Daily Links, Jan. 27: Pipeline, Inquisition, politics

In news not early as exciting as women’s ordination [1] (to the diaconate), the reception of communion [2], or the bishops’ response to the contraception mandate [3], apparently, the debate over the keystone xl pipeline isn’t exactly over [4] according to Kathy McNeely, interim director of the Maryknoll Office of Global Concerns. She told CNS after Obama denied a permit to TransCanada, Corp. after outcry regarding environmental concerns, "It just feels like this really important decision about the heartland of America is a political game right now, especially since the consequences are so high and it's such a huge threat to the earth as we know it in the Midwest."

This month’s Atlantic features an excerpt from Cullen Murphy’s book [5] on the Inquisition and its’ integral role in shaping the modern world. NPR’s Terry Gross interviewed Murphy [6] who writes that modern interrogation techniques are surprisingly similar to those of the Inquisition.

Also from the Atlantic, the political consequences [7] of military drones, not just moral ones. [8]

The Forward reports that there will be political consequences [9] to a Republican ticket with Gingrich at the top.

No more gay-straight alliances in Canadian Catholic schools. [10] They’re opting for “respecting differences clubs.” Totally different.

Finally, what was this guy thinking? [11]