As an Anglo-Catholic Episcopalian, I am rather fond of saints. My two patron saints are Catherine of Siena & Benedict of Nursia. But there are other people who are alive & well today who are doing good things that will further the kingdom of Shalom. Who are your ” saints” in the world of famous people? I can name three famous women to whom I look up & would love to meet{ actually I already met one of them in person & she is * fabulous*!}
Saints are by far not perfect people, but they are people who do extraordinary things to make the world a better place. Two of my three famous saints work in television. No , they are not actresses on shows, they actually work for CNN.:O)
1. Bishop Katharine Jefferts-Schori, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. Now I know many are totally misinformed about our Bishop Katharine { please respect me & my Church by NOT saying anything mean about her on my blog!!!} I had the rare opportunity to attend a Mass with & then meet Bishop Katharine in person when she came to visit my Diocese in May. It was & shall ever be, one of those ” mountaintop experiences” of my faith journey. After reading both of ++ Katharine’s books & then meeting her in person, I am more committed than ever to doing my part to further the vision of “shalom” which she talks of in her books, sermons & addresses.
2. Christiane Amanpour: This woman is the reason why I went into journalism. She asks tough questions, isn’t afraid to get her hands & clothing dirty & is proof that smart, classy women CAN survive in the world of TV journalism. The first time she * really* impressed on me is when she challenged then President Clinton on his policy on Kosovo back when I was a teenager. Her show, although I can only access it now via podcasting, is a rare gem in the too- frivolous world of TV journalism. Ms Amanpour is one of the last true ” old-school” journalists left & I love her work.
3. Lisa Bloom. Lisa Bloom is a legal analyst who often appearsn on CNN> I admire her for her viligent actions as a “straight ally” for the rights of our GLBT sisters & brothers. I’m a ” staright ally” also, but I often fear{ since I do, after all, live in the Deep South} of retribution for my views on equal rights for all. Ms Bloom is an inspiration for me & probably coutless other ” straight allies”
Canterbury Chronicle 