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Global Briefs for Aug. 17

Youth are less tolerant: The latest British Social Attitudes survey reveals that the views of young people are hardening about the freedom to express extreme religious views. Yet more young citizens are apparently more comfortable with racist views. Between 2004 and 2014, the percentage has doubled of people age 34 and younger who believe that groups with extreme religious views should not be allowed to hold public meetings.

Mobile Psalms: The latest publication venture from the Church of England is an app to help people follow a routine of morning and evening Psalms via mobile devices. Produced by Church House Publishing, the new publication provides short meditations on each of the Psalms by Bishops, well-known writers, biblical scholars and theologians. The Archbishop of York, the Most Rev. John Sentamu, is a contributor. Church of England Communications offers more details at Tumblr.

St. Columba’s grave vandalised: Access to the grave of St. Columba on the Scottish island of Iona is reportedly open again after it was vandalised early in August. The saint who made this Hebridean island his base for the evangelisation of the Scots was buried there in 597. Many Scots regard the spot as the most sacred in the country. Columba’s remains were believed to have healing powers, but there are no remains on the site now.

Image of Earth’s Eastern Hemisphere by NASA [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

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