Worldwide, the number of children born to the average family has dropped by more than half since the 1970s, according to the latest United Nations data. Economists say having fewer children is the norm for many families, especially in relatively prosperous countries like the U.S. (Mann & McCammon, NPR)
Read MoreIn his memoir, Surprised by Joy, Lewis’s description of his childhood suggests the empty room in which the wardrobe stands, and links it also to his reading. (Jones, The Times)
Read MoreThe Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), which in the US represents 150 largely evangelical institutions, signed on to a statement from the American Council on Education that said the compact was “government control of a university’s basic and necessary freedoms.” (Belz, Christiianity Today)
Read MoreQuincy Mayor Thomas Koch commissioned statues of St. Michael and St. Florian, the patron saints of police and firefighters, to adorn its new police headquarters. But more than a dozen residents are suing Koch, alleging that the city is violating religious neutrality as outlined in the state constitution. (Frank & Blandino, USA Today)
Read MoreAs a monstrous Hurricane Melissa bore down on Jamaica, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said Monday that he had made time for one thing in addition to intense preparations. “I have been on my knees in prayer,” he said at a news conference ahead of the storm’s arrival,. (Dennis, Noll & Mellen, The Washington Post)
Read MoreIn a new biography published in Spanish last month, Leo said it was “very unfortunate” that the traditional Latin Mass had become divisive, and that he was open to discussion on the issue, in line with his stated desire for unity and reconciliation in the church. (Povoledo & Graham, The New York Times)
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