Protestants and Catholics used to eye each other with mistrust, even deep theological enmity. But somewhere in the midst of shouting matches over the relative merits of grace versus good works, idolatry versus sainthood, and fealty to Rome, an alliance of sorts formed between conservative Catholics…LINK

NEW YORK (AP) — The Vatican is taking the unusual step of conducting a worldwide survey on how parishes deal with sensitive issues such as birth control, divorce and gay marriage, seeking input ahead of a major meeting on the family that Pope Francis plans next year. LINK