As an Episcopal priest (and we are usually called priests, not ministers), I, too, really wanted to like "The Book of Daniel." There were minor annoyances that probably only bothered other Episcopalians. (If you're going to set a series within the Episcopal church get the terminology and rituals rights). But those things can be overlooked. What can't be overlooked is the bad writing and preposterous plot. Yes, clergy families are not immune from the problems other families face. Yes, clergy women and men have their share of human foibles. But why burden this family with every problem in the book? This is not reality, this is an over the top soap opera. And the Jesus gimmick is not morally offensive. It's just stupid. Years ago there was briefly a religious drama on called "Nothing Sacred." It was excellent. "The Book of Daniel" is so far just insipid.

The Rev. Patricia Templeton

I have not seen anything about the clergy of this church, and whether she or he has been informed about what is going on with this teacher. As an Episcopal priest, I can tell you I would want to know. Even in the smallest churches, clergy cannot be present for every class. We are grateful for members who are willing to take on the responsibility of teaching, particularly in areas that are as sensitive as human sexuality. But believe me, if and when there is flack over the appropriateness of this teacher's content and behavior it will be directed in large part toward the clergy. Please let her or him know what is going on.

Tricia Templeton

When I heard the news on CNN about the election of a woman as new presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church I began shouting, "I don't believe it!" and weeping, prompting my 5-year-old son to worriedly ask me what was wrong. The answer? Nothing! These are tears of deep joy. This is validation for every woman priest who has not gotten a job because of her gender, which is most of us; and every one of us who has been told we should not be who we are, which is all of us. I am so proud of my church for its prophetic stance three years ago in consecrating Gene Robinson and for its continued prophetic stance yesterday in the election of Katharine Jefferts Schori. For all of those who are looking for a church where all of God's people are valued, where God's reign is seen as a place of openness and peace and justice, where God's Spirit is constantly breathing new life and doing new things, please know that the Episcopal Church welcomes YOU!

The Rev. Paricia Templeton

Atlanta, Georgia

Obama gracious? How about arrogant and condescending? How "gracious" it is for him to give Hillary permission to stay in the race. As a life-long Democrat I will not vote Republican in November, but if this arrogant empty suit is the nominee I may not be voting at all.

Hope you are right, Garrison. I've never voted Republican, and I never will, but at this moment Obama reminds me too much of Reagan. I never understood the Teflon president's charm, and so far Obama's eludes me, too. What I see so far is a lot of empty rhetoric and pedantic lecturing. What we don't need is another empty suit, even if it is a liberal one.

Everyone seems to agree that Tim Russert was a nice guy, good friend and colleague, husband and father. My prayers are with those who mourn his untimely death. But Russert was a Washington insider, not a journalist. And that's the problem with the media today. When I was a political reporter (in print), we guarded constantly againt getting too close to those we covered. Now we hear James Carville and other politicos telling about going to baseball games, etc with Russert. NBC's coverage of this campaign has been abysmal, and if Russert was truly in charge he is largely responsible for the outrageous Chris Matthews, Keith Olbermann, and Tucker Carlson. Not to mention giving the Bushies a virtual free ride on Iraq. But a real journalist, who wasn't afraid to challenge the status quo, might lose that coveted insider status. Olbermann actually wondered out loud how this country could have an election without Russert. I think we will manage that just fine.

Why in the world would you think Sarah Palin might appeal to Hillary Clinton supporters? Do you really think that the fact she has breasts and ovaries will make us overlook that she is an anti-abortion, gun-toting, oil-drilling, evangelical? How stupid do John McCain and Alex Koppelman think we are?

Thank you, Anne. A friend told me last night she was afraid that all the articles we've been frantically e-mailing are just preaching to the choir. Maybe, but I'm taking some solace and strength in knowing I'm not singing alone. So let's all raise our voices and sing out til our song is heard around the country.

Ever since that joyous day I have had one burning question, What does Anne have to say about this? Finding out was worth the wait. Happy Thanksgiving, Anne. And for the first time in eight years, a truly happy Thanksgiving, America. Thanks be to God!

Joan,

Don't get over your Rick Warren tantrum yet. HBO did not broadcast Gene Robinson's reminder that this is not Dick Cheney's America (as an Episcopal priest my husband and I were watching specifically to hear this). HBO later said it was not their decision; that the inaugural committee intentionally scheduled Robinson at 2:20, before the broadcast began. Oh, and the speakers didn't work, so most of the crowd actually there didn't hear him either. Somebody's got some 'splaining to do.

ptemp2000

This is the first time in at least eight years that I have wept tears of happiness at the action of my (yes, MY) president. Obama is making even this die-hard Hillary supporter proud. Keep it up!