Breaching a Contract, Breaking Faith: Religious Freedom in Cincinnati

contract

We're used to thinking of religious freedom as an individual right---my freedom of conscience to believe and practice as I choose. But as the continuing debate over the HHS mandate demonstrates, freedom of religion under the First Amendment also guarantees the rights of religious institutions. When those freedoms collide, what gives? In the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, for which I perform occasional work as an independent contractor, the cases of two dismissed Catholic school employees are in … [Read more...]

It’s a Wonderful Mardi Gras, Encore

Reposting from last year, because it's as true as ever. Our own celebrations might be subdued today, because we're in a reflective mood after the announcement of the Holy Father's renunciation of office. But the rest of you? Let it roll, on us. Today is Lundi Gras---Fat Tuesday---in New Orleans. Last night the monarchs of Zulu and Rex arrived by boat at the foot of Canal Street, kicking off the party that won't end until tonight at midnight. The good times are rolling, in a frenzy of parades … [Read more...]

Strength of Mind and Body: Praying for the Pope, the Church, the World

Lourdes

  My eyes popped open at 3:01 am PST, the TV still on the overnight news. A few minutes later, a special report: POPE BENEDICT XVI TO RESIGN. If, as it seems now, the reports of Pope Benedict XVI's resignation are true, there is special reason to invoke the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes on this her feast day. According to the text of the pope's message, which has been posted on the website of Vatican Radio, the Holy Father---"after having repeatedly examined my … [Read more...]