VATICAN CITY – The most significant and contested gathering of Roman Catholic bishops in the last 50 years formally ended on Sunday (Oct. 25) after three weeks of debate and dispute, but the arguments over who "won" and who "lost" are only beginning.
The synod of 270 cardinals and bishops from around the world was the second in a year called by Pope Francis to address how and whether Catholicism could adapt its teachings to the changing realities of modern family life. Traditionalists had taken a hard line against any openings, especially after last October's meeting seemed to point toward possible reforms.
STATE HOUSE — On the eve of a high-stakes Senate caucus, activists planning to put a charter school expansion question before voters in November 2016 say they've already compiled more than 100,000 signatures, three weeks before those signatures are due to be presented to local offices for certification.
The coalition behind the ballot question also touted a nearly four-month-old poll of 600 likely Massachusetts voters commissioned by a member of the coalition that found 63 percent in favor of adding 12 new charter schools or expansions per year, with 26 percent opposed.
