(RNS) The "Nuns on the Bus" have been a consistently popular and effective faith-based tool for religious progressives this campaign season. But on Monday a group of demonstrators apparently organized by a local Tea Party affiliate met the nuns at a stop in Marietta, Ohio, and provided a far different welcome than the sisters usually receive.

(RNS) Sister Simone Campbell, who became a celebrity of sorts this summer when she led the “Nuns on the Bus” tour for social justice, challenged the GOP in a rousing speech to the Democratic convention that called the Romney-Ryan budget plan “immoral.” By David Gibson.

(RNS) Paul Ryan has been taking a lot of heat over the factual accuracy of claims he made in his prime time address at the Republican convention last week, but Wednesday night at the Democratic confab the GOP vice-presidential candidate – and practicing Catholic – was schooled by a popular nun on the moral shortcomings of his budget proposals.

NEW YORK (RNS) In a move that could recast the reigning political narrative about the bishops and the election, Cardinal Timothy Dolan has accepted an invitation to deliver the closing benediction at the Democratic National Convention, a week after he gives a similar blessing to the Republicans in Tampa. By David Gibson.