Perspectives
Articles, essays, and reflections from progressive Catholic voices.
To contribute to Perspectives or submit an article, contact cta@cta-usa.org.
'Who Is Left With a Voice?' Reflections on Abortion in America
Call To Action's new executive director, Lauren Barbato, reflects on her decade-long history of researching and writing about abortion. On the anniversary of the Dobbs decision, she encourages Catholics to ask, ‘Who is left with a voice?’
The Sacred Heart of Jesus Belongs to Queer People, Too
When artist Dani of @andhersaints posted her illustration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus online, she wasn’t prepared for the blowback. Dani writes how the Sacred Heart can also be a queer icon that provides her and others with solace and peace. “Queer lives are holy and sacred,” she writes. “This is the message of Pride.”
Don’t Cling to Hatred. Live with Compassion.
CTA member Tiffani Castro reflects on the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and encourages Catholics to remember the teachings of Jesus. “I won’t have my faith and my values…be twisted, manipulated, and used for hatred and evil,” she writes.
The Diocese of Oakland: Out of Money and Out of Integrity
Longtime survivor advocate and former Oakland diocesan priest Tim Stier connects the Diocese of Oakland’s recent decision to file for bankruptcy to the institution's moral and spiritual bankruptcy. Pentecost is the time for the truth to be revealed, Stier writes, yet bankruptcy “hides the truth and blocks the desperately needed guidance of the Holy Spirit.”
The Power of Showing Up
How can DignityUSA pilgrims raise awareness, challenge the institution, and share in the sacraments at World Youth Day 2023? Pilgrims Audrey Carroll, Brian Frank, and Cait Gardiner discuss what it means to be church as a member or ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
Vatican Grants Women a Voice—Finally
Laywomen will cast votes at the upcoming Synod of Bishops for the first time in church history. Read what our partners have to say about this historic move.
Catholic Groups Behind Mifepristone Ban Are Part of Century-Long Tradition
For Religion Dispatches, CTA communications coordinator and Vision Council member Lauren Barbato looks into the Catholic physicians’ group behind the legal challenge to mifepristone, a drug used in medication abortions.
God, Nature, History: The Search for a Liberating Church
Past CTA Executive Director Zachary Johnson explains how his Catholicism is inspired by liberation theology, corporal works of mercy, and the Polish poet Czeslaw Milosz. Read Zach’s appeal on why CTA remains unique in the Catholic movement.
And So We Must Rise: Easter Sunday
Be not afraid—Christ is risen! For Easter Sunday, CTA staff member Revalon Wesson urges all of us—CTA members, people of faith, and the institutional church—to continue following these 94 calls to action beyond Easter Sunday.
Waiting with the Hopeless: Holy Saturday
For Holy Saturday, Anti-Racism Team and Indigenous Solidarity Collective member Rosa Manriquez implores us to stand with those who experience hopelessness on a daily basis.