In another example of the growing rift between Catholics and radical right-wing Christians, the Vatican has repeated a claim that evolution is consistant with the bible. This move is being interpreted as a pointed attack on the movement. You might remember that Catholics have also been speaking out against the death penalty, another favorite of the right-wing.

I don't mean to suggest that the two groups were ever close, but the Mel Gibson-G.W. Bush-Christianity-Nutjob-Festival that thrived over the last few years certainly brought the two together. The recent past makes their fractures, along with those of the GOP, that much more enjoyable to watch.

• Evolution in the bible, says Vatican

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