Copy Desk Daily, Aug. 6, 2020

Our team of copy editors reads and posts most of what you see on the websites for National Catholic Reporter, Global Sisters Report and EarthBeat. The Copy Desk Daily highlights recommended news and opinion articles that have crossed our desks on their way to you.

A virtual LCWR assembly aims to discern modern role of women religious: The Leadership Conference of Women Religious decided to take its annual assembly online, in response to the pandemic. To streamline part of the Aug. 12-14 virtual process, members have already voted on a new president-elect: Sr. Jane Herb of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Monroe, Michigan.

Vatican instructions give parishioners more hope in face of closings: "The Vatican's new document on pastoral care raises the question of whether parishioners have more legal recourse within the church to keep their parishes open. The answer appears to be yes."

Residents' needs are the 'North Star' of Mercy Housing: "Mercy Housing, a sponsored ministry of eight U.S. congregations of women religious, is the largest nonprofit affordable housing agency in the country and the fourth-largest provider of affordable housing, according to Affordable Housing Finance magazine. It has more than 23,000 units of affordable housing and is home to nearly 50,000 residents across 41 states. But that is a drop in a sea of need."

Nuclear era that began in 1945 poses moral questions for the 21st century: Today is the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Nuclear disarmament advocates are concerned that "a new arms race threatens to upend the progress made over the last half-century."

Dear parishes and priests: I want to pray with you, not watch you pray: Young Voices columnist Christian Mocek writes: "My problem with virtual Mass was that it was the only form of ministry I was experiencing from my parish. And because it was the only form of ministry — it was wholly inadequate."