NCR Staff

Your thoughts: On April 8, Pope Francis announced he had created a new commission to study the ordaining of women as deacons in the Catholic Church. This is the second commission on the topic under Francis, however several members of this new commission seem to be opposed to women deacons. 

Your thoughts: In a recent editorial, we wrote that "Catholics who bought the single-issue strategy find themselves stuck in what once was a fun house now turned house of horrors."

Your thoughts: Weeks into the coronavirus pandemic and with no real end in sight, NCR is committed to bringing our readers comprehensive coverage of the crisis.

Watch: NCR national correspondent Heidi Schlumpf interviews composer Dan Schutte about his series The Easter Triduum, a digital liturgical celebration of the Triduum for this exceptional year.

Watch: NCR correspondents Heidi Schlumpf and Joshua J. McElwee explain how the coronavirus pandemic has changed their lives, their reporting and the Catholic Church.

Your thoughts: February was forever ago, right? Below are a sampling of letters written by NCR readers in the month of February 2020.

Your thoughts: Just a month ago, in what now seems like a different time, NCR published a commentary from Gabe Moran calling to revisit Andrew Greeley's idea of a "Priest Corps." 

Your thoughts: Just a month ago, the Catholic world was reeling with the news that Jean Vanier, the beloved founder of L'Arche International had sexually abused six adult women.

Pope's quotes: "It is absolutely necessary, therefore, to deal with the causes which trigger migrations in the countries of origin. This requires, as a first step, the commitment of the whole international community to eliminate the conflicts and violence that force people to flee."

Your thoughts: In case you missed it, a bit of controversy erupted in the Catholic Church amidst an article published Feb. 21 in Catholic News Agency.

The National Catholic Reporter has named its national correspondent, Heidi Schlumpf, as its new executive editor. She will succeed Tom Roberts, who has served as an interim executive editor of the independent Catholic publication since 2018.

Pope's quotes: "Childhood, given its fragile nature, has unique and inalienable needs. Above all else, there is the right to a healthy and secure family environment, where a child can grow under the guidance and example of a father and a mother."

Your thoughts: NCR readers are welcome to join the conversation and send us a letter to the editor. Below is a sampling of letters received in the month of January 2020.

Pope's quotes: "Migration today is not a phenomenon limited to some areas of the planet. It affects all continents and is growing into a tragic situation of global proportions."

Your thoughts: In case you missed it, Pope Francis on Feb. 12 released an apostolic exhortation titled Querida Amazonia ("Beloved Amazon") responding to last October's Synod of Bishops on the Amazon.

Pope's quotes: "In a world that is unfortunately afflicted by the virus of indifference, works of mercy are the best antidote."

Your thoughts on the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump and the Democratic candidates running for president.

Your thoughts: Last month, NCR published a three-part series by National Correspondent Heidi Schlumpf that focused on Matthew Kelly, an influential Catholic author and speaker. The series looked into his life, his finances and his program for parishes.

Pope's quotes: "It is not enough to experience God's mercy in our lives. It is necessary for those who receive it also to be a sign and instrument for others."

Pope's quotes: "When terrorists or world powers persecute Christian minorities or Christians, they do not ask: 'Are you Lutheran? Are you Orthodox? Are you Catholic? Are you Reformed? Are you Pentecostal?' "