Yogi Berra and Leo Jack Iker

I'll bet some of you are saying, what has Jellystone Park got to do with Jack Iker?  Others are wondering if in fact one of the greatest catchers in the history of baseball should be in the same sentence with a tired old ex-epsicopal bishop that has renounced his ordination vows.  Well the answer is no, we are not going to steal any picnic baskets as Mr. Iker has his hands full with other objects and yes Yogi should be mentioned but only in this regard.  He has a now famous quote, actually he has many, but the one I am thinking about is, "When you come to a fork in the road, take it."

Let me explain.  Here is an excerpt from the benediction of the Reverend Bruce Lowery:

Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around -- (laughter) -- when yellow will be mellow -- (laughter) -- when the red man can get ahead, man -- (laughter) -- and when white will embrace what is right.

Here is Mr. Iker's quote from a conference in Charleston, South Carolina last week:

"Though we have our continuing differences over the issue of the ordination of women, Bishop Duncan and the CCP lead bishops have given assurances that there will be no women bishops in the new Province and that the historic, traditional theological position on this matter will be protected, respected and welcomed."

Here is what our President says,

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

Here is what Leo Jack Iker says,

The traditionalist Bishop said that his recent decision to pull his diocese out of the Episcopal Church and bring it under the Province of the Southern Cone occurred because he had reached the sad conclusion that those who affirm the historic position of an all male priesthood and episcopate have no future in The Episcopal Church of the U.S., nor in the Anglican Church of Canada. He said it is likely to become the same in the Church of England in the near future.

Here what President Obama says,

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

We have come to the fork in the road,  which fork and with whom?