This Advent season, NCR is joining with our sister publications, Celebration and Global Sisters Report to share Advent resources. Whether you are looking for Scripture study, some meditative reflections or an inspiring read, check out Our Celebration of Advent page.
Archbishop Stephen Brislin of Cape Town, who is also President of the Southern African Bishops’ Conference, speaks about a number of topical issues including South Africa’s political situation, the Church’s image, and its approach to divorced and gay people.
The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Olso yestereday. It's message: Nuclear war is 'a tantrum away'
For Christians, it is worth considering that Jesus was born into a dangerous world, just like ours. Shortly after Jesus' birth, King Herod set out to find the baby and kill him. "We are called to lay our weapons down," says Melissa Musick Nussbaum.
Michael Sean Winters recommends: Keep following the money in the Russia investigations
Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence is wondering what you will preach on the weekend of Dec. 15-17. Coalition's annual Sabbath against gun violence rallies faith communities
Benedictines run a three year program for training spiritual directors: Souljourners program prepares spiritual directors to guide others during journeys
Election Day in Alabama tomorrow:
- Alabama’s desire not to be embarrassed may be the best thing going for Doug Jones “I think Alabama deserves better,” Alabama's senior senator Richard Shelby said Sunday on CNN. “I didn't vote for Roy Moore. I wouldn't vote for Roy Moore. I think the Republican Party can do better.”
- Meanwhile, Donald Trump rallies for Roy Moore, repeats falsehoods in Pensacola speech
- Maybe the president should read: Church teaching is clear: 'Fake news,' other untruths are wrong, dangerous
- That Alabama can be tight race begs the question: 'Has America lost its moral center?' asks Fordham panel
At First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham, Alabama, the Rev. Catherine Goodrich offered a prayer for the congregation with the election in mind: "The eyes of the nation are focused on Alabama, waiting to see if we believe that all people are created in the image of God, if we believe in the separation of church and state, if we stand on the side of love, and if we believe that the poor and the vulnerable should be protected." (See more.)
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Two related articles:
- How Religious Fear is Shaping the Culture War
- "When you turn from symbols to policy, there's less polarization. The symbols and the fear of it have overrun the policies." "If you get people out of that mindset [of fear and polarization], Americans are kind of pragmatic."
What is the old saw: There are only two things for certain: death and that Morning Briefing has to have round up of stories on tax reform:
- A look from abroad: EU finance ministers warn US over tax reform Bill’s measures would ‘contravene’ the rules of the World Trade Organisation’s principles as well as double taxation resolutions.
- To understand the tax reform bill, use good old math and history
- GOP Sen. Susan Collins: Not sure if I will support tax reform plan
- This is what we said: NCR Editorial -- Fight the tax plan and the coming budget cuts
Start your day inspired with daily scripture reflections. Join NCR's sister publication, Celebration, for Daily Bread, a series of short reflections written by four authors who meet regularly to share the readings.
Or reflect on 
Pencil Preaching by Pat Marrin. Every morning Pat Marrin breaks open the Word with a pencil sketch and a short meditation.
