Unitarians to explore science, human soul

Ron Garst will give a talk called “Science and the Soul” at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango, 419 San Juan Drive.

Garst will address the questions: Do people have a soul, and if so, what are its characteristics, and what does science have to say about it?

Recent advances in brain-imaging allow neuroscientists to view brain activity as never before.

For more information, visit www.durangouu.org.

Philadelphia prepares for Pope Francis’ visit

VATICAN CITY – Philadelphia church officials said Thursday they’re confident about preparations for Pope Francis’ visit at the three-month homestretch, having raised more than two-thirds of the $45 million needed and lining up 6,000 of 10,000 volunteers.

Archbishop Charles Chaput and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter wrapped up four days of talks at the Vatican ahead of the Sept. 22-27 World Meeting of Families. Francis arrives Sept. 26 and will celebrate a final Mass before as many as 1.5 million people.

“We expect to meet our goal of raising $45 million,” Chaput said as he confirmed pledges for more than $30 million so far.

Vatican sets stage for family debate

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican set the stage Tuesday for another round of debate on hot-button issues like gays, remarried Catholics and unmarried couples living together with a working document that confirmed a rollback on welcoming gays into the church.

The document released Tuesday, which will guide discussions at the October synod of bishops, breaks no major ground on the most divisive issues. But it offers some nuances in approach that may prove key when bishops gather for three weeks of discussion about providing better pastoral care for Catholic families today.

It repeats gays should be welcomed and respected, as church teaching requires, and that the church should provide special pastoral care for gays and their families. But it goes no further.

Herald Staff & Associated Press