Morning Briefing

London -- Cardinal Nichols condemns sexual violence in warfare

What the Hell Is Happening in Iraq Right Now? And what is the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, and how afraid of them should everybody be?

Foreign minister Hoshyar Zebari pleads for west’s help in Iraq (May require registration.)

Iraqi sisters stay as civilians flee Mosul by Dawn Cherie Araujo. This reporting comes from NCR's new website, Global Sisters Report, devoted to covering the mission and ministry of Catholic women religious. It offers news, commentary and reflections on spirituality and theology.

Page one of New York Times today: U.S. Bishops Seek to Match Vatican in Shifting Tone

NCR's reporting from the bishops' meeting:

• Bishops talk sex abuse complacency, not accountability at annual meeting
• Bishops receive stark image of state of American society
• Author of controversial Washington Post op-ed to address bishops [Thursday]

Thiruvananthapuram, India -- Dates set for canonization of two Kerala saints Fr Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Sister Euphrasia will be conferred sainthood by the Vatican on Nov. 23

World Cup Fever: inflatable Jesus hovering over Melbourne on eve of World Cup

Wisconsin Bishop David Ricken speaks out about ruling on gay marriage. "I was disappointed by the decision, but I would really hate to come across in a way that would say we don't value every human being who has this particular attraction, would just hate if they feel like they were being prejudiced against, every human person is a gift of God, created by God and we can't lose sight of that."

Diocese of Greensburg, Pa. -- Vatican upholds bishop's merger of six Fayette County Catholic parishes

Phoenix -- Priests killed and wounded Wednesday night had ministry to Latin Mass Community. (Video) More about the two priests

Looking for a little inspiration to begin your day? NCR's sister publication, Celebration, gives you two options, both based on the Scripture readings of the day:

Daily Bread is a series of short reflections written by four authors who meet regularly to share the readings. Daily Bread is intended to help daily preachers and others who pray from the assigned Scriptures each day to orient themselves to the Living Word addressed to the church in the world. It's a great way to begin the day.

Pencil Preaching is a blog in which Celebration editor Pat Marrin combines Scripture and sketching to reflect on the Word.