I am pleased to have this opportunity to encourage readers to support National Catholic Reporter during its Spring Fund Drive. NCR was an important part of my seminary days when it first began publication in 1964 at the height of the Second Vatican Council.
As students, we waited anxiously for the supply of NCR papers to arrive on site each week so we could check out the latest news as we searched for signs of progress in updating the church. It was really the only source of its kind that contained detailed accounts of the intrigue and infighting taking place at the council. It was a time of great ferment in the church, and NCR filled an important void in critical news coverage.
It still does. There is nothing like it.
NCR, of course, is identified with a progressive point of view. However, its most important asset is that it provides outstanding news coverage. Excellent journalists ferret out what's going on in every corner of the church in this country and around the world. You will not find such superior reporting in diocesan papers or other outlets.
The news that many may not want discussed or highlighted will be found on the pages of NCR. It is a critical resource for understanding our church today. Whether it's women deacons, immigration, politics, the sex-abuse crisis, or outreach to the poor, concerned Catholics will find the information they need to be on top of all the issues confronting our church today.
There are any number of conservative publications available today that provide a very traditional point of view. Many are well funded by conservative donors and foundations.
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NCR is dependent on its readership for support to sustain its publication. Only through your support will NCR be able to continue to provide the journalism and insights that have made it such an indispensable resource.
Those who agree or disagree with NCR's editorial point of view will find the news articles valuable for keeping up with what is happening on all sides of issues affecting the church today.
With so much happening in today's church and Pope Francis working so hard to move the church forward into the 21st century, it has never been more important to contribute to the work NCR is doing.
Your generous support is appreciated and needed. Become a member or make a one-time donation during our Spring Fund Drive. Thank you!
[Pat Perriello, a retired educator from the Baltimore City Public Schools, served as the coordinator of Guidance and Counseling Services and an associate professor at Johns Hopkins University. He is a former seminarian from St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore. He has been blogging for NCR since 2012.]
