“[Pope Francis] has reminded us that the way we live our lives is the most important expression of our Catholic identity.” Quote by John I. Jenkins
“Though the archbishop may rightly argue that they are objectively wrong in their positions, I don't understand how he can presume to know the consciences of Vice President [Joe] Biden and Senator [Tim] Kaine sufficiently to question the genuineness of their faith and condemn them personally.” KnowsMayPresidentPositionConscienceVicesArguingSenatorsVice PresidentBidenGenuineness Author:John I. Jenkins
“As Pope Francis says in Amoris laetitia, pastors must "make room for the consciences of the faithful, who very often respond as best they can to the Gospel amid their limitations, and are capable of carrying out their own discernment in complex situations. We have been called to form consciences, not to replace them" (no. 37). As for the former statement, we should only be afraid if the church is smaller because of our failure to welcome people and preach the Gospel in a way that touches their hearts.” PeopleIfsWayShouldHeartHas BeensFormChurchRoomsSituationCapableConscienceComplexesStatementsWelcomeFormerLimitationFaithfulPopePastorDiscernment Author:John I. Jenkins
“I have reflected a great deal on that event, and continue to do so. I cannot give you a complete answer in a few sentences. But I would say that I was struck at that time by the vehemence of the anger from various sides, and the anger was in many cases directed at those who share a Catholic faith. I understand that such anger, such vehemence arises from sincere and passionate conviction, but I believe expressing it in such vitriolic terms gets us nowhere.” GivingBelieveI BelieveSidesTermAnswersDealsCasesShareEventsCatholicPassionateVariousConvictionSentencesAriseSincereVehemenceCatholic Faith Author:John I. Jenkins
“I've never met anyone who has changed his mind or deepened his faith because he has been confronted with such angry condemnations.” MindHas BeensChangedMetsAngryCondemnation Author:John I. Jenkins
“I've seen many dig in their heels and becoming disenchanted with the church because of these kinds of denunciations from coreligionists. We have to find a better way to witness to our faith and our convictions.” WayKindChurchBecomingConvictionWitnessHeelsBetter WaysDisenchanted Author:John I. Jenkins
“I live near Amish communities in northern Indiana and I have the greatest respect for such faithful people. They attempt to live their faith more fully by separating themselves, as far as possible, from the wider culture and its influences. That has never been the teaching of the Catholic faith.” PeopleCultureCommunityInfluenceTeachingCatholicFaithfulIndianaSeparatingAmishCatholic Faith Author:John I. Jenkins
“We are called to serve the common good by engaging with political and other institutions, even in our pluralistic society. We bring to that effort Christ's command to love and the grace that helps us live that love.” HelpingPoliticalChristCommonEffortGraceInstitutionsCommandEngagingCommon Good Author:John I. Jenkins
“To the extent that we sow love where there is hate and light where there is darkness, each in his or her own walk in life, we can heal, enlighten, and unify.” LightHateWalksDarknessHealEnlightening Author:John I. Jenkins
“Best thing about Al Smith dinner: Cardinal Dolan got the candidates together for a brief prayer before going out on the stage.” TogetherPrayerStageDinnerBest ThingsCandidatesAlsGoing OutCardinals Author:John I. Jenkins
“Worst thing about Al Smith dinner : it was another reminder of how far we are from the amity between opposing sides that is needed for effective governance.” SidesWorstNeededDinnerAlsWorst ThingsRemindersGovernanceOpposingAmity Author:John I. Jenkins