Religious groups were among those strongly condemning this week’s partial federal government shutdown. Thirty-three faith leaders wrote to Congress denouncing what they called the “political brinksmanship” that seems to be prevailing. They said democracy depends on a commitment to the common good.  The US Catholic bishops urged lawmakers to meet the basic needs of people in the US and around the world.  And separately, an ecumenical group said the shutdown particularly hurts pregnant women, infants, and seniors.