Death penalty watch: Utah may bring back firing squad. Perhaps more humane after all?
The Southern Baptist Convention still preaches that marriage can only be between one man and one woman. But some pastors are softening their message. Southern Baptist Leaders Seek Softer Approach To Homosexuality
Abuja, Nigeria -- Christian groups in country's troubled north say they are experiencing some of the worst suffering of 21st century as Boko Haram attempts to 'eradicate' them The exodus of Nigeria's Christians
High school students in Seattle did it. High school students in North Carolina did it. Now high school students in San Francisco are going it: Standing up when adults let them down. The Archdiocese of San Francisco mandating that women wear dresses for senior photos is not based in Church teaching.
And sometimes bishops do it. Auxiliary Bishop Charles Scicluna, who last November warned that same-sex unions were a "grave moral act," met with a Catholic LGBT group. It was part of IDAHOT (International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia) on Saturday.
St. John’s Abbey, Minn. -- Lawsuit Seeks Internal Reports Of Abusive Monks
Fort Worth, Texas -- Bishop Michael Olson is shutting down the 42-year-old, lay-run Catholic Renewal Center in Fort Worth, prompting outcries from many of its longtime supporters. The bishop, 47.8 years old and ordained/installed bishop in January, wasnts the building to expand the high school which sits next door to the retreat center.
Big Money Powers Big Business in GOP Primaries
Have you been reading NCR's new website devoted to covering the mission and ministry of Catholic women religious? Check it (daily) at 
Global Sisters Report. Here's a great example of the work of GSR: An academic look at the Apostolic Visitiation by Dawn Cherie Araujo
New Delhi, India -- Catholic bishops in India have congratulated the National Democratic Alliance, led by BJP, on its thumping win in the general elections, hoping that the new government will uphold eternal values and secularism in making India a great nation.
Pope’s Upcoming Visit to Holy Land Marred By Attacks on Churches
Bishop Richard Pates of the Des Moines, Iowa -- We who inherit this Earth must protect it
Fighting continues in South Sudan, but peace is possible, writes John Ashworth. But it must first confront its many unresolved issues head-on rather than sweep them under the carpet.
NCR's Bob McClory asks: When will Pope Francis show all his cards?
Michael Brendan Dougherty, on the other hand, thinks Francis has shown his cards, and he doesn't like what was dealt: Pope Francis says half of marriages today are invalid. He's wrong. And his pessimism is an insult to all believers
You know how sometimes on Internet searches, you stumble upon something you never would have been looking for, but are so glad you did? Save this link for your first coffee break: Axes of Evil: What happens when a grown woman wears Axe fragrance for an entire week?
Looking for a little inspiration to begin your day? NCR's sister publication, Celebration, gives you two options, both based on the Scripture readings of the day:
Pencil Preaching is blog in which Celebration editor Pat Marrin combines Scripture and sketching to reflect on the Word.
Daily Bread is a series of short reflections written by four authors who meet regularly to share the readings. Daily Bread is intended to help daily preachers and others who pray from the assigned Scriptures each day to orient themselves to the Living Word addressed to the church in the world. It's a great way to begin the day.
