Jim says: By the very terms used, God reigned supreme and Mary was, and still is the Queen of Heaven and you questioned that in peril of your eternal soul.

But Jim, if one doesn't believe in God, where's the peril?

Yes, I knew conservative clergy who were dictatorial and often filled with anger. I also knew conservative clergy (and nuns) who were patient and tolerant and compassionate and joyful - even though their theology might have been a bit stodgy. And the same goes for liberals.

But I knew many priests in the 1970s who were fresh from Ireland. Sacramento imported most of its priests from Ireland back then, more than almost any other U.S. diocese. Some were like the oppressive people you speak of, but most were not.

-Joe-