THIS WEEK

Differences revealed
The historic Crown-First Nations Gathering Jan. 24 revealed stark differences on whether to keep the Indian Act, but any replacement must reaffirm historic treaties, says a seasoned adviser to the Catholic Church on Aboriginal Issues.
— page 5

Revolutionary non-violence
How to Start a Revolution is an impressive documentary about the events of the Arab spring. “One can always find reasons for pessimism. What is more amazing is how the persistent pursuit of non-violent people-power can sometimes accomplish more than the trillions of dollars spent by the Pentagon,” writes Gerald Schmitz.
— page 8

Troubling trend
A growing wave of de-baptisms in Europe is one of the most visible manifestations of the continent’s secular drift. It’s a phenomenon that has touched Protestant as well as Catholic communities.
— page 13

New paths
People haven’t turned against God, churches or clergy, says Tom Ehrich. “They are simply taking matters into their own hands . . . finding their own paths to God — just not within the narrow boundaries of settled congregations or denominations.”
— page 13