"Day of the Dauphin"

Bishop Jefferts Schori is an evolutionist, not only in philosophy and theology, but in her training and career. She studied the evolution of squids and octopi as an oceanographer. And as a priest and bishop, Jefferts Schori affirms the changing nature of God's spirit in the creation. I asked her about how her work in the theory of evolution impacts her theology of the Holy Spirit. "I believe in mystery and I believe God is always at work," she said. "Evolution is no problem for me. That's how I understand creation occurring."

So Bishop Jefferts Schori went North on Front Street from the convention hall on Friday, just two days before her election, and turned left on Gay Street. She entered the doors of the historic Trinity Episcopal Church, founded in 1817 by the great presiding bishop Philander Chase. There she joined in a Eucharist sponsored by the homosexual lobby Integrity with over 1,000 gay and pro-gay Episcopalians. So I asked her why she went. "I went to church," she said.

"And do you have second thoughts about having gone?" If she hadn't second thoughts, she might violate her own principle. She would be confident in a certain belief. So what did the Presiding Bishop-elect of the Episcopal Church say?

"I never have second thoughts about going to church."

Interview by Hans Zeiger, title and link by Quilty