Amid ongoing concerns over his health, October 2003 sees the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's election.

AMID ONGOING CONCERNS OVER HIS HEALTH, October 2003 sees the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's election. CFFC President and Conscience Executive Editor Frances Kissling marks the event, reflecting on a quarter of a century when the lives and well-being of women around the world have been inextricably linked with the papacy.

Many have also expressed concern over the health of the church in the US, where attempts to silence criticism of the hierarchy include regular accusations of "anti-Catholicism" from some bishops and conservative Catholics. How one views the difference between fair comment and overt anti-Catholicism is certainly dependant on how supportive of the hierarchy one is. But, in our lead article, Jennifer Block argues that charges of anti-Catholicism are a smokescreen, largely promulgated by conservative supporters of the hierarchy, to silence criticism and quell dissent.

On the international front, Barbara Crossette examines the impact of religious fundamentalism on women's lives, and suggests some reasons why it may be on the rise. We also look at the situation in South Africa, from where Cedric Mayson, the national coordinator of the Commission of Religious Affairs in the African National Congress, explains how the anti-apartheid movement worked with religious groups to end apartheid, and what has happened since.

We also examine President George W. Bush's faith-based initiative, which appears to be heralded and maligned in equal measure. With Congress either stalling legislation or stripping it of its religious content, Bush is under some pressure to deliver on one of his key election promises.

Amid much discussion about the future of the church, and the role the laity will play in shaping that future, Sara Morello examines what rights lay Catholics have in the church, and whether the bishops are ensuring those rights are respected. As many progressive groups work for change in the church, feminist theologian Mary E. Hunt presents a compelling argument to widen the scope of our activism, embracing more issues in our campaigns, rather than circling the wagons around specific interests. This is a theory that Conscience and CFFC have long espoused, and one we try to reflect in our pages. As always, our letters pages are open for your views.