But when the flock stays intact, the hawk has little choice but to dive into the center of the swarming birds.

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Gradually, and with little help from Rome, the American church is becoming better attuned to a flock that has become less deferential and less inclined to take things on trust.

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But it has little leverage over the local officials who impose the taxes, or over the migrants who flock to the cities despite the treatment they get there.

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