The Independent

The Independent is a great online news source, especially for a non-US perspective. Today's headlines include the Catholic church considering allowing the use of condoms (for married couples when one has AIDS). This comes after much criticism for being complacent in the epidemic.

According to sources close to the Vatican, a document setting out the new position has already been approved by the health pastoral care office. It awaits review by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and finally the approval of Pope Benedict XVI.

Nothing will be certain until the Pope has signed it. But the fact that the change has got this far, with carefully placed and worded endorsements by half a dozen influential cardinals, is seen as an indication the change is almost certain.

What has always impressed me about the Catholic church is its rich traditions and the consistent logic the church uses (although not always timely).