Pax Christi USA resources: End the Violence in Gaza
Analysis: Lessons From America's War for the Greater Middle East by Andrew Bacevich
Expulsion of Christians a 'crime against humanity,' Mosul bishop says
Israel Says That Hamas Uses Civilian Shields, Reviving Debate
Hamas' dilemma: Trust Egypt's staged truce initiative or demand advance commitments
When I see reports like this, I have to wonder if hard diplomacy would have been as effective as air strikes and tanks: Pew Research finds that before Israel’s invasion, Hamas popularity was waning among its neighbors -- even in Gaza itself
"I’ll never forget the first time I saw the U.S.-Mexico border at El Paso, Texas. It was evening, and the growing darkness accentuated the eerie sight: fences upon fences, barbed wire and enormous flood lights," writes Tracy Kemme in her essay, No fences, which you can find on 
Global Sisters Report , devoted to covering the mission and ministry of Catholic women religious. It offers news, commentary and reflections on spirituality and theology.
Commentary: How does America really feel about the children at the border? by Pat Perriello
President of La Raza says: GOP Will Lose White House If Attitude On Child Refugees Continues
Franciscan Fr. Richard Rohr says: Seize the Franciscan moment
Fifty-two Catholic priests defrocked in England and Wales since 2001
Hollywood glamor blinds Santorum to evils of gay marriage? 'Modern Family' Star Eric Stonestreet Refused A Photo With Rick Santorum -- Notes from the Heartland: On the stump in Kansas July 14 for Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, who is in a fierce battle for re-election, Santorum said that the “future of the free world” hinges on re-electing Brownback. The next day, more than 100 former and current Kansas Republican officials announced their support for Brownback's challenger, Democrat House Minority Leader Paul Davis. There is no word on whether Stonestreet, a native of Kansas City, Kan., has endorsed either candidate.
And speaking of family values: Senator Marco Rubio, R-Fla., gave a speech yesterday at The Catholic University of America focused on the importance of family as a bedrock of society and an incubator of values.
Sacramento, Calif. -- Latino immigrant nominated for California Supreme Court
Toowoomba, Australia -- Bishop forced to retire publishes memoir -- Like the canary in the mine, Morris' dismissal warned of the toxic culture. His book is magnanimous.
Thinking straight? Where Social Conservatives Go Wrong on Sexuality by John Corvino
A most interesting article: Higher Calling, Lower Wages: The Vanishing of the Middle-Class Clergy -- As full-time pastors become a thing of the past, more and more seminary grads are taking on secular jobs to supplement their incomes.
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 a 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.
