Perhaps the gift we have to give to our culture and our world today is how we all remain faithful Catholics even when we feel that “those people” who disagree with our positions are probably not really faithful Catholics. Sr. Teresa Jackson Listening in a big tent http://spokanefavs.com/faith/leaders-and-institutions/listening-in-a-big-tent Tracy SimmonsTracy …

<p> Rev. Stephen Supica took an icon of Jesus off the cross and tenderly wrapped it in white linen on Holy Friday as his church reflected on the trial and crucifixion of its Lord.</p> <p> <a href="http://spokanefavs.com/faith/clergy-and-congregations/greek-orthodox-church-reflects-death-resurrection-of-jesus">Read full story</a>.</p> Tracy SimmonsTracy Simmons is an award-winning journalist specializing in religion reporting …

Rev. Stephen Supica took an icon of Jesus off the cross and tenderly wrapped it in white linen on Holy Friday as his church reflected on the trial and crucifixion of its Lord.

LUMBERTON, N.C. —  Andrew Bowen sat yoga-style in his armchair, absent-mindedly fingering a set of Muslim prayer beads in his left hand as he talked about 2011 -- his year of conversion.

Benedictines like to say listening is the heart of monastic life. “Listen” is the first word of the Rule of St. Benedict that we follow. Listening to God, to each other, to the head of the community are all part of what defines who we are as monastics. But if we were to be really honest we would also say that listening is very difficult. So when I saw that some Gonzaga alumni were protesting the choice of Archbishop Desmond Tutu as a commencement speaker it struck me that listening is precisely what is so lacking in public and religious discourse in our society today.

Have you heard of The Oak Tree yet? It’s a group of Spokanites who are determined to make a difference in the community outside of church walls.