A number of years ago a priest, who happened to be a woman, moved to a more conservative diocese after her husband, who also was a priest, died. I knew Mary (not her real name). She was a wonderful priest, loved by her congregation. We were all sad to see her leave our area.

After she got settled she scheduled an appointment with the local bishop. After a little polite chitchat she began the conversation by telling him when she had been ordained, who ordained her, where she had served as a priest, and what kind of work she did in southern Ohio. She concluded by offering to serve in any capacity that he, the bishop, thought might be appropriate.

When she paused, I was told, third hand, so the exact words may have been lost in translation though the meaning is crystal clear, the bishop lea…