Free Republic

- A Catholic diocese in northeastern France is endorsing new "gender-neutral" language in ecclesiastical baptismal registers after the bishop issued a letter recommending the removal of all references to "father" and "mother." The traditional terms for parents will be replaced on a default basis with "the name of the parents or other holders of parental authority." The bishop of Langres defended the new guidelines, saying it would enable the Church to adapt its initiation rite to homosexual unions without offending anyone. "The situation in France is becoming more and more complex. This makes certain Catholic acts difficult, in particular, those...