Behind the Black Umbrellas

/ Articles, Writing /

The direct action at the Democrats’ building lasted less than ten minutes. The police were nowhere in sight. But as the group began to wind back toward the park, a number of officers arrived on bicycles. They followed for several blocks, then closed in in the middle of an intersection, arresting three men. Activists yelled at the police, asking why the men were being arrested. A moment later a man shouted, “Everyone scatter – let’s go!” “Be water,” said others, and the group dissolved into side streets.

Behind the Black Umbrellas Read More »

Catholic homeschool curricula has whitewashed world history. Is it too late to fix it?

/ Uncategorized /

This article appeared in the October print edition of America Magazine Like almost every other child in the Catholic parish where I grew up in Portland, Ore., my siblings and I were home-schooled. Our parish had a robust home-schooling community that organized group classes, dances, camping trips and graduation ceremonies. When my siblings and I

Catholic homeschool curricula has whitewashed world history. Is it too late to fix it? Read More »

To reopen schools, we need rapid daily COVID-19 testing

/ Uncategorized /

The technology exists for fast, daily coronavirus testing, but the U.S. has been slow to adapt. At Trinity Academy, the school where I teach in North Portland, we have spent much of the summer meeting with a task-force including faculty, parents and public health experts, to determine how to safely reopen the school for partially

To reopen schools, we need rapid daily COVID-19 testing Read More »

What the New York Encounter taught me about faith, art and friendship

/ Articles /

During my first trip to the New York Encounter seven years ago, Pakistani Christian Paul Bhatti talked about forgiving the men who had killed his brother Shabaz for being an outspoken Christian in politics. Frank Simmonds, a former homeless drug addict, spoke about his journey to sobriety, fatherhood and faith. And I stood in the ice-cold lobby

What the New York Encounter taught me about faith, art and friendship Read More »