The Last, Best Hope

In recent weeks thoughtful, distinguished journalists and scholars have been suggesting that the era of American global leadership is coming to an end. For the last three and a half years I have watched in dismay as a president and his administration systematically dismantled, one by one, the elements of American global influence and leadership. […]

The Little Children

I have never in my life been ashamed of my nation. I am now, profoundly and angrily ashamed. In recent weeks the president of the United State has insulted and alienated the allies who have fought and died with our brave soldiers, sailors and Marines, including members of my own family, fighting and defeating fascism, […]

This Amazing Experiment

Some days I think I am witnessing the beginning of the end of the project that began in the late 18th century and resulted in the establishment of an independent democratic republic, the United States of America. From the very beginning the new republic understood that it had a role in history and a role […]

A Change of Heart and Mind: Thoughts on Mass Incarceration in America

At the heart of what we believe are two fundamental ideas that have huge social, political, economic as well as personal implications: imago Dei and metanoia. That every human being bears the image of the Creator, and is valued and loved by God surely means that human beings have social responsibilities to and for one […]

Weep Together

The Middle East Peace Talks appear to be at a dead end. It does not seem that either Israel or the Palestinians have the will to negotiate meaningfully. At the last minute Israel reneged on a promise to release Palestinian prisoners and, for good measure, announced the construction of yet more housing in territory claimed […]