News Digest

Rome synod: the inside story
More or less unanimous declarations on the most controversial subjects marked the end of the assembly of bishops at the Vatican. But despite the outer veneer of unity, the three-week meeting was also characterised by diversity and dissent
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/cgi-bin/archive_db.cgi/tablet-01100

Two sidelined after protesting altar call on ban on gay marriage
The pair's departure occurred as the archdiocese faces mounting criticism from laypeople and other religious leaders for its decision to remove a popular Newton priest from his parish.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/10/27/ two_sidelined_after_protesting_altar_call_on_ban_on_gay_marriage/

Rome Is Calling Beijing – But the Connection Keeps Getting Interrupted
Signs of growing closeness between China and the Vatican alternate with sudden breakdowns. The four empty seats at the synod. The new bishop recognized by both the government and the pope. The invitation to the sisters of Mother Teresa.
http://www.chiesa.espressonline.it/dettaglio.jsp?id=41210&eng=y

The Revealer
For those interested in insightful and critical analysis of issues regarding religion and its portrayal in the media, it can be difficult to sift and winnow through the myriad of material offered on the web. Jointly sponsored by the New York University Department of Journalism and New York University’s Center for Religion and Media, The Revealer is a well-thought out review of just such matters, and one that will be of great interest to persons with a penchant for the subject. The review is divided into three playful headings: Today, Timely, and Timeless. As might be expected, the Today section culls media coverage from that particular day. The Timely section offers links to media coverage of particularly germane issues and events, while the Timeless area offers some exclusive commentaries on photography and the occult and the relationship between science and religion. Finally, visitors can zero in on the religion of their choice by looking through the material as organized by faith, such as Hinduism, Paganism, and Christianity.
http://www.therevealer.org/