"Compassion is the basis of morality."

Most people remember the 1979 Three Mile Island disaster, but few have heard of the uranium tailings pond break that sent contaminated waters from near Gallup, N.M., to as far as Winslow, Ariz., 35 years ago – that same year. Even today the contamination rests under foot and threatens distant waterways and lands, and those of us nearby mark the annual progress.

GSR Today - The way we understand the Bible is important. How we are taught the Bible – that is, how religious authorities understand the Bible – is important

Living in a digital world has changed my prayer life. I now feel more connected globally, aware of what is going on in real time, anywhere, anytime. Through news alerts and in constant communication with community, family and friends, the reality of how we are all connected is immediate and concrete. However, I noticed some changes in myself and my own contemplative practice about nine years ago. The immediacy of technology and accessibility can be a blessing or a curse.

The Sisters of St. Francis of Tiffin have built a house using straw bale insulation as a demonstration project to show that by incorporating an alternative design, nontraditional materials and a renewable-energy system, a house – or almost any structure – can be comfortable and good for the environment.

Before the latest troubles with Boko Haram militants acting in Nigeria began making international headlines, there were 47 Catholic sisters from three congregations working in the diocese around Maidugri. Sixteen sisters remain. They insist on completing their ministry despite the danger and refuse to abandon their communities.

". . . We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed . . . ."

GSR Today - Nun Justice, a coalition of 15 progressive Catholic organizations in the United States, is asking Catholics to pray for women religious at their LCWR upcoming national assembly, which is August 12-16 in Nashville. Nun Justice is asking Catholics to pray for guidance for those at the assembly and for Sr. Elizabeth Johnson, who will receive the group’s Outstanding Leadership Award.

GSR Today - 85 hours: that's what it took one GSR reporter to travel from Nigeria, where she was on assignment for GSR, back to her home in Israel.