OK, here's the thing (to be taken in the spirit of love - both of music, and of mudcatters all):

Can I sing about love if I haven't got any right now? Can I sing about children if I've never had one have one? Or sing about never having one if I HAVE? Can I understand and feel traditional blues if I'm white? Can I sing a song a man wrote or do I have to change the words because I'm a woman?

I think I understand what you're saying, bbc, but I think there's a greyish, nebulous line out there, and those of use who love gospel music, and spirituals, and yet call ourselves 'christians with a small c' will usually err on the side of loving, singing and sharing the music, rather than counting ourselves out.

I have always loved the name of A Prairie Home Companions "Hopeful Gospel Quartet". I think there's a double entendre there.

And to Brother Joe, I say a resounding AMEN!

Dani