The physical and psychological horrors of this, the greatest relocation, enforced and cruel, of human beings in the history of the world, are beyond imagination for us. 1807, for all its limitations, marked a decisive step in the redemption of human degradation. There has been a proper concern, however, during this anniversary, that it not become a self-congratulatory affair.

There is a sense of joyful contentment in being in union with the office of Peter and the universal church. There is also an element of sadness at losing a special connection with the devoted clergy and outstanding lay leaders serving Christ in the Episcopal Diocese of Albany, and the Anglican Communion

Now, in what is absolutely stupendous hypocrisy, the Episcopal House of Bishops - which has just announced its intention to defy the rest of the 77-million Anglican Communion by supporting consecration of a self-announced sodomist bishop - is preparing to bring to ecclesiastical trial - and possible deposition (unfrocking) - a retired Episcopal bishop in Topeka, Kansas.

Can you imagine subjecting an 86-year old bishop to an ecclesiastical trial and possible unfrocking?

Such creatures "see at the same time both above and below the surface of the water, and their brains figure out how to interpret those quite different images and make a coherent whole." One assumes she holds these to be higher evolutionary forms than their unlucky human cousins who can't "make a coherent whole" out of parts that don't naturally, or logically, go together.