A letter leads the news: From the head of the U.S. Bishops, with a direct and pointed tone, a letter to the U.S. president about Haitian deportation. But Archbishop Paul Coakley also wrote he was “humbly” appealing. That shift in tone leads off our collection of news and views, in search of wisdom. All opinions are identified and remain the property and the responsibility of the authors and publishers.
USCCB ‘Hardening in tone’
In a direct appeal to Trump, the Catholic bishops’ president urges the end of mass deportations of Haitians. Religion News Service reports the letter’s language marked a notable hardening in tone from the U.S. bishops’ conference, though Archbishop Coakley also wrote that he was “humbly” appealing for Trump’s assistance.
‘We are neighbors’
As relations between Canada and the U.S. fray due to the U.S. trade war, Bishop Pierre Goudreault, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, says he hopes the two nations can reconcile. From National Catholic Reporter.
Ballot access and Faithful Citizenship
Ensuring ballot access for eligible voters is part of faithful citizenship, Catholic leaders say. From National Catholic Reporter.
French ‘Catholic Moment’
As Pope Leo prepares to visit France, can its ‘Catholic moment’ become a lasting revival? From Religion News Service. Record numbers of young people are seeking baptism in France. The diminished Catholic Church is faced with the challenge of turning the burst of enthusiasm into a lasting renewal.
NCR Editorial
The church still waits to hear a full confession from the hierarchy. An editorial from National Catholic Reporter.
A DEI bishop?
“Some people may believe I’ve been selected, picked, because I’m Black,” said Bishop Boxie in an interview with Catholic News Service’s “Vatican Access.” “I’ve thought about this, I’ve reflected on it, and you know what, I’m actually OK with that.” From National Catholic Reporter.
How much privacy should you expect at church?
Imagine a world where high-control pastors could monitor the movements of every staff member, church member or visitor using the power of artificial intelligence. As a YouTube account named “The Religion Business” said, at Lakepointe Church, “Per insiders, there are 400-plus AI tracking cameras on their Rockwall campus alone.” From Baptist News Global.
The Latin Mass
The National Catholic Register asks, “Did Leak in England Suggest Broader Shift in Vatican Policy On the Latin Mass?”
New mosques, anti-Muslim sentiment strong
Mosques have more than doubled since 9/11. But Muslims say opposition is fierce. Religion News Service reports new mosques often stir up local resistance and anti-Muslim sentiment. Even when they get built, the blowback can be intense.
ICE in Minnesota, repercussions
From the Associated Press. Even congregations uninvolved in the court cases say they’re still feeling the repercussions of the weeks-long surge in immigration operations last winter. From Religion News Service.
Faith and future at Turning Point
One year after Charlie Kirk’s death, can faith hold Turning Point together? Religion News Service reports on Erika Kirk’s comments to student Turning Point leaders “as I go through this battle against Satan.”
Justice Bulletin Board
Society seems to emphasize “the superficial, more, more, more… ” Are you caught up in this kind of world?
Spiritual impact of Wendell Berry
For many spiritual seekers, author Wendell Berry was a fellow pilgrim and contrarian, says the Associated Press. While Berry inspired writers, artists, local-food activists, environmentalists, agrarians and many others, some of his deepest admirers were moved by his spiritual vision.
Hidden Jewish law woven into your clothes
During the High Holidays, many observant Jews purchase new clothing and seek out testers to search for ‘shatnez’ — the forbidden mixture of sheep’s wool and linen in a single garment. From Religion News Service.
Employees get pope’s birthday present
Pope celebrates his 71st birthday but it’s Vatican employees who get the gift, reports the Associated Press. The Vatican published a papal decree repealing 2021 salary cuts that Pope Francis had imposed on many Vatican employees as part of the Holy See’s COVID-19 cost-saving measures.
OPINION: Why restrict the precious blood?
It turns out that Green Bay is part of a very small, but growing number of U.S. dioceses where the pandemic appears to have become the occasion for an emerging post-Covid liturgical movement led by a handful of conservative bishops who are sharply restricting the post-Vatican II practice of routinely offering the precious blood. The question is why? From National Catholic Reporter.
More opinions and commentaries
Writer Jeffery Salkin comments: How 9/11 taught us to find sparks in ashes. From Religion News Service. “If you are looking for a spark, sift through the ashes. And perhaps find some hope as well.”
‘The Bible Belt’ has been used for a century to describe religion and politics in the South. But it captured just some of life in the region then – and doesn’t capture what’s going on today. From Religion News Service.
The longtime president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary said he erred in saying the government should be able to punish those who don’t believe God was part of America’s founding. From Religion News Service.
Convicted sex offender offered opening prayer at GOP rally. From the Associated Press. The prayer was delivered by Pastor Damon L. King, a registered sex offender, twice sentenced to prison for convictions involving children, according to state and court records.
‘Bizarre video’ — Trump ‘chosen by God.’ President Donald Trump’s Republican midterm convention in Dallas featured a bizarre video that claimed he was chosen by God for a special purpose. The video, which was also used in 2024, is a modified version of Paul Harvey’s 1978 “So God Made a Farmer” speech, but with a twist: In this one, God makes Trump. From the Huffington Post.
Wichita diocese leads in priest vocations
Why This Small Kansas Diocese Leads the Country. It is the X Factor: Prayer, encouragement, mentorship and a unique stewardship model continue to attract young men to the seminary in this Great Plains city.
Ember Days are coming back
The General Chapter of the Clerical Branch of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) is embracing the traditional practice of ember days as a spiritual means of fostering and growing vocations. Ember days take place for three days over the four seasons each year. The next ember days will be Sept. 16, 18, and 19, according to EWTN News.
Thought pieces
Understanding polyamory. Alternatives to monogamous marriage are going mainstream. How will Christians respond? The Christian Century probes an ordinance in Portland prohibiting discrimination against individuals due to “family or relationship structure.” Somerville, Massachusetts, became the first city to offer legal protections for people in polyamorous relationships in March 2023.
The wounds of Catholic women. When the Vatican rejected a bid to allow laypeople to preach at mass, I felt again the toll of being dismissed by the church I call home. From the Christian Century.
The faith life of Dolly Parton. Dolly’s faith never fit neatly into any standard denominational framework, but she talked often about God, Jesus, scripture, and prayer. When once asked how she practiced her faith, she resisted the verb: “I don’t practice it. I live it.” From the Christian Century.
Support Wisdom Wednesday
We hope you have enjoyed this roundup of recent news about faith, politics, and culture. We will return next week with another edition of Wisdom Wednesday.
If you’d like to support our continued work to bring you wisdom each week, please consider making a donation. Your support provides the breath that makes our voice heard in the U.S. and beyond.
The AUSCP is a 501c3 organization and your donation is tax-deductible.