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Starting today August 7th, 2024, in order to post in the Married Couples, Courting Couples, or Singles forums, you will not be allowed to post if you have your Marital status designated as private. Announcements will be made in the respective forums as well but please note that if yours is currently listed as Private, you will need to submit a ticket in the Support Area to have yours changed.
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CF has always been a site that welcomes people from different backgrounds and beliefs to participate in discussion and even debate. That is the nature of its ministry. In view of recent events emotions are running very high. We need to remind people of some basic principles in debating on this site. We need to be civil when we express differences in opinion. No personal attacks. Avoid you, your statements. Don't characterize an entire political party with comparisons to Fascism or Communism or other extreme movements that committed atrocities. CF is not the place for broad brush or blanket statements about groups and political parties. Put the broad brushes and blankets away when you come to CF, better yet, put them in the incinerator. Debate had no place for them. We need to remember that people that commit acts of violence represent themselves or a small extreme faction.
Supreme Court Reinstates Trump Admin Requirement That Passports Reflect Biological Sex
- By Michie
The Supreme Court on Thursday reinstated the Trump administration’s mandate that passports must identify individuals by their biological sex.
The High Court paused a lower court’s ruling that blocked the passport policy from being implemented while it is adjudicated in the courts.
“Displaying passport holders’ sex at birth no more offends equal protection principles than displaying their country of birth – in both cases, the government is merely attesting to a historical fact without subjecting anyone to differential treatment,” the court said in an unsigned order.
The three liberal justices dissented.
The policy is born out of President Trump’s day one executive order that requires the federal government to only recognize two sexes. The order also declares that sex is not changeable.
Continued below.
www.nationalreview.com
The High Court paused a lower court’s ruling that blocked the passport policy from being implemented while it is adjudicated in the courts.
“Displaying passport holders’ sex at birth no more offends equal protection principles than displaying their country of birth – in both cases, the government is merely attesting to a historical fact without subjecting anyone to differential treatment,” the court said in an unsigned order.
The three liberal justices dissented.
The policy is born out of President Trump’s day one executive order that requires the federal government to only recognize two sexes. The order also declares that sex is not changeable.
Continued below.
Supreme Court Reinstates Trump Admin Requirement That Passports Reflect Biological Sex | National Review
The High Court paused a lower court’s ruling that blocked the passport policy from being implemented while it is adjudicated in the courts.
www.nationalreview.com
The Emergence of the Post-Liberal Catholic Priest
- By Michie
- One Bread, One Body - Catholic
- 0 Replies
Reactions to the “2025 National Study of Catholic Priests” conducted by The Catholic Project at Catholic University of America, demonstrate the failure of many in the Catholic commentariat even to grasp this important shift.
A major recent survey suggests that a new generation of Catholic priests is breaking free of the restrictive political labels of “conservative” and “liberal,” recognizing that the claims of our Faith transcend such increasingly anachronistic branding.
The study, conducted by The Catholic Project at Catholic University of America, demonstrates that newer cohorts of Catholic priests refuse to be constrained by a political regime that, in both its conservative and progressive forms, is corrosive of Catholic witness. Responses to the “National Study of Catholic Priests: Wave 2” (the “Wave Two Study” or “Study”) suggest that younger priests are resistant to the left/right continuum of American politics.
A paradigm shift among newer priests
The Catholic Project describes itself as “an initiative from Catholic University [of America] to foster effective collaboration between the clergy and the laity of the Church in the wake of the sexual abuse crisis.” But with its Wave Two Study, the initiative has broadened its scope to include a wide range of concerns related to the shifting profiles of Catholic priests in the United States. The survey does not reveal newer priests’ suspicion of one extreme of the political spectrum in favor of the other. Rather, it suggests that they are uncomfortable with the political liberalism to which practically all Americans subscribe, especially as that liberalism has distorted Catholic witness.
It is not my purpose to summarize the findings of the survey, which can be found in multiple places, including here, here, and here. Rather, my goal in this column is to suggest that the survey reveals a paradigm shift among newer Catholic priests, away from the constraints of the liberal continuum with which Americans, including most American Catholics, identify.
In my 2024 book, Citizens Yet Strangers: Living Authentically Catholic in a Divided America, I suggest that we Catholics must resist situating ourselves on the left-to-right continuum of American liberalism. From the far left to the far right, Americans subscribe to the same basic moral anthropology and political philosophy of the so-called English Enlightenment. This philosophy asserts that we are atomistic individuals, bearing possessive individual rights claims against one another, and existing in a state of a war of every man against every man.
Rejecting the Catholic principles of teleology, solidarity, and common good, for example, liberalism reduces politics to protecting individual pursuits of self-interested goods, making no judgments about what goods ought or ought not be pursued, so long as individual liberty is preserved.
Continued below.
www.catholicworldreport.com
A major recent survey suggests that a new generation of Catholic priests is breaking free of the restrictive political labels of “conservative” and “liberal,” recognizing that the claims of our Faith transcend such increasingly anachronistic branding.
The study, conducted by The Catholic Project at Catholic University of America, demonstrates that newer cohorts of Catholic priests refuse to be constrained by a political regime that, in both its conservative and progressive forms, is corrosive of Catholic witness. Responses to the “National Study of Catholic Priests: Wave 2” (the “Wave Two Study” or “Study”) suggest that younger priests are resistant to the left/right continuum of American politics.
A paradigm shift among newer priests
The Catholic Project describes itself as “an initiative from Catholic University [of America] to foster effective collaboration between the clergy and the laity of the Church in the wake of the sexual abuse crisis.” But with its Wave Two Study, the initiative has broadened its scope to include a wide range of concerns related to the shifting profiles of Catholic priests in the United States. The survey does not reveal newer priests’ suspicion of one extreme of the political spectrum in favor of the other. Rather, it suggests that they are uncomfortable with the political liberalism to which practically all Americans subscribe, especially as that liberalism has distorted Catholic witness.
It is not my purpose to summarize the findings of the survey, which can be found in multiple places, including here, here, and here. Rather, my goal in this column is to suggest that the survey reveals a paradigm shift among newer Catholic priests, away from the constraints of the liberal continuum with which Americans, including most American Catholics, identify.
In my 2024 book, Citizens Yet Strangers: Living Authentically Catholic in a Divided America, I suggest that we Catholics must resist situating ourselves on the left-to-right continuum of American liberalism. From the far left to the far right, Americans subscribe to the same basic moral anthropology and political philosophy of the so-called English Enlightenment. This philosophy asserts that we are atomistic individuals, bearing possessive individual rights claims against one another, and existing in a state of a war of every man against every man.
Rejecting the Catholic principles of teleology, solidarity, and common good, for example, liberalism reduces politics to protecting individual pursuits of self-interested goods, making no judgments about what goods ought or ought not be pursued, so long as individual liberty is preserved.
Continued below.
The Emergence of the Post-Liberal Catholic Priest
www.catholicworldreport.com
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NIGERIA: DIOCESE MOURNS FOLLOWING DEATH OF KIDNAPPED TEEN SEMINARIAN
- By Michie
- One Bread, One Body - Catholic
- 0 Replies
(OSV News) — The Diocese of Auchi, Nigeria, announced the death of a young seminarian who, along with two fellow seminarians, was kidnapped by bandits in July.
In a statement published Nov. 4, Father Linus Imoedemhe, assistant director of communications for the diocese, said that while two of the seminarians — Japhet Jesse and Joshua Aleobua– were released, the third, Emmanuel Alabi, died “in the course of the ordeal.”
“The Diocese of Auchi remains committed to the values of faith, peace, and justice, trusting in God’s infinite mercy to bring comfort to the bereaved family, the seminary community, and all those affected by this tragedy,” the statement read.
Continued below.
www.osvnews.com
In a statement published Nov. 4, Father Linus Imoedemhe, assistant director of communications for the diocese, said that while two of the seminarians — Japhet Jesse and Joshua Aleobua– were released, the third, Emmanuel Alabi, died “in the course of the ordeal.”
‘Deep pain and sorrow’
Bishop Gabriel Dunia of Auchi “has expressed his deep pain and sorrow over the loss of the young seminarian and has called on security agencies to intensify efforts toward protecting the lives and property of all citizens,” Father Imoedemhe said.“The Diocese of Auchi remains committed to the values of faith, peace, and justice, trusting in God’s infinite mercy to bring comfort to the bereaved family, the seminary community, and all those affected by this tragedy,” the statement read.
Continued below.
Nigeria: Diocese mourns following death of kidnapped teen seminarian
Bishop Gabriel Dunia of Auchi "expressed his deep pain and sorrow over the loss of the young seminarian" and urged intensified efforts to protect people.
www.osvnews.com
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Learning to Create Income Without Losing My Faith — What God Taught Me About Provision
- Introduce Yourself
- 0 Replies
Hi ladies! I’ve been learning how to build income in a way that still honors God and keeps my priorities straight. I recently found a resource/community that's helping me stay grounded in faith while pursuing financial freedom.
I thought some of you might relate or benefit, so I wanted to share it here — The Godly Wealth Community
Have any of you also felt that tension between ambition and faith? How do you keep God at the center of your goals?
I pray that you all join and that this all blesses you abundantly, In Jesus' mighty name. Amen!
I thought some of you might relate or benefit, so I wanted to share it here — The Godly Wealth Community
Have any of you also felt that tension between ambition and faith? How do you keep God at the center of your goals?
I pray that you all join and that this all blesses you abundantly, In Jesus' mighty name. Amen!
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What Satire are You Reading?
- By Tom D
- Friendship Court
- 3 Replies
In a beautiful Austrian town, Master Hans was the most respected carpenter in the region. His work was known not for extravagance, but for its quiet perfection—doors that never creaked, joints that never loosened, and homes that stood for generations. Two young men began their apprenticeship under him.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The first apprentice, Wilhelm, was undeniably brilliant. He could think quickly and had a mind like a blueprint—able to visualize complex designs instantly, calculate angles without measuring, and identify wood types by scent alone. Master Hans praised him often, calling him “a rare talent.” Wilhelm basked in the compliments. He loved being admired and gravitated toward glamorous projects—ornate furniture, decorative carvings, anything that drew attention and applause. He avoided the small, quiet tasks like sanding beams, fixing warped doors, or troubleshooting creaky joints. “Leave those to Johann,” he’d say. “I was born for bigger things.”
Johann, the second apprentice, was slower. He asked many questions, made mistakes, and often stayed late to redo his work. He didn’t have Wilhelm’s natural flair, but he had something else: perseverance and humility. He measured carefully, sanded patiently, and learned from every error. Over time, Johann became the one Master Hans relied on for all the small jobs—tightening loose hinges, adjusting uneven frames, repairing misaligned drawers. He never complained. He treated each task, no matter how minor, as a chance to learn.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
One day, a client came to Master Hans with a troubling problem: the sliding doors in his cafe had begun to stick and groan, disturbing the peaceful atmosphere. “I’ve oiled the tracks, replaced the rollers, even shaved the edges,” the client said, “but nothing works.”
Master Hans turned to his apprentices. “Go together. Find the cause. Fix it.”
Wilhelm and Johann visited the cafe. Wilhelm examined the doors, slid them once, frowned, and declared, “It’s a warped frame. Nothing we can do without rebuilding the whole wall.” He left, muttering about wasted time and better uses of his talent.
Johann stayed. He sat on the floor, opened and closed the doors dozens of times, listening. He noticed the sound changed with the weather. He examined the floorboards, the humidity in the wood, the angle of the track. After hours of quiet observation and trial, he discovered the problem: a subtle shift in the foundation had tilted the track just enough to cause friction. He adjusted the base, reinforced the frame, and added a hidden wedge to restore balance.
The next day, the client returned to Master Hans, beaming. “The doors are silent again. It’s like they float.”
Master Hans nodded. “Who solved it?”
“Johann,” the client said. “He’s remarkable—he stayed until it was perfect.”
Wilhelm overheard. He said nothing, but his face tightened.
Later, Master Hans rebuked Wilhelm. “You think you are smart but smartness is nothing without discipline. The world doesn’t need more brilliance, it needs more discipline !”
Wilhelm was furious. That evening, he packed his tools and left the workshop. “I’ll build my own legacy !!” he shouted.
He opened his own carpentry shop in the town square. His reputation as a prodigy drew crowds. Clients lined up for his dazzling designs—spiral staircases, carved mantels, intricate latticework. Business boomed.
But Wilhelm had no one to check his work. Without Master Hans’s quiet oversight, flaws crept in. Joints loosened. Beams warped. Doors stuck. Clients returned with complaints after complaints. Wilhelm blamed the wood, the weather, the mosquitoes—but never himself.
Within a year, the crowds thinned. His shop grew quiet. The town whispered: “Beautiful, but broken.”
Meanwhile, Johann continued his quiet work. He built homes that stood firm, gates that never groaned, and furniture that aged gracefully. He never sought praise—but earned respect.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The first apprentice, Wilhelm, was undeniably brilliant. He could think quickly and had a mind like a blueprint—able to visualize complex designs instantly, calculate angles without measuring, and identify wood types by scent alone. Master Hans praised him often, calling him “a rare talent.” Wilhelm basked in the compliments. He loved being admired and gravitated toward glamorous projects—ornate furniture, decorative carvings, anything that drew attention and applause. He avoided the small, quiet tasks like sanding beams, fixing warped doors, or troubleshooting creaky joints. “Leave those to Johann,” he’d say. “I was born for bigger things.”
Johann, the second apprentice, was slower. He asked many questions, made mistakes, and often stayed late to redo his work. He didn’t have Wilhelm’s natural flair, but he had something else: perseverance and humility. He measured carefully, sanded patiently, and learned from every error. Over time, Johann became the one Master Hans relied on for all the small jobs—tightening loose hinges, adjusting uneven frames, repairing misaligned drawers. He never complained. He treated each task, no matter how minor, as a chance to learn.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
One day, a client came to Master Hans with a troubling problem: the sliding doors in his cafe had begun to stick and groan, disturbing the peaceful atmosphere. “I’ve oiled the tracks, replaced the rollers, even shaved the edges,” the client said, “but nothing works.”
Master Hans turned to his apprentices. “Go together. Find the cause. Fix it.”
Wilhelm and Johann visited the cafe. Wilhelm examined the doors, slid them once, frowned, and declared, “It’s a warped frame. Nothing we can do without rebuilding the whole wall.” He left, muttering about wasted time and better uses of his talent.
Johann stayed. He sat on the floor, opened and closed the doors dozens of times, listening. He noticed the sound changed with the weather. He examined the floorboards, the humidity in the wood, the angle of the track. After hours of quiet observation and trial, he discovered the problem: a subtle shift in the foundation had tilted the track just enough to cause friction. He adjusted the base, reinforced the frame, and added a hidden wedge to restore balance.
The next day, the client returned to Master Hans, beaming. “The doors are silent again. It’s like they float.”
Master Hans nodded. “Who solved it?”
“Johann,” the client said. “He’s remarkable—he stayed until it was perfect.”
Wilhelm overheard. He said nothing, but his face tightened.
Later, Master Hans rebuked Wilhelm. “You think you are smart but smartness is nothing without discipline. The world doesn’t need more brilliance, it needs more discipline !”
Wilhelm was furious. That evening, he packed his tools and left the workshop. “I’ll build my own legacy !!” he shouted.
He opened his own carpentry shop in the town square. His reputation as a prodigy drew crowds. Clients lined up for his dazzling designs—spiral staircases, carved mantels, intricate latticework. Business boomed.
But Wilhelm had no one to check his work. Without Master Hans’s quiet oversight, flaws crept in. Joints loosened. Beams warped. Doors stuck. Clients returned with complaints after complaints. Wilhelm blamed the wood, the weather, the mosquitoes—but never himself.
Within a year, the crowds thinned. His shop grew quiet. The town whispered: “Beautiful, but broken.”
Meanwhile, Johann continued his quiet work. He built homes that stood firm, gates that never groaned, and furniture that aged gracefully. He never sought praise—but earned respect.
| Virus-free.www.avast.com |
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JD Vance Defends Hope That His Wife Will Come to ‘Believe in the Christian Gospel’
- By JimR-OCDS
- One Bread, One Body - Catholic
- 24 Replies
I didn't know Shirer had written a book about Gandhi. I read his book "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" several times until my paperback copy fell apart.
I thought it was the definite history of the Third Reich.
South African racism, which was the home of Aparthied, had a bearing on his dislike of Christians.
Why Ghandi Didn't Become A Christian | Good News Unlimited
Mohandas Ghandi was surely one of the greatest moral leaders of the modern times. Ghandi was once asked what he thought about Western Civilisation. Gandhigoodnewsunlimited.com
An American journalist’s friendship with Mahatma Gandhi gave India a megaphone around the world
An admirer of the Mahatma, William Shirer presented India’s message to his readers in the US and Europe, who until then had been fed on the British narrative.
scroll.in
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AI Image Generators
- By rocknanchor
- Technology
- 38 Replies
Oh, not far at all from your issue, mine, Adobe Illustrator 10 (2001) and Photoshop 7 (2002) but some of the biggest changes we know, happen overnight with big-tech. You're likely correct on the vast majority that are commonplace fonts.
Wow, won't even attempt to unpack all this!! Yes, Cut my lab teeth on the Mac OS back in 99', another longtime commonplace reality amongst the graphics folk. But after the lab duration, reverted back to Windows as this insured the family could jump on their accounts between my graphics side work-flow. Features of Mac over Windows I never ran into but suppose WIndows and Linux were mavericks on a handful of goodies I'm sure? Correct me if I'm wrong but, I suppose with all Linux being known for such areas of rock-solid securities, has to have hurt their marketplace presence, am I correct that in the last ten years has eased somewhat to their more cross-platforming?
If didn't think I was abusing the bounds of copywrite privileges', I wouldn't mind posting some other more drastic changes that happened to PostScript Type 1. Irks me every time I think of their slap-in-the-face to a loyal Adobe constituency.
So so kind! I'm not the best by any stretch in that dept.
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