Maybe God is calling us into the streets, out on the plains, down by the lakes, or even at the borders that exist in our communities, where we can gather and proclaim that God is present, with us, now.

Pope Francis wasn’t trying to change the politics of religion; in fact, he disappointed both conservatives and liberals on political matters. Maybe that’s because his primary agenda was trying to awaken a sense of dignity within our hearts. That’s a new spirit, not an old political debate.

Is a decline in reading a problem if people are just reading off a screen? Research is showing that we read differently off a screen. We scroll. Comprehension declines. We retain less, than off the printed page.

The best way to be Christian in this current moment of political crisis requires the courage to bear witness to the suffering of vulnerable people. We can’t afford to be on the sidelines.

Each Friday in The Christian Citizen, we publish a Religion News Roundup with summaries of religion news stories and links for those who want to read more.