Michael Sean Winters

The infrastructure bill that passed the Senate this week contains good policy. It also delivers on President Joe Biden's campaign promise of bipartisan efforts and helps convince voters that government can still work for the common good.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: St. Louis' archbishop teaches what the church teaches; Delta variant in rural America; more Latin Mass reaction; the plight of young women in Afghanistan.

Distinctly Catholic: A prominent center for Catholic thought and the bishops of an entire state chose the culture wars over Catholic theology, in a way that will likely cause serious illness or death to anyone foolish enough to follow their bad advice.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: A look at an emerging divide on economics within the Republican Party; Austen Ivereigh looks at "eucharistic coherence" and explains what the zealots among the bishops leave out.

Distinctly Catholic: Richard Trumka was a leader of extraordinary commitment, intelligence and savvy. Those of us committed to rebuilding the once vibrant relations between labor and the Catholic Church have lost a hero.

Distinctly Catholic: If you're OK with bullies who shout anti-gay slurs, you might appreciate The Pillar's recent articles that used data from a gay hookup app. If, like most decent people, you do not like bullies, you're probably disgusted.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: Florida governor called a "sellout"; David Gibson on the "hysteria" that followed Pope Francis' decision to reintroduce restrictions on the Tridentine rite.

Distinctly Catholic: Pope Francis' determination to reform the Curia is showing signs of success. And every cardinal has gotten the message: Being a cardinal will not protect you from the consequences of your own actions.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: Moderate voters' alarm about school curriculum on race; Facebook partners with religious groups; GOP bills seek to limit public health measures.

Distinctly Catholic: Sports are not only a form of human achievement, they are fun to watch. The next two weeks, kick back and enjoy the show of the Tokyo Olympics. I shall.

Distinctly Catholic: The fact that we sin doesn't rob us of our dignity as human beings created in God's image. It is that dignity that makes us squirm when we consider the invasion of privacy that led to Msgr. Jeffrey Burrill's resignation.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: A book all religion journalists and scholars should have on their desk; Archbishop Schnurr would not have approved President Biden's appearance at Mount St. Joseph University.

Distinctly Catholic: As we react to restored Latin Mass restrictions, it is a time for charity toward one another, an openness to sharing divergent liturgical tastes, a commitment to renewing the unity of the church.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: Michael Matt delivers a speech attacking Pope Francis and spreading misinformation about COVID-19 at Immaculate Conception Seminary; What campaign fundraising says about the GOP?

Distinctly Catholic: Pope Francis is a patient pastor. Until he isn't. His decisive step to greatly restrict the celebration of the Tridentine rite was the only real option in service of the unity of the church.

Distinctly Catholic: President Biden gave an extraordinary speech about voting rights this week. In the speech, Biden identified what is clearly the most serious threat our democracy faces.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: Debate on denying Communion; Russian Orthodox metropolitan says refusing vaccine is a sin; Biden's antitrust executive orders; a 2020 election deep dive.

Distinctly Catholic: Whenever Ross Douthat takes to the pages of a conservative Catholic journal like First Things, you know the result will be off the mark, despite the occasional thought-provoking observation.

Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: Frightening analogies between U.S. "memory laws" and what's happening in Putin's Russia; a look at Texas' special legislative session; J.D. Vance has "humiliating" campaign start.

Distinctly Catholic: The best way to ameliorate the worst features of George Packer's four narratives of America is with the strong tonic of Catholic moral teaching, and our social teaching more specifically.