In a blistering attack on the state of the Catholic Church under his successor’s papacy, Benedict, who died on Dec 31 at the age of 95, said that the vocational training of the next generation of priests is on the verge of “collapse”. He claimed that some bishops allow trainee priests to watch pornographic films as an outlet for their sexual urges. (Squires, The Telegraph)
Read MoreJesus Christ Superstar has been prompting controversy and filling theatres since it was written by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sir Tim Rice more than half a century ago. Now students from the Edinburgh University Savoy Opera Group will launch the world’s first gender-neutral production of the rock opera today. (Horne, The Times UK)
Read MoreIn place of the lineup of candies, the brand will be repped by actress and comedian Maya Rudolph, whom the marketing wizards at the candy company called “a spokesperson America can agree on.” (Heil, The Washington Post)
Read MoreIt may not have the glitz of Glastonbury glamping, the privacy of a B&B nor the offerings of a hotel room minibar. Yet the rising popularity of ‘Champing’ – church camping – means that increasing numbers of historic churches across the country are signing up to a scheme enabling guests to sleep under belfries, stained glass windows and ancient steeples. (Swerling, The Telegraph)
Read MoreThe Bradshaws have been startled to find themselves at odds with the school over their right to know about, and weigh in on, such a major development in their child’s life — a dispute that illustrates how school districts, which have long been a battleground in cultural conflicts over gender and sexuality, are now facing wrenching new tensions over how to accommodate transgender children. (Baker, The New York Times)
Read MoreA recent ruling created a split among federal appeals courts on whether schools can forbid transgender students to use restrooms matching their gender identities. (Liptak, The New York Times)
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