Perspectives
Articles, essays, and reflections from progressive Catholic voices.
To contribute to Perspectives or submit an article, contact cta@cta-usa.org.
Translating Anger into Action: Palm Sunday
For Palm Sunday, Lauren Barbato calls us to align ourselves with Jesus’ disciples, especially Mary Magdalene. How do we remain at the tomb, as Mary Magdalene did, and translate anger into action?
From the archive: You, me, and Sarah Augustine
On March 30, 2023, the Vatican repudiated the Doctrine of Discovery, a set of legal principles that validated European Christian settlers’ sovereignty over the Americas. In this piece from our archive, New York-based writer and therapist Tess Thompson reflects on spending Lent 2022 reading Sarah Augustine’s book The Land is Not Empty, which unpacks the Doctrine of Discovery and its impact on Indigenous cultures.
The Church Reformed Must Always Be Reformed
Former CTA executive director Jim FitzGerald invites us to consider the ways church reform is an ever-evolving process that’s never finished. Read Jim’s appeal on why CTA remains relevant and effective.
Jesus Wept: Fifth Sunday of Lent
For the Fifth Sunday of Lent, Vision Council member Debra Brittenum reflects on the significance of the Bible verse, “Jesus wept.”
Can Womenpriests Save the Catholic Church?
For Religion and Politics, Fran Quigley writes about the history of Roman Catholic Womenpriests (RCWP) and explores whether female and nonbinary Catholic priests will be able to bring reform to the struggling, declining institutional church.
Blinded From My Own Beauty: Fourth Sunday of Lent
For the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Immigration and Borders Working Group member Martha Sanchez reflects on how she came to recognize her own internalized oppression.
Clinic Escorting: The New Catholic Sidewalk Ministry?
CTA member Emily Harrison and communications coordinator Lauren Barbato reflect on their experiences with anti-abortion harassment as clinic escorts and the importance of challenging Catholic-led “sidewalk counseling” ministries.
What are the Correct Pronouns for God?
For Good Faith Media, Latinx theologian Miguel A. De La Torre argues that God’s pronouns have always been they/them/theirs.
Third Sunday of Lent
For the Third Sunday of Lent, Indigenous Solidarity Collective and Anti-Racism Team member Cathy Foxhoven invites us to follow the example of St. Hildegard of Bingen and confront misogyny in the Church.
Second Sunday of Lent
For the Second Sunday of Lent, Vision Council member Fred Dabrowski challenges us to think about how white Christian supremacy structures have impacted our faith.