Michael Sean Winters

Seventy-five years ago, 44 nations sent delegates to the Bretton Woods resort where they negotiated the architecture of the postwar economy. They understood the need for multilateral solutions. They didn't know it then, but their work set the terms of the 2020 election. 

Distinctly Catholic: The postponement of Archbishop Fulton Sheen's beatification raises deeper issues about whom and how we as a church canonize. It's time to look at the criteria for sainthood.

Political news and commentary roundup: The Times says the left is losing the abortion fight; Secretary of State Pompeo slams Dems for impeachment hearings while President Trump is overseas; and more

Distinctly Catholic: Steven Waldman's new book Sacred Liberty examines the rekindling of anti-Catholic persecution in the early 19th century. What he does not do is distinguish between a denial of religious freedom and religious bigotry. 

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: Sparse FEMA support for Puerto Rico; a heresy against reality from Brazil's Bolsonaro; the core health care problem; Opus Dei Pelagianism.

Distinctly Catholic: The estuary where church and state intertwine has been largely dominated in the past seven years by concerns about religious liberty. Steven Waldman seeks to bring some perspective and sanity back to discussions.

Distinctly Catholic: Like everything else about this presidency, no matter what choice the Democrats make, the impeachment provision and the Constitution to which it is attached will be demeaned.

Twice-weekly roundup of political news and commentary: Republicans will do anything to keep power; Democrats need to watch out for the late-decision voters; look at gratitude; Viganò is back in the news; wealth tax stands up to facts

Distinctly Catholic: The age demographic Buttigieg does best with is those over 65. I confess I do not see the attraction. Indeed, it is worse. I think his campaign is all fluff and fraud.

Distinctly Catholic: Et tu, Gordon? Ambassador Sondland's testimony must be seen by Trump as a betrayal. And there is something delicious in the prospect of Trump being felled by one of his own.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: Boston College students protest Koch money; "Latinx" loses poll; Catholic cafeteria at National Review; 2020 election battlegrounds.

Distinctly Catholic: We have already had several debates and even more town halls, so what is up with late entries — Deval Patrick and Michael Bloomberg — into the Democratic field for president? Follow the money.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: Pro-life Democratic governor reelected; dissenters want Francis to "repent"; impeachment news from the "I told you so" file.

Distinctly Catholic: There are deeper problems with the "Faithful Citizenship" document, problems that demand the bishops start from scratch, and not just that the text does not reflect the papal magisterium.

Distinctly Catholic: With the hearings underway, the political calculus for both parties necessarily changes. The American people must be engaged; from here on, their will should prove itself increasingly manifest. 

Michael Sean Winters rounds political news and commentary: Synodality as a means to address "crisis of democracy"; "Remain in Mexico" policy needs attention; centrist wisdom afflicts Democratic Party; impeachment proceedings continue

Distinctly Catholic: To what degree have the U.S. bishops, and the staff they have assembled at the conference headquarters in Washington, embraced the magisterium of Pope Francis and to what degree are they resisting his lead?

Distinctly Catholic: I continue to regret Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron's insistence on the idea that an impediment to evangelization is the "dumbing down of the faith" he believes has plagued the post-conciliar church. 

Distinctly Catholic: The U.S. bishops are firm in their commitment to rhetorical mush, steadfast in the defense of compromise, decisive about their indecision, bold in their proclamation of the banal. 

Distinctly Catholic: It was the best of our church. It was the worst of our church. It was a time for evangelization and a time for churlish retrenchment. It was last Thursday.