border; asking Paul Ryan about the 'big lie.'

Distinctly Catholic: It's time for another installment, since tweets, columns and comments from certain conservative Catholics are piling up.

Round-up of political news and commentary: Remembering the Jan. 6 insurrection; Republican loyalty and destruction; best pizza; correction about Leonard Bernstein's recorded works

Distinctly Catholic: All Catholics should approach the Eucharist in fear and trembling, but also in hope and confidence. However great our sins, God's mercy is yet greater. That goes for President Joe Biden too.