Facts matter.

We are now in a time of chronic national convulsions, and the latest, over the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, has resulted in the wrenching public and private testimony of women who have been sexually assaulted and who have never before spoken about it. Of course, this outpouring has a hashtag: #BelieveSurvivors. Women who tell their stories should have the support, and belief, of loved ones, friends, and a therapeutic community.

But when a woman, in telling her story, makes an allegation against a specific man, a different set of obligations kick in.

Even as we must treat accusers with seriousness and dignity, we must hear out the accused fairly and respectfully, and recognize the potential lifetime consequences that such an allegation can bring. If believing the woman is the beginning and the end of a search for the truth, then we have left the realm of justice for religion.

A true believer’s holiday.

via The Atlantic

Rumblings from (one of) “the media.”

The Cubs scored one run Monday. They scored one run Tuesday. They scored two runs in 22 innings at home in those games. The first cost them a division title. The second cost them their season. You’d think this would cost someone a job.

Make mine Joe.

via Chicago Tribune

She has their number and won’t shut up.

Makes it up as he goes along.

Pope Francis famously downplays law and doctrinal formulations, which he often associates with Pharasaism, in favor of “discernment,” which seems to involve the direct application of ultimate considerations to particular situations.

As he put the matter in his address at the conclusion of the Synod on the Family, “The true defenders of doctrine are not those who uphold its letter, but its spirit.”

But would he know a doctrine if he tripped on one?

More on painful subject:

Many Catholics are therefore concerned that Francis fails to balance his denunciations of legalism with warnings about lawlessness—a tendency that seems a far greater problem in today’s Church.

Quite a good point.

via Crisis Magazine