I'm glad you hae your faith, though.

You're drunk posting, missy!

The thing that's obvious from an outsider's perspective is that this parish priest was installed to basically break up this parish. They'll dissolve it, and probably sell the large lot and valuable property in North Berkeley and I expect a large apartment complex to be on that site within four years.

That's a double win for the diocese as they eliminate the most progressive parish and also bolster their coffers which have been depleted after huge pedophile priest payouts.

And, it was clear from the moment the Oakland Bishop was put into place that he was far more conservative than the previous Bishop. And the Northern California bishopric were, of course, actively involved in recruiting the Mormon money to get Prop 8 passed.

So what's gone down in JZ's parish is not the action of some rogue priest, but part of a larger strategy to break up liberal parishes. Basically, people like JZ are not being made welcome. I think the parish priest that was installed at her old church purposefully brought in polarizing, controversial anti-abortion advocates to drive people away.

I keep pointing JZ to the many Belgians who have schismed off from the Church on the revelation of pedophile scandals in their country. It's simply untenable to them to support the Vatican, yet they want to maintain their faith and follow the teachings.

I'm glad you hae your faith, though.

I was being Socottish.

whoops

I was being Socottish.

Bwah!

When I was in college my friend Alison got very drunk, and as we walked into a party she said, "I just don't wanna lose my digginy."

"If you meant 'dignity' consider it gone."

Drunk Amy! Awesome neighbors. And an excellent way to enjoy a night where the kids are away.

But upbringing, study and personal experience (along with probably just plain wiring; I know there's some neuro research that suggests that some people are neurologically wired for faith) have conspired to make me actually believe it.

I really admire your belief. I don't share it, but I do often wonder what it would be like to truly know something so deeply. The people I know who truly believe are really amazing and some of my favorite people. Fantastic conversations. I assume because when you respect someone having a different belief, you can talk about it. You can, you know, talk. About things.

I just don't wanna lose my hippo diggity.

Best keep some pants on that hippo dignity or it's gone.

My hippo dignity put on a tutu and called it done a long time ago.

Our wedding cake, of course, had the hippo dignity speech written on it.

JZ, I meant to say that I am very sorry about the situation you are in. It's just heartbreaking to hear how you and others have been alienated. I believe 'Suela is right: the church needs more of you.