Conservative Catholicism seems to be popular in much of the African and Asian continents at the moment. I wonder if the Church is taking the view that they are willing to lose some parts of the world to gain others that are larger in population - with the gain in power allowing long term recovery here as well. Of course Africa and Asia have long progressive traditions even reactionaries are in power through large parts (not all) of both continents at the moment. So if that is the plan (and I'm not saying it is) it sort of depends on a very specific political path.

Just when you thought penguins couldn't be more cool...

Penguins employ supercavitation: [link]

Conservative Catholicism seems to be popular in much of the African and Asian continents at the moment

Most of the current growth in the Mormon Church is in those areas, too. They've nearly written off Europe, but that's still considered a plum mission assignment. Few people pointing guns at you, like in the American South, few chances of simply disappearing off the face of the earth. Plus cool sightseeing.

No word from ita, by the way?

ita's still lying low, Dana.

Okay, thanks.

I was educated by a variety of nuns because we moved a lot and always went to Catholic school if it was an option. My favorites were the Franciscans I had in the latter part of grade shcool and for three years of High School.

This was back in the very early 70s and they were going through their own "liberation movement" at the same time the Feminist movement was starting up. It makes me very sad to think of the repression of all of those intelligent, spirited and spiritual women at the hands of irrational patriarchy.

Dana,

I shot her an email and she is okay, but as Amy said, laying/lying low.

I was Ursuline educated and my great-aunt is an Ursuline and they, and other nuns I've known, are, for the most part, some really smart, talented, free thinking women.

When the order was founded, they were very radical for their time; their foundress, Angela Merici, believed they should be out among the laity, working with people who needed help, instead of cloistered away. They were also very dedicated, right from the start, in the 16th century, to educating women (specifically women). They are huge on social justice. They are fierce and awesome.

My favorites were the Franciscans I had in the latter part of grade shcool and for three years of High School.

I love the Franciscans. They're so hippie-granola-awesome. (My experience with the Franciscans comes from interning in 1992 at a Catholic magazine run by the Franciscans, so they might not be representative. They all wore Birkenstocks, ISTG.)

I love the Franciscans. They're so hippie-granola-awesome.

My confirmation name was Francis. (Patron saint of animals. Who else was I going to pick?)