In yesterday’s Faithful Four matchup, Maria Skobtsova defeated Esther 73% to 27% to make it to the Championship Round. Who will compete with Maria to vie for the Golden Halo? That’s the question to be decided over the next 24 hours as Anna Alexander, the Georgia Deaconess, faces Richard Hooker, the Anglican theologian.
To get this deep into the Saintly Smackdown, Anna defeated Peter Claver, Edith Cavell, and Eglantyne Jebb, while Richard got past Mary of Egypt, Margaret of Scotland, and Phocas the Gardener.
Anna continues to be shepherded through the bracket by her namesake Anna Fitch Courie. Richard’s advocate is Marcus Halley, who…shares a last name initial with Mr. Hooker.
Finally, did you watch the final in-season episode of Monday Madness? Of course you did. But here’s the link nonetheless. You know, to share with your friends and family and Facebook friends you’ve never actually met.
Anna Alexander
Anna sighed as she began her walk between Darian and Brunswick. The day was already stifling hot and the sun had not yet reached its peak. The mosquitoes were already out in full force and the dust from the road was turning her habit from black to brown. She prayed for a breeze to cut the air that was so thick you could swim through it. Although the day was already shaping into a typical southern day, Anna couldn’t help but smile as she heard the sweet chirping of cicadas in the trees. The birds were greeting her with their morning chatter and the magnolias were in bloom. There were signs of God everywhere on her daily journey and these comforted her with her mission ahead.
With each step, Anna prayed for each of her students by name and prayed God would bless them with skills to change the world. She worried that the world would never see her children as equal in God’s sight. She worried that they didn’t see themselves as equal either. Anna’s shoulders dipped with the weight of worry and love she felt for these boys and girls. She worried that she had the skills to show them why reading, writing, learning, and God were so important. She wanted them to know the Bible tells us that God made all men and women in God’s image. Anna wanted her students to know that the most important lesson is that we love each other.
Mostly, Anna prayed that her students would learn that even when the world tells them otherwise, that Jesus tells us to treat each other the way
we want to be treated. Maybe if Anna’s students treat others the way they wanted to be treated that soon the world would treat them that way as well. Anna knew that following God was far more important than the noise of the world. After all, she had been told for years that she couldn’t make a difference being black and a woman. She hoped that with her firm persistence, following the love of Jesus, and the passage of time that she was showing that each of us makes a difference in our own way just because we are children of God.
As Anna neared her destination, she gave thanks to God for this time in prayer on her journey. Each step was a prayer that reaffirmed her faith and relationship with God. She felt strengthened by this time to serve her community. Her walks each day gave her that time to pray and reflect on where she was called to go. As she headed off to deliver the clothes, food, and books she gathered for her flock, she smiled. Today was going to be a good day.
Richard Hooker
Dr. James Cone, father of Black Liberation Theology, suggests that “theology is loving God with the mind.” It is easy to dismiss Richard Hooker’s theologizing as aloof, ivory-tower naval-gazing; but, it is important to note that loving God with our hearts, souls, and minds is a command straight out of the Gospels. The practice of theological scholarship is important to the life of the Church and, while its importance can be taken to the extreme (as with all things), it provides the necessary framework to wrestle with incredibly challenging questions. His commitment to the field of theology impressed King James (of the King James Bible fame), who said of Hooker, “I observe there is in Mr. Hooker no affected language; but a grave, comprehensive, clear manifestation of reason, and that backed with the authority of the Scriptures, the fathers and schoolmen, and with all law both sacred and civil.”
Richard Hooker did Anglican theology in a time of fierce religious division. Using the scriptures and Christian tradition, Hooker was able to weave together a system of faith that graciously navigated the Via Media between the excesses of Roman Catholicism and the austerity of continental Reformation Christianity. He allowed the Sacraments, the Church Mothers and Fathers, and Christian tradition to speak to a new age of Christians who were asking incredibly deep questions about how their age-old faith was going to interact with a world exploding in knowledge and size and scope. His Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie has a reach beyond Anglicanism into the field of English prose and political theory. Here is a real, flesh-and-blood man dedicated to a theology that improves the world.
Episcopalians are who we are, people who weave the richness of the Christian tradition into conversation with the real world around us, in no 
small part due to Richard Hooker. His system of scripture, tradition, and reason creates a framework of faith that is solid at its core and soft at its edges. Our faith is firm enough to affirm the ancient, Trinitarian faith, but soft enough to invite, include, celebrate, and be transformed by the presence of those of us formally closed out of the life of the Church – people of color, women, queer, and trans people, native and immigrant people. While we may not have been on his mind, his system of faith provided the framework that allowed many of us to experience true freedom in Jesus Christ.
Richard Hooker might not be remembered for feeding and housing people on the margins, but his system of faith nourishes and provides spiritual shelter for many, with the potential to add many more, for there is “plenty good room” in the Kingdom.
Anna Alexander vs. Richard Hooker
- Anna Alexander (53%, 3,871 Votes)
- Richard Hooker (47%, 3,469 Votes)
Total Voters: 7,340
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Good Morning From Petoskey Michigan – For fun anyone who posts please put what city, state, province, country etc you are from – just to see how far Lentmadness reaches around the world!
Belize, central America
I’ve been to Belize three times and am thinking of taking my family after Christmas… any suggestions for places to go? 🙂
Either Japan or South Korea. Try Asian counties
Atlanta, Georgia but my heart is in France…
Detroit! Although I’m in Birmingham, MI at the moment.
Just down the raid in Lawton, MI, 4 miles south of Paw Paw (the town so nice they named it twice), and about 18 miles west of Kalamazoo.
That should have been road!
I just thought it might be “road” in a Scots dialect.
Rochester, NY
BC High Boston, MA
Woodland Hills, CA
Roanoke, VA
Another Good Morning from Petoskey, Michigan! It’s a small town, but we all do Lent Madness?!
Sign in Petoskey!
I am voting for the man from Exeter this morning, and his legacy of thought.
Vancouver, BC.
A tough choice today. Richard Hooker did so much for the Anglican Church. But he has a big fancy statue and lots of recognition already, so my vote is for Anna.
You summed that up perfectly, Maggie Rose. Thank you.
Ciudad Sandino, Nicaragua. Nice to see a fellow fan from Central America!
From Elkhart, IN but crrently in Botesdale, England in the midst of a pilgrimage to Walsingham.
This one is hard to.
I like Anna, but I was taught with Faith there is no worry. I see Hooker as a ‘Ritualist’ ♀️❤️
Central Point, OR—the amazing Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon. Originally from the Bay Area of California—62 years.
San Diego, California.
Champaign, Illinois.
St George de Malbaie, Quebec, Canada
Everett, Washington.
Sacramento, California
Scituate Massachusetts
Hello from Hingham
West Orange, New Jersey
Little Rock, Arkansas
Ennis, County Clare, Ireland
Sandy from Portland, OR. This is my 4th year of Lent Madness!
Clear Creek, Alabama (very close to Camp McDowell)
Phalanx Mills, Ohio
I’m in Surprise, Arizona spreading Lent Madness to the Presbyterian Church where I work in Sun City West!
I always wanted to live there…Surprise!
Grand idea! I enjoyed reading about the diverse Anglican community that Richard Hooker helped form.
But I voted for Anna
I call Ponce Inlet, Florida home
Howdy, neighbor, from Tom in Port Orange, FL.
San Francisco, CA
Honolulu, Hawaii
This is a close one.. Anna Thanks for all your hard work and i am voting from South Australia and i want to thank everyone for making this all possible
I’m from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (just go north from Petroskey, cross the border, and turn left), and I’m pulling for Richard Hooker because he was the one who said God doesn’t sit around waiting to pounce on us when we louse stuff up, but He lovingly takes our mistakes and errors and uses them for good. (Those aren’t his words – they were much more poetic – but that’s the gist.
I live in Altadena, California, but I am responding from the Emerald Princess cruise ship, just north of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on a cruise that began in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and went around the southern tip of South America.
We would not be the people we are without Richard Hooker and his works of theology. And I’ll not limit that statement to Episcopalians.
Agree!
(Diocese of SW FL.)
Hear, hear! He was instrumental in bringing both the KJV and the BCP to light. Now let’s make him an MVP!!
Amen! (from Lake Zurich IL) Richard’s 3-legged stool is basically why I am an Episcopalian and no longer a Roman Catholic. God gave me a brain and expects me to use right reason.
It’s why I’m an Episcopalian instead of a Baptist, as I was raised. Go brains!
Freehold, NJ
That is my story too. From Southern California
Me, too!!
“Baptists often become Episcopalians. Episcopalians rarely become Baptists.” ~ Jan Karon in one of her Mitford series of novels
I grew up Baptist because that’s what the neighbors who took me to Sunday School & church were. After high school I found the Episcopal Church and fell in love with liturgical worship & the BCP1979.
I’ve since had my membership at four parishes in three dioceses. One of them twice and when I moved back home to Portland in 2013 it felt like coming home more than in any other way to come back to the Cathedral.
(Trinity Cathedral, Portland, the oldest parish in the Norhwestern United States and seat of the Bishop of the Diocese of Oregon. Though I live in the once pricey suburbs because of now unaffordable urban rent.)
I believe Thomas Aquinas would be comfortable on Richard’s stool. Although I am considering converting to the Episcopal tradition because the Roman Catholic Church has lost one of it’s legs.
My journey as well, Kathleen. Greetings from San Marino, CA (just south of Pasadena, home of the Tournament of Roses Parade)
Perhaps it is fitting that at this time in our nation’s history, someone named “Hooker” is deep in the running to win the Golden Halo.
I’ll admit, this made me laugh out loud!
*snort*
Thanks for a good laugh. I voted for Richard, but not exactly for that reason. It was a difficult choice, but he is was so critical to the formation of our faith. I currently reside in Salem, OR.
I was in a pickle- Just did root canal, not in a great mood. My heart and mind were in coflict on these two, but, I made the decision to go against the random number generator and vote Hooker. St Pete, FL, born in Duluth, they are in the frozen four- Yea Bulldogs
I’m from Chicago’s western suburbs, and voted for Anna, but am deeply moved by the description of Richard Hooker’s theology – hard at its core, but soft and inviting at the edges – whatever branch of Christianity we embrace, that seems a good aim for our various expressions of our faith.
I voted for Anna today, in honor of who she was, the work she did, and also in honor of Harriet Bedell, who should have gotten The Golden Halo in 2014! (IMO) #GoAnna #GoHarriet
I concur! NYC/DSWFL
Absolutely !! Agree !!
SEF/Georgia
Was cheering with Ann & Dianna !
Anna Alexander !
& seconding mention of Harriet Bedell
#GoAnna (#GoHarriet)
Ann Arbor and #GoAnna #GoHarriet!
Good morning from Chicago, IL. Going with Anna for sentimental reasons.
“Theology is loving God with the mind.” Tho’ Anna touched many individuals, Richard helped build the foundation for millions of Anglicans all over the world.
It was a hard choice but I think Richard has helped the Anglican/Episcopal people to accept what they learn through reason and science.
From Kincumber, Central NSW Coast, Australia
There’s a difference between naval-gazing and navel-gazing.
First hoot of the morning! 😉
In high school I had a classmate, Annapolis-bound, who said his crowning ambition was to command a naval destroyer and sail the seas destroying navels.
That’s cruel. Navvies are very important for building roads and canals. He might want some day to sail his destroyer down a canal, and he wouldn’t be able to.
And oranges are delectable.
Perhaps he could see some naval activity from his ivory tower 🙂
Richard Hooker … and not being dismissive of his “naval [sic] gazing.” If he was looking out to sea for ships, I’m certain he “saw three ships coming sailing”….
What a great way to show us more of Anna, Anna.
I really don’t want to vote against Richard Hooker, but…
#TeamDeacon
Saratoga Wyoming I voted for Hooker.
While Presiding Bishop Curry is too wise to weigh in on Lent Madness, he did preach at least four times this year using Anna Alexander is an example of holiness of life and amazing perseverance against obstacles in transforming her community with Jesus and the ABCs. Snippets of three of those sermons are in this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibqvwg2kie8
Richard Hooker is a giant of Anglican theology, but I voted for Anna whose lived faith inspires me as she cared for those who in the words of one student now deceased, “They would have gone by the wayside if not for her.”
Well said. Hooker’s 3-legged stool brought me to the Episcopal Church and keeps me in the fold, but Anna Alexander is a hidden jewel to many of us.
Wilmington NC
Deaconess Anna Alexander has my vote as well!
I adore Anna Alexander, but I am feeling so Via Media right now that I had to vote for Richard Hooker after being ordered by my new bishop to observe Passion Sunday rather than Palm Sunday. Everything Jesus said and did after his entry in Jerusalem tells me that’s not right but letting people follow what God puts in their hearts is.
Well as someone mentioned I chose to be an Episcopalian because God gave me a brain and America gave me freedom to chose. It was never because of any thing said or done by the Archbishop or Presiding Bishop or priest ( I have been embarrassed by all at times)!
I chose the place I found loving Christian hearts! Less politics please!!!!!
Amen to that!
Thank you, Maria. My experience as well. From beautiful, snowy Estes Park, Colorado!
Vote Richard!
Yes!
Via Media all the way to the center!
First year in Lent Madness – thanks for putting together such a fantastic event!
Jordan – Diocese of Alabama
Frederick, Colorado. I voted for Richard Booker this morning, in a vote for scripture, tradition and reason, the last of which is too often pushed aside in modern Christianity.
Hmmm. I’ve been autocorrected. Hooker.
A vote this morning for Richard Hooker – all the way!
John from Nashua, NH
AS a deacon, I must vote for Anna. I love ya, Richard, and thanks for your wisdom, but Anna it has to be
Also a deacon, and my heart is with Anna. But my vote is for Richard Hooker because, if not for him, I might not have found a home in the Episcopal Church. His impact on the church was so huge, and gave us a way to navigate the changes of this earthly life and still be rooted in faith. Go Richard all the way!
All honor to Anna, but my vote today goes to Richard Hooker. When I was growing up, questions were not always treated desirable in my household, and I was full of questions. A few decades later, I happened on Transfiguration in Dallas, TX, which the rector, Terence Roper, was forming into a teaching parish. The result was that I studied theology at the University of Dallas and, later, at Perkins (SMU.) In neither university was academic theology strictly an ivory tower experience, and I’m grateful to all under whom and with whom I studied. Thanks to Richard Hooker, TCR, UD, SMU, and all others who required that I not leave my brain at the door.
correction: “treated as desirable”
Addendum: After retirement, my husband and I bought and are restoring a historic house in Galveston, TX. Our parish, Trinity, has wonderful formation/Christian education programs for all ages, and the preaching is superb. Thought informs our prayer, and we enjoy putting both into action.
I was a Meadows major, Dedman minor,& Perkins neighbor in Martin Hall who often paid to lunch at the Refrectory once I found out the Seminary had their own chef cooking real food yet charged less than the dining hall.
#PonyUp
Jan of Portland, OR
SMU ’13
Peruna is my mascot!
Ugh something went wrong with my links and one appears to have not gotten closed right, and there is no edit button. Ugh. Sigh.
Miss Jan, my new techno-guru, I know how to do hyperlinks on Word; how do I do it elsewhere??
It helps to know basic HTML. Check out https://www.w3schools.com
This is the most difficult choice yet for me. I love the Via Media and the Episcopal theology that owes so much to Richard Hooker. Having grown up a female in the South (although not African American), I can vividly imagine what oppression Anna faced and, from all accounts, cheerfully battled through love, charity, and education. Both are worthy of the Golden Halo. Perhaps it is because I feel closer in time and location that I ultimately voted for Anna today.
Huntsville, AL
I also feel that this was the most difficult choice. Michelle, I understand completely why you decided to vote for Anna but my own roots and life path compelled me to vote for Richard Hooker. Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
New Mexico~
From Dallas, TX — As a deacon a vote for Anna
Good morning from Charlotte NC, in the diocese of North Carolina, which gladly and proudly offered the great blessing that is Michael Curry to the larger church.
Every challenge and struggle that the Episcopal church has navigated has been guided by the brilliance of Richard Hooker. As a married gay priest, I would be neither of thosr things without the blessing of reason through which to interpret scripture and tradition. Without Hooker, we would likely be stuck in time, like our Roman siblings in Christ. Regardless of the dryness of his writing, the core of it is the majestic sweetness of our Savior’s embracing love.
Richard because without his work where would we be, even Anna may have been cast aside.
Diocese of Virginia
Hooker — a great figure in the history of our church, without a doubt, but he’s been honored for several centuries. Alexander — until recently, not so much. It’s her turn.
A very difficult one today. Anna taught what Jesus taught, the greatest commandment, “LOVE”.
Both are so deserving of a halo.
Hard choice….but without Richard we would be Roman….or maybe Baptist. Scripture without reason, Tradition without Scripture….it only works with all 3 legs on the stool. Space coast of Florida…Titusville, FL.
I voted for Anna. After all, I am from Georgia.
I’m voting for Anna. Theology is vital, but Anna lived her faith in a hard world.
Went with Hooker, but will consider either a win. From Houston, TX.
Am I the only Episcopalian here who is just kinda tired of hearing about the 3-legged stool? Anna: for persisting.
Am I the only Episcopalian here who is just kinda tired of hearing about the 3-legged stool? Anna: for persisting. Chicagoland.
Greetings from the northern tip of Mississippi. This is my first year also with Lenten Madness, and am so appreciative of all the lessons and comments. I too was formerly a Roman Catholic, and for the past 18 years have been enjoying the Episcopal Way, and have felt it’s the best of both worlds. Hooker’s stool presents a profound phenomen to me personally. Saying that, I’m still in a quandry of whom to vote for. I agree, both are winners. I was very impressed with the Deaconess, and grateful for Hooker’s teaching. Heart for her, mind for him!?! Guess it’s for her.
My heart is with Anna but my head is with Richard. Via Media was instrumental in my crossing over to the Episcopal Church from the Catholic Church and is important to me today. Voting with my head today, but tomorrow – we will see!
I live in TN, but grew up in GA, so am totally familiar with the hot, buggy paths that Anna trod and love the work she did. However, as a cradle Episcopalian, I had to vote for Richard!
I was torn, but having begun life as an RC and finding the Episcopal church in a time of spiritual and intellectual need and joining for the reasons mentioned in the well written post today made me cast my vote for Hooker. (Cincinnati, OH)
Anna was Anna and I am me because of Richard. Thanks to the bloggers for these beautiful essays and for everybody who pulled up their three legged stools to share in the madness.
I voted for Richard Hooker..because the analysis of “why the Episcopal Church” in the statement about him spoke volumes.
As I said above, I voted for Richard– a vote for reason. It was a difficult choice, and would likely have been more difficult if I could have seen how very close the voting is this morning! I would like to say, here, how very much I enjoyed Anna Courie’s write-up of her namesake. She truly captured the moment. Well done!
I had to vote for Anna today. Her story is very compelling.
Sherry (also from New Mexico)
As one graciously accepted into the Diocese of Georgia, I cast my vote for our Saint, Anna. Not only did she pray on her long, dusty, mosquito-filled journeys along Georgia’s coast, she rowed her boat ashore to get to the people in need and, through education, helped lift them up to their full potential. I am a big fan of Richard Hooker and very grateful for all his contributions that shaped our Anglicanism to have core values while being generous and inviting. But I am pulling for Deaconess Alexander to go toe-to-toe with the liberating Russian nun.
Richard because it was his theology that allowed Anna and those who came after her to eventually have a place of ministry within the church.
Wow, this is so difficult. I love being named Richard…I love being an Anglican/Episcopalian…I love being an American with many family members living in Georgia…and I love being a Deacon. So I will be voting for the American Episcopal Deacon from Georgia Anna!
“Austerity” of the continental Reformation? I am Lutheran, not Callvinist, albeit with some Anglican ancestors, so just decided on Anna. Besides, praying for her students along the way resonates with contemporary situations.
Good morning from all across Ohio. These last 4 years I’ve traveled over 120,000 miles up and down I- 71 as I care for myself and my family through unusual times. During this time I am grateful for the connections I made in communities all along the way. Catholic, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Consevative Quaker communities all responded to my need to for true support. Gas cards and motel vouchers; endless cups of tea; listening to God’s word ; singing songs from sorrow to praise; shared silence waiting on God’s word; long conversations on the phone. These are some of the ways God and God’s people walked with me , sometimes carrying me through those stressful life events.
So…. Anna gets my vote as a tribute to those who reminded our family just how closely we are held in God’s love.
This Columbus GA teacher felt compelled to vote for Anna. I just felt very connected to her and feel she has gone unnoticed too long. She lived her faith each step of the way.
Marcus Halley’s closing thought on Richard Hooker put it all into perspective for this Lent Madness pilgrim from the Berkshires of Western Mass. (Although I am typing these words on a business trip to Atlanta, so am feeling Anna, too.) Thanks to all the CBs for making this year’s journey so transcendent.
Oh, I think I have pulled out almost all my hair, wrestling with this decision! I am Episcopalian because of Richard (okay, that and Evensong). I am so grateful for him. *sigh* But I am voting for Anna today.
From Northfield, VT, I am still stewing over such a difficult choice. I love Anna and revere Richard.
Another very tough one. I can only echo what has been said before. Anna is my inspiration. Richard was instrumental in making her impact possible. Richard Hooker it is.
From Corpus Christi, TX
Just a thought, but could we lift up Richard Hooker on this page without putting down other denominations and faiths? It doesn’t seem very . . . saintly.
Are you suggesting that Episcopalianism isn’t the One True Church?
Hahaha! Well, of course it is! But I am glad for any Catholic or Baptist or whoever, who wants to do the Madness.
Naming the excesses of Renaissance Roman Catholicism (indulgences anyone?) and austerity of Continental Reformed Christianity (Iconoclasm 2.0 and the denial of sanctoral feasts – if we had left it up to the Continental Reformers, there would be no Lent Madness) isn’t tearing down other denominations. It’s naming a historic truth. RH sought to draw a path between then and synergize the best of both traditions.
Marcus, my goodness, I wasn’t talking about you! You’re our Celebrity, and your write-up was splendid. I was referring to some of the earlier comments.
You said that so much better than I thought it. Thanks.
I agree. If it wasnt for those other “branches of the Jesus Movement” (thank you Bishop Curry for reminding us we arent the only house on the block), I may not have found my way to the Episcopal church in the1st place. All of them, including the “strip mall churchs” helped form the 3 legged stool I so gratefully sit on these days.
Exactly!!!!
How can I possibly make a decision today? I think Anna Fitch Courie and Marcus Halley should be given Golden Pens for writing these powerful interpretations of the importance of our two Faithful Four candidates. Now I must meditate and pray because both of these writers have caused me to want to grow and mature into the person Christ calls me to become. Can’t I vote twice today? (Just kidding- I would cancel myself!)
Great idea about the Golden Pens for all the celebrity bloggers. They have all done a great job!! Thank you.
Amen!
great idea!
Yes!
Cornelia, Georgia
Hooker was a steady influence to all. So was Anna. I love the three-legged stool approach to my theology. But I got to stick with the homegirl! She was an amazing example to all,not just her students. I fully expect RH to win but I want to give my support to Anna Alexander.
For me here in Evanston, IL it is Richard Hooker all the way. I was drawn to the Episcopal Church because I saw people were encouraged to ask questions and think about faith (vs ‘pray, pay, and obey’). Without Richard’s three-legged stool, where would Anna or the rest of us sit when resting from our labors in making the Kingdom here on earth.
Well said, Deborah!
So many of us Catholic-to-Episcopalian seem to be feeling the same pull. I love Anna, but (and apologies to those tired of hearing about it) the three-legged stool–reason, tradition, faith–is the reason I chose to swim the Thames and become Episcopalian. I will be happy with whoever wins today. (I’m pulling for Maria for the Golden Halo, though!) Writing from snowy Denver, Colorado.
Okay Dan, I am from Alexandria VA. I love to go to the Cathedral in DC for it’s quiet and peace when I can convince my loving husband to take me (I no longer am able to drive). Today I vote for Anna as she was a woman who lived out her calling to be God’s loving servant in the hardest of times. I had never heard of her before LM this year and that is one of the best parts of it each year! New opportunities to learn beyond my MTS from VTS in 2001.
Started Lent Madness this year in New Mexico, and finishing in my new hometown of Denver, CO! Tough choice – as compelling as Anna’s story is, its Richard and the Via Media for me today!
Stsrted in New Mexico myself this year before returning home to Texas. I’m still missing the breakfast burritos at Blakes. Sigh.
Yes there really is a Kalamazoo, MI. I had to vote for Anna, and I echo whoever up the posts somewhere mentioned doing that in honor of Harriet Bedell. Me too.
Thanks, I guess, for another Lent of thrills, spills, and impossible choices. Mud season wouldn’t be the same without Madness.
Richard Hoker it t is! He has been my guiding star since I found Anglicanism. His via media and three-legged stool have stood me well and still do.
Had to go with naval-gazing Richard Hooker; my fiancée is retired Navy! 🙂 / San Antonio, TX
So torn this morning. A vote for either one will be a winner. Reading the comments has made this decision even harder. Hmm, will make my final decision as I scroll back to the “vote” button. Again this year, I have learned a lot. I live in northwest New Mexico, but still have ties to Wyoming.
This vote, as many others this Lent, is a hard one. As a transplant to the South, I have to go with Anna who challenged the system in the name of God.
Good Morning from Hastings Michigan.
I had very difficult time voting today as both are worthy of the Golden Halo, then I remembered it was March 27th, the 109th anniversary of my mother-in-laws birth. She was an exceptional school teacher, beginning her career in a one room country school at the age of 16. At the age of 48 she got her teaching degree by attending college nights and weekends in order to continue teaching in the city school systems. She graduated from WMC the same year her son did.
Anna’s story & faith are inspiring, but the framework of faith that keeps the church alive depends on Richard Hooker.
Good morning from the villeage of Tunners falls in the city of Montague ma, western mass.
From FR. Halley ‘s Parish. This ones for you but I think Anna will win.
Gladwin, Michigan Was a very tough choice as I had voted for both earlier and studied Hooker’s contributions to the church last year. However Anna crept into my heart for her compassionate determined work to educate young people and give them a firm foundation in Christ. Those she taught, left and spread the word and then hopefully those went on and spread the word!
From Roanoke Rapids, NC, a vote for Deaconess Anna Alexander
in honor of my chosen sister Rev. Anna Kelley, (UMC, Ret.)
Its a struggle for churchwomen in NS Ga., but perseverance wins the day.
Anna All the Way!!
From ST. Margaret’s, Lawrence, Kansas where the “other” final four is consuming the town. Terribly hard to chose, but I’m hoping Anna shoots a 3-pointer.
Betty, Dover, NH. I went with Anna. White men, even ones as important As Hooker, get lots of recognition. Not so black women.
Amen.
I have to vote with Richard Hooker as a cradle Anglican. I identify with the via media and his approach has much to offer in these polarized times. Thunder Bay Ontario
Hingham, Massachusetts, writing from Cortona, Italy.
Having chosen the Episcopal Church out of a book at age 18 for its breadth, moderation, and reasonability (and notwithstanding utter bafflement at its inscrutable liturgy), I’m voting today for the person to whom it owes so much of those qualities. And giving thanks for the witness of Deaconess Anna and two great third-round bios.
Marcus, I was so going to vote for Anna but your piece was so well written, and reminded me why I converted to Episcopalianism, that I actually changed my mind. Well done!
Me too. I voted for both in the earlier rounds and wanted Anna to win the Golden Halo, but Marcus changed my mind and reminded me why I chose The Episcopal Church. I especially appreciate his depiction of the framework of our theology as hard at its core and soft around the edges. Oakmont, Pennsylvania, Diocese of Pittsburgh.
Comfort, Texas (Texas hill country)
Although I am inspired by Anna’s story and applaud the works she was able to do with “her people”, I am also very grateful for Richard Hooker who “fleshed-out” the ways and means of the BCP for us Episcopalians. I too am one because of this. Again, I loved Anna’s “story” and her impact was tremendous, however, Richard helped make “us” who we are and helped make Anna’s story possible.
As a theologian and convert to the Episcopal Church, I would love to see Hooker go all the way. But I had Anna in my bracket… and we do need to lift up her example.
Good morning from Shippensburg, PA. Had to vote for Richard Hooker. Love in action is important (re: Anna), but so is wrapping one’s head around theology and just what it does mean to love God with our whole heart, mind, and soul.
From the Bronx, NY, Anna all the way, in spite of my gratitude for Richard’s foundational theology. I think Anna’s our best hope for toppling Maria, who laid to rest my favorite, Esther, plus I’m angry at Richard for beating Phocas and laying waste to my bracket!
Janice from North Haven, CT voting for Hooker. As a former Methodist whose Doctrine included Hooker’s
Scripture, Tradition, and Reason, also included Personal Experience. A 3 legged stool is close enough for me.
Go Richard!
This is the hardest vote since Peter vs. John! I’m originally from Atlanta, so Anna Alexander is close to my heart. But the via media is why the Episcopal Church became and is still home for someone who grew up Catholic and was conservative evangelical for a while. So Hooker it is. (What a win it is to have two such saints as examples!)
There are times when I like aloof, ivory-tower navel-gazing.
In this world of extremes, we have the privilege of being a part of that pearl of great price which is the reason, properly yoked to tradition and scripture, which is the basic foundations of the Anglican way. And as something that has always been with us, it is something which is so very easy to take for granted, as we see from some of the comments here.
Still, we also have had, for generations, another pearl of great price, which is the life, faith and example of our Brothers and Sisters, forcibly transplanted from Africa, to be another element in the fertilization of contemporary Anglican life, a rich multicultural tradition, added to richly and abundantly by these who also watered the tradition with their tears and blood, and fed with the loss of their very freedom itself.
As we wrestle with seemingly impossible questions of reconciliation, restitution healing, perhaps we can draw a modest inspiration from the pattern left us in the beauty of the life of our Deacon, our Sister, Anna.
This may be a hard question to choose between the two, but I am grateful that LM has given me the chance to learn about blessed Anna and others as inspiring as her, such as blessed Katherine.
It is possible that either of the candidates of today may win, but if Anna, it will be a profoundly difficult contest again tomorrow between Anna and Maria, but if Richard, then the golden halo will likely go to Maria.
Ha. And I could be all wrong. Which is the way She made me, after all.
From Morgantown, Pennsylvania (not that other one) a vote for Richard partly because Anna needed there to be a Ricahrd first, but mostly because the minority sex deserves a bit of representation here!
Wow, lots of comments. Impossible choice. The saint from my diocese who exemplifies walking the walk, against the man who laid out the framework for the Via Media – rejecting the concept of salvation through faith without considering works, predestination, and the absolute authority of liturgical leaders. Tough decision from Augusta Georgia.
Voted for Anna, but thrilled all around at the worthy contenders in the Faithful Four this year (and beyond)!
— Laurie from Port Washington, NY
Good Morning from Portland, Oregon. While both candidates are worthy of my vote, I am waiting on more coffee and comments before making a decision. This is the toughest round yet.
I live in Henderson, NV but have lived in 12 states. I voted for Anna because in this day when helping people is not honored by so many and people who need help are called names,we need to remember what Jesus said about loving and caring for people. Anna is a wonderful example of love and caring against all odds.
Coffee is good, comments also.
Thank you Anna Fitch Courie for introducing me to Anna. I’m ready for a field trip and yes voted for Anna.
Thank you Supreme Executive Committee for bringing so many saints into out lives. You bring joy.
What are the dates of the next LentMadness conference?
What fun it will be to to meet other LentMadness fans and to have a couple days filled with presentations on saints and the history of the Episcopal Church! See you next summer, Amy from Cambridge, MA
What!? Lent Madness Conference? When? Where? Do tell us MORE! Now!!
I love the Episcopal Church and Richard Hooker is responsible for a good bit of the affection. Beaverton, Michigan.
This formerly Presbyterian then Universalist now Episcopalian who works for a Catholic Cathedral (Minneapolis, MN) casts her vote for the theologian whose work molded the church she loves.
I voted for R. Hooker because Anna beat all the saints I voted for.
A good, honest comment, Oliver. I’m sure there are many LM votes that have been motivated the same way! I know I have cast a few.
Yes Anna, Today is going to be a very good day.
Today’s choice was a real head/heart, Mary/Martha (or should it be Martha/Mary?) dilemma. I went with Anna. But it sure wasn’t an easy choice – we need both.
Sue (Lutheran, Towson MD)
Without Richard Hooker, there might not be an Episcopal Church. Therefore, I must vote for Richard.
Voted for Anna. Lexington, KY
Hard choice but I have to go with Anna who persisted despite racism, mosquitoes, and don’t forget “no see’ms,” to bring love and learning to her Georgia children.
Isabel, Johnson City, Tn, and Edisto Island, S.C.
Anna’s write-up this morning was beautiful. I could almost feel the humid, oppressive heat and hear the (annoying) cicadas. She was an amazing woman, and she changed hundreds of lives.
However, Richard Hooker has changed millions of lives over the centuries and made us who we all are today. “His system of scripture, tradition, and reason creates a framework of faith that is solid at its core and soft at its edges.” I love that! “…solid at its core and soft at its edges.”
With Hooker’s theological brilliance, one church can look as austere as a New England Protestant church with a plain white exterior and an absence of stained glass windows and interior decoration, and where a less formal approach to Holy Communion is observed, while a grey stone church with elaborate stained glass windows, paintings and/or statuary, Stations of the Cross, votive candles, elaborate clerical vestments, and a formal Eucharist celebration complete with incense…and both churches are equally Episcopalian! Richard Hooker’s theological brilliance has allowed those with strong Protestant-leaning beliefs to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those who hold very Catholic-leaning beliefs. Yet we’re all Episcopalians! As my priest likes to say, “We’re all standing under the same umbrella.”
Without Hooker’s “three-legged stool” of Scripture, tradition and reason, would we have female priests and bishops? Would we embrace such a variety of people and beliefs? In a world where the tendency is to look at people as “Us versus Them,” the Episcopal church sees “Them as Us,” in other words, we are ALL equal, and we are ALL loved equally by God.
In a world of diversity and dissension, Richard Hooker helps to guide us to a more loving unity. Surely that is worthy of the Golden Halo!
Obviously, my vote goes to Richard Hooker.
And mine.
And mine. From Salem, Oregon.
Columbia Missouri.
Anna truly walked and lived Jesus where she was placed – she lived bringing God’s “kingdom on earth”. Come on people vote Anna in 4 years of Lent madness this is my first comment!
Anna, Anna & Anna (how’s that for pep rally material)!
Speak!
Anna!
And if the Final is Anna vs Maria I will flip a coin. We should definitely have a Silver Halo this year.
Good Morning from the rainy PNW! Coffee black, no flavoring, please. I stand with the teacher, with her students, with education, with the strong faith of Anna.
Amen to Anna.
Anna inspires. Richard’s ideas, and the language he finds to convey them, are peerless. We wouldn’t have our spiritual home in our wonderfuI church without him, so I’m for Richard in this matchup. A shout-out to our theologians!
I’m from Seattle.
Anna is surely a saint and I’m so glad to have learned about her life. However, I have to vote for Hooker. I’m a recent transplant to Philadelphia from Boston. I believe that Hooker’s ideas influenced many early residents of Philadelphia, and therefore the framers of the Constitution. Hurray for freedom of religion and separation of Church and State. In the park where I hike, there is a statue of a man dressed like William Penn and labeled simply Toleration. Hooker would agree.
Via media and reason and Richard did it for me today.
Virginia Beach, VA where we do a lot of naval gazing.
While I greatly appreciate Richard Hooker’s contributions to the faith of my church and how to understand it, in these days I need to hold up Anna’s practice of being “God with skin” for each other, as I believe we are all called to do.
Born in Chattanooga, Tn, nurtured by wonderful Episcopal churches in Dallas, St Louis, Bronxville NY, Amarillo TX, now back at Transfiguration in Dallas…as a 3 stool Anglican I’m in such a quandary today. Wish it could be a tie and Scott and Tim would do a “rock, paper, scissors” decision! Thank you, Lent Madness. You’ve become an integral part of our family’s Lenten observance again in 2018!
I was so moved by Anna’s write up of Anna the Deaconess. Living in GA most of my life, I know exactly the heat, mosquitoes, dust, and humidity of the south. Having come from a Baptist household as a child, I was so moved in attending the Episcopal church that I could ask the sometimes heretical questions I had without fear, and have them answered by another way of thinking…the three legged stool idea, I settled into this church with its tradition, and firm Bibical foundation with reason intact, as well as a deepening faith. I would vote for both if I could, and will be happy for whichever winner, either way, but my vote today was for Richard Hooker, with thanks for leaving reason intact. Thanks, too, to Anna, who inspires.
As much as I love the Via Media and the Three-Legged Stool, Anna is who I want to be like when I ‘grow up,’ and that’s what I think the saints are for. And thank you modern Anna for this absolutely beautiful writing this morning; if only I started my day with that spiritual posture every day, imagine what I could accomplish in the world!
Janet in Longmont, Colorado
As an Episcopalian, obviously, I owe a large part of my religious tradition to Richard Hooker. I’m so thankful for a faith that allows for difference of opinion and theology and that encourages participants to ask difficult questions and not just sweep them under the rug.
BUT, my vote went to Anna Alexander. She was a living embodiment of this thought regarding Hooker’s theology of inclusivity: “Our faith is firm enough to affirm the ancient, Trinitarian faith, but soft enough to invite, include, celebrate, and be transformed by the presence of those of us formally closed out of the life of the Church – people of color, women, queer, and trans people, native and immigrant people. While we may not have been on his mind, his system of faith provided the framework that allowed many of us to experience true freedom in Jesus Christ.”
When society told her that she was a lesser person, and even the structure of most church establishments echoed the same segregationist sentiments, the freedom found in her faith in Christ enabled her to extend that love and charity to other marginalized persons just like her. My vote goes to Anna today and I hope that she wins the Golden Halo as well :).
– Katie, from Little Rock, AR
Hello from beautiful Northern Michigan in Waters! I’d use my hand but you wouldn’t be able to see it! Lol. We are about 4 hours north of Detroit. Voted for Richard Hooker. He explains my faith in the best way possible.
Good morning from Port Huron, MI (the Diocese of Eastern Michigan and the sunshine side of the Magical Mitten state)! While I admire Hooker, and I loved the earlier joke about how appropriate it was to have someone with that name in the Final Four, I had to stick with our Deaconess for her persistence. Go Anna!
If I were thinking strategically (here in Rochester, NY), I’d have voted for the saint that I thought was least likely to beat Maria, cause I’m a fan . . . but I don’t know who that is.
There isn’t a saint amongst the Faithful Four that I would be disappointed to see wearing The Golden Halo.
So, I voted for Richard Hooker because this particularly spoke to me today ” . . . a framework of faith that is solid at its core and soft at its edges. Our faith is firm enough to affirm the ancient, Trinitarian faith, but soft enough to invite, include, celebrate, and be transformed by the presence of those of us formally closed out of the life of the Church – people of color, women, queer, and trans people, native and immigrant people.”
I, too, appreciate tremendously the via media way. Here’s the thing, though – women, and especially women of color, historically haven’t been published, educated, listened to, or allowed to lead in the same way men have. Their ways of leading have been different, and are often unappreciated and seen as “less than”. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be whole-heartedly grateful for the contributions of men like Hooker, but it does mean that we need to be careful how we judge women’s contributions. Anna was modeling for all of us how to live with Christ’s hands and feet in the world. That type of leadership gets my vote. I’m very pleased that in this season of Lent Madness, so many women saints have been included. ( I am in Edmonds, Washington, USA.)
Anna, of course. I grew up in the segregated South. Her courage and determination were extraordinary.
I offer hearty congratulations to our celebrity bloggers and thanks to everyone who has made thoughtful comments today.
I was one of the probably many people who nominated Richard Hooker as a competitor in Lent Madness this year. My experience has been that only clergy, EFM participants and a few other seekers know about Richard Hooker and his God-given gift of working out theology. It was my hope that more people would learn what a profound, positive influence he made on Anglicanism, paving the via media where for centuries, so many have found spiritual refuge. And how his theology is still impacting the larger Church, not just Anglicanism, today.
I am so very happy Marcus Halley’s brilliant closing paragraphs accurately credit Hooker for infusing the current dimension of broad-mindedness into theology. I believe his profoundly simple method of adding reason io the theological stew has and continues to help propel the Church (again, not just the Anglican church) to open its doors ever wider, so that we may truly follow Christ’s example of embracing ALL, yes ALL! of God’s beloved creation.
I’m now stepping down from my soapbox – thanks for the chance to cheer Richard on – no one is more deserving, in my opinion.
Forgot to say I’m on Galveston Island, in the Gulf of Mexico where we like to say we’re “close” to Texas!
This was a tough choice, as one who came to the Episcopal church from one less disposed toward Hooker’s system of theology that creates a big, diverse tent. However, I am voting with Deaconess Anna today, as I live in the south (Auburn, AL), have been to the area in which Anna worked, and am in deacon formation myself. Thank you, Richard Hooker. Go, Anna!
From Ridgeland, Mississippi
A vote for Anna.
Good afternoon from Wales, UK! Tricky one today. Head says Hooker but heart says Anna, I find the saints who were famous for their acts of service tend to get my vote. Hooker almost seems too big already!
This is by far the hardest choice I’ve had to make this year. As much as I have loved voting for all those for whom the corporal works of Mercy have been paramount in their steadfast faith and witness, now that I am an Episcopalian, I wonder: “I am, because Richard was.”. (sort of a personalized Ubuntu.)
So, I’m sorry, Anna. Today, I have to switch gears and vote for Richard.
(But if he’s going up against Maria, he won’t stand a chance with me tomorrow…).
Just sayin’.
As a deacon, I’ve been rooting for Anna all the way. Richard reminds me of Nicodemus…a great teacher and scribe, but disconnected from those that Jesus called us to minister to…the least of these, the marginalized. Anna gets it and she gets my vote. – Phoenix area
From Waynesville, NC, a vote for Anna, an impressive woman.
Ah, Joann, I spent many happy summers at Lake Junaluska when I was a Methodist!
Richard has been celebrated for generations. It’s time to amplify the work and witness of unsung women. Go, Anna!
Pasadena, CA
If Lent Madness spanned back all those generations, I would agree. But if we begin voting against men simply because they’ve been celebrated already, in a community less than a decade old that was designed to celebrate all saints, I think we are badly distorting the stated purpose of Lent Madness.
I also think it’s an injustice to the women contestants to regard them primarily for their gender/ sex rather than their individual accomplishments for the Kingdom. (And for the record, I’m for Maria Skobtsova to win it all.)
Yes, it is time to pay homage to the unsung heroes. My vote goes to Anna.I
From Onemo, VA
My vote is my thanks to Richard Hooker for allowing me the privilege of being part of this church. Lawrence Park, PA
Here in Seattle, WA, land of rain not dust, I vote for Anna. And I’m UCC so less attached to Hooker.
Good morning, Gail! Fancy meeting you here. So good to see one of my skin and bones friends here amongst my Lent Madness friends. I, too, voted for Anna…I had enough of Hooker in seminary!!
Anna Alexander has had my vote from the beginning and from Cleveland OH
Many Thanks.
Hooker all the way. He is the foundation of Anglican theology, and I admire the life of the mind. I am glad we have a big tent to include many. We comprise native and immigrant, and I would add indigenous people to that list as well. “All may, some should, none must.” I think such an aphorism requires us to struggle, together, as to how we build an ethical beloved community on earth. There are no dead dogmas, only the living and loving discipline of working together to bring in the kingdom.
Nashville,TN-Diocese of TN-Province IV: (ANNA) I am an Episcopalian based on Hooker’s foundations-CHRISTIAN and follower of Jesus Christ who undergoes the tortures that lead to the Cross this week and ultimate resurrection on behalf of sinners like me. It is Anna whose open heart to all who persecuted her because of her race and sex keeps me on the path of trying to be what God would have me be as her example does for us all.
Good morning from Lincoln, Nebraska, as I read the impressive number of comments already posted today. My heart is with Anna – yet, as a former RC who lives in one of the most stifling Catholic dioceses in the country, and who went “churchless and faithless” for several decades, the soft edges of Episcopalianism welcomed me. My own church has welcomed so many souls who would have been deemed “misfits” elsewhere, and “home” is the phrase people in our congregation use most when telling the story of how they joined our congregation. So…I love Anna, but must vote for Hooker.
Some Methodists from Lyons Kansas are tuning in to these discussions and the 2018 bracket as part of a bible study we did this year. So fun for us. And very educational!
Welcome!
Anna had me at mosquitos. Okay, and her selfless, relelentless dedication to education and equality.
-Houston, TX
A very tough choice today but I voted for Richard Hooker.
Rhymney Valley, South Wales, UK
Seattle WA via Sitka AK
Hi Sitka, from Juneau!
As a cradle Episcopalian, I probably take Richard Hooker’s teaching for granted and doubt I knew before Lent Madness where or how the standards of my faith were founded but I had to go with Anna. Thank you to all for your sharing and to our bloggers who have outdone themselves! Crossville, TN by way of Epiphany, East Providence, RI, Christ Church, Somerset, MA, and St Mark’s, New Milford, PA where I was baptized, confirmed, and married.
Bensalem, PA right outside of Philly, the World Champions 🙂
I voted for Hooker, but it was a tough choice. I can’t imagine what Anglicanism would be without Hooker’s contributions.
I’m from Humble, Texas, just north of Houston.
So difficult a choice…I’m not saying where I finally came down. I just want to weigh in with one more voice from the Mountain time zone. LM reaches into New Mexico and even Wyoming! I’m sure hundreds of Coloradoans are also here with us. I’m from Lakewood, suburban Denver
I voted for Hooker. In a world where people are so busy following their hearts, we need more reason. Also, as a historian of early modern Europe, I understand how much Hooker served as a beacon in a time of great religious strife and violence. As deserving of honor as Anna Alexander is, Hooker gets my vote.
Anna Alexander all the way to the Golden Halo!
Lausanne, Switzerland
BTW, I’m curious to know how much of the piece on Anna Alexander was creative imagining, and how much came from her own communications. I’m a bit leery of the creative narration in this context.
This is a good read.
http://deaconessalexander.georgiaepiscopal.org/?page_id=42
Thank you for sharing.
The creative imagining feel didn’t seem fair to me either.
Greetings from Charlestown, RI. Thanks to all the Lent Madness team for their joy and hard work!
Burlington, Vermont – Tough,tough choices today! Anna is an awesome choice but in the end I had to go with Hooker, I mean ‘comon he’s represents Anglican-ism.
From Flagstaff, AZ (7,000 feet elevation and still experiencing winter)
Anna for the Halo!!!
Nothing scientific, but I think we set a world record for thoughtful, reasoned comments in Lent Madness, right?
Reading everyone’s faith journey traveling across the various traditions/expressions is quite remarkable. As I prepare to close out LM for another year, I am immensely grateful to have met 16 great saints and had an opportunity to think deeply about how they lived their faith and calling no matter the circumstance. I’ve learned new stories (Anna, Maria, Phocus…”) and new concepts (kenosis and via media) but in these crazy times, I’m looking for a saint who exemplifies how to live as a faithful follower of Jesus Christ in a sinful, fallen world. Especially when it seems that most of Christ’s followers have utterly divorced themselves from every social justice issue that they once championed in previous generations.
Back to today’s choice: Richard Hooker appeals for his new reason injection system applied to his faith engine and I voted for him. However, upon reconsideration, I think it’s about Anna and Maria. We’ve got our theology and now we need examples for how to live it.
Forgot! I’m a Presbyterian and lifelong Alaskan, now wintering in the Coachella Valley in sunny Cali where I enjoy mixing it up in a small Assembly of God church. But my deviotional practices are all Anglican!
I was deeply impacted by the expansive ecumenicsm I experienced during a short term study in the Holy Land at Tantur Ecumenical Retreat Center in Jerusalem. I strive to keep my faith practices spiced up!
Coming to you from beautiful Edmonds, Washington…”the gem of Puget Sound”. I got ready to meet a friend to take a walk around town and had a few moments to relax into the day so I checked my Lent Madness email. How very ‘spot on’ is the write up on Anna Alexander! So…while we are making our way around town, I ,too, will be praying with my heart as well as with me feet! Oh yes, Anna has my vote today.
A Lent Madness first-timer from Wilmington, NC. Enjoyed learning about these saints in a fun way. Thanks!
Beautiful spring morning from Memphis, Tennessee. Richard Hooker for the Gold! Where would we be without him?
Falmouth MA (10 feet elevation and the snow has pretty much melted)
Scripture, tradition and reason. I’m for Hooker in this round.
Thanks to all for an enlightening Lenten season.
Hunlock Creek, PA. Baptised Luthern, convert to RC at 11 (I liked the altar boys). Former student of theology. Now lapsed, maybe even agnostic. Bible by my side, basically uncracked.
Voted for Anna. Faith in action. That is my prayer for this country.
Voting from Parker, Colorado.
Sausalito California. Grateful for my Baptist upbringing and my adulthood in the Episcopal Church. Anna Alexander was a profound theologian, teaching the theology of love. Frankly, I don’t care how many legs the stool has! Voted for St. Anna.
A priest friend and mentor of mine, who was raised Baptist, used to say, “The Baptists saved me from hell and the Episcopalians saved me from the Baptists!” She was proud of her roots and her place in both traditions. I’m glad you are too.
Ha!! Thats hilarious!! and pretty close to home for me, too
Thanks for a hearty laugh!!
Anna. An African-American woman walking in the footsteps of Jesus, caring for and about God’s children. California.
Anna, a teacher walking in that Georgia heat, thinking of her students! Many teachers last weekend joined a March for our Lives thinking of their students. Bremerton, WA
Hooker! Lewistown, Montana
It definitely is challenging. Enjoy and look forward to this every morning. Will miss it when it is finished.
I hail from Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada.
God’s blessings for Easter Sunday and the rest of the year.
Hooray for Alberta!
Kudos to the request to post our hailing points. Its such fun hearing from all the compass points. Currently Millstone Twp. NJ formerly Freehold, NJ, before that New Hampshire, Kansas, Massachusetts.
Granby, CO
“They lived not only in ages past,
There are hundreds of thousands still,
The world is bright with the joyous saints
Who love to do Jesus’ will.”
I grew up singing Hymn 293, “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God”. I was also a teacher for 36 years. Anna struggled for the children under circumstances that I cannot imagine. I will vote for her today. It was a difficult choice.
Trinity Anderson, Diocese of Indianapolis
New Mexico
Another tough decision. Even though Richard’s influence is much more far reaching, I voted for Anna to honor the “little guy” who takes small steps to make change in people’s lives.
This is my first year to participate in Lent Madness. I enjoyed it; even the kitsch.
Temple,TX
Greetings from Mountain View, CA..the heart of Silicon Valley. I went with Hooker today, but I’m rooting for Maria for the big win!
Another hard decision to make from Cumberland, Rhode Island.
Presently in Alberta Canada: in the past from Yukon, Nunavut Canada, UK, Spain and Cyprus! Anna has my heart, Richard has my head, and I am going with my heart. Three legged stools are fine but at some point it is good to watch someone get up off it and go do something great!
Epic comment!
No matter if Anna or Maria wins the halo, this comment screams to be on the mug!
I have to relate this quick story. As I was updating our Lent Madness poster at church this Sunday, the middle schoolers were gathering around, excited to see who was advancing. “I hope Peter wins!” “He can’t – Esther knocked him out.” “Oh no! My bracket is busted!!” “Yay for Queen Esther!” “Who’s this Maria Sko…stoko…how do you even pronounce her name?!?” It was so fun to hear their enthusiasm. Thanks SEC for making learning about saints fun!
Marcus Halley, your write-up on Richard Hooker tipped me over to him. “…[T]heology is loving God with the mind” plus “Our faith is firm enough to affirm the ancient, Trinitarian faith, but soft enough to invite, include, celebrate, and be transformed by the presence of those of us formally closed out of the life of the Church – people of color, women, queer, and trans people, native and immigrant people.” Such as Anna Alexander.
The balance and breadth that make me love the Episcopal Church. Thank you.
(writing from Los Angeles, California): I admire Deaconess Alexander deeply–but my vote today goes to Richard Hooker, because (as his blogger says) he laid the groundwork for the (eventual but inevitable) inclusion of ALL people in our household of faith. Scripture–Tradition–Reason: this balance gives us the freedom to expand our God-given mind to embrace what our God-given heart already knows. God loves the world, and God loves us all, equally.
My family will spend Easter Sunday at All Saints By-The-Sea in Austin while visiting our son. A home away from home.
I voted for Anna! I live in Atlanta, Georgia, but also claim Australia & Russia as former homes 🙂
St. Luke’s Episcopal, Auburn, California.
Rainy Portland Oregon but currently vacationing in sunny Las Vegas. I’m voting for Anna. Somehow she captured my heart and I feel a deep connection with her.
The video posted of Anna is absolutely excellent. Very well done. Surely, it will be shown at convention. I too have lived in the south and have spent time with that oppressive humidity, billions of gnats/no see-ums and air so heavy you have to “go up a club”. Thank God Anna was there, in that place, at that time and answered her call! What an example she is of what one person can do. She couldn’t have done it, but for Richard Hooker. The same goes for women priests–who are still struggling, for rector-ships. The same goes for gay clergy. The same goes for all of us, for as far as I know we are still holding on to remain in the Anglican Communion with several dioceses suing for property and endowments. Certain bishops are not welcome at Lambeth. Richard Hooker needs some good press. Anna will be made well known, for her time has come. Marcus Halley was so eloquent, so profound, he made me cry. We all need to know Richard Hooker. Online there is a little book called “A Brief History of the Book of Common Prayer”. Free, right there, where you can read it in a couple hours. It’s best read with a British accent. It prints too. Imagine Congress writing the BCP. I voted for Richard.
From Lewes, DE. Living in Richmond, VA and Myrtle Beach, SC
I made a little mistake. It’s “A SHORT History of the Book of Common Prayer”. By the Reverend William Reed Huntington, D.D., D.C.L. Rector of Grace, N.Y. Copyright 1893
by Thomas Whittaker.
Judy, you wrote my thoughts….Marcus made me cry, & reading your words evoked the same emotions of gratitude I have for Richard Hooker, Anna, Maria—indeed, all the amazingly heroic & inspirational men & women of this year’s Lent Madness. I remember so vividly when Barbara Harris was consecrated the first woman bishop of the ECUSA—my parish, St. John’s, Beverly Farms, MA, was thrilled. Over the decades, I have thought with fond love & gratitude of the parishes & rectors & choir directors who have sustained me. From Christ Church, Los Altos, CA, to St. John’s, to St. Andrew’s, Encinitas, CA, & now St. Paul’s, Daphne, AL, these loving, inclusive, accepting, wise, & humorous parishes welcome all. Thirty-five years ago, at a meeting at St. Bede’s, Menlo Park, CA, a large poster of Christ on the Cross, in all its suffering & pain, had the caption : “Jesus Christ died to take away your sins, not your mind”….this is our church. My vote has to go to Richard Hooker, but my love is for all.
I finally decided that Hooker made Anna’s work possible. But it was not an easy choice. Native of Winthrop MA, now in Copperopolis CA after many years in San Jose CA.
Voting for Anna-from-Georgia, a most amazing woman!
Laura-from-Georgia
While Anna was more “hands on” in working out her faith, Richard has had a lasting impact that goes way beyond his life. In a time of extremism, his Via Media speaks a loud voice in this ranting world.
Massachusetts.
Pasadena California, block from the Rose Parade. Someone had to take the time and energy to teach Mr. Hooker to read. Miss Alexander taught people how to read Mr. Hooker’s work. Teaching is the platform for everything else. His three lagged stole stands upon her teaching so she wins. His stool would fall in the dust if teachers like Miss Alexander didn’t teach people to read.
Hi from Los Angeles, California in the United States.
This is a tough choice. I resonate with the intimacy of loving service, one person to one person, for I think that is where all service begin. Thus I regard Anna Alexander highly. On the other hand, I fled to the Episcopal Church from the intellectual poverty of a church which had effectively abandoned tradition and cut its ties with history. The Episcopal Church has helped me immensely, and I credit that to theologians such as Hooker.
Still rolling this one around in my heart…………..
The Rev. Halley makes a compelling case in a challenging matchup.
No question – both are worthy. But the work Richard did, though subtle to our eyes, is important. To my own surprise, I’m going with Richard.
Seattle, Upper Left-Corner.
Once again, I must say how happy I am that this Lenten Madness has lead me to Rev. Marcus Halley. Please check his website (click on his name at he end of Richard Hooker’s bio.) He is a teacher to listen to.
Marcus Halley for the Golden Halo! What a magnificent summation. I am for Hooker all the way (definitely the foundation of the Church I love) but even if not an adherent, Marcus Halley would have convinced me. I had tears in my eyes as I finished reading. I am printing that to put in my Prayer Book. And I will pray that Marcus Halley has a long and illustrious life and that he keeps writing and publishing.
For those who have enjoyed Marcus Halley’s writing –
please note that he is the author for Forward Day by Day meditations for April!
I’m with you Pilgrim Gregory. I think Marcus Halley is brilliant and inspiring. I am a follower now!
Two amazing people. I had trouble deciding. Had to go with Hooker because of his impact on me. Had never heard of Anna before this year. What a remarkable woman! A great example to us all.
Washington, DC
Love all the comments. I am leaning toward Richard, but will wait to vote until later in the day. I live on Whidbey Island in Washington State and came here via New Mexico, the other Washington, Indiana, and Kansas (in reverse order.) I came to the Episcopal Church here via the Catholic Church and the Mennonite Church and attempt to incorporate them all into my life.
Voting throughout Lent from Spring, Texas, along with many friends from Trinity Episcopal in The Woodlands, Texas. I have voted for Anna through every bracket, and against Richard through every bracket; however, today, due to the writing of Marcus Halley, I have cast my second to the last Lent Madness vote for Richard Hooker.
From Gladwin, Michigan. A challenging decision indeed, but I chose Mr. Hooker because he provided the framework for all of us to become Miss Alexander.
Wantagh, New York (Long Island)
Good afternoon from Madison, NJ, home of Drew University, just west of New York City. As John Wesley is my spiritual father (I’m a cradle-and adult-choice-Methodist) so is Richard Hooker my grandfather in the faith. (See Methodist quadrilateral) Born at Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC, grew up in VA, felt drawn to NYC, now an 80-year-old retired Elder and hospital chaplain. Thanks to all of you who inspire and inform me every year, as I still try to learn what comes next in God’s intention is for me.
Thank you for two excellent write ups. It is much closer than I expected this contest to be. I am so pleased to have encountered Anna, and hugely admiring of her. Her courage, determination and commitment deserve much wider recognition. Yet I voted for Richard Hi who laid the foundations for a church broad enough to welcome all, even if it requires an Anna to help us recognise how much wider we need to fling the doors. Theology is loving God with the mind resonates for me.
Missed the opening post. Norwich, England.
Montgomery, AL
Again this year, I have learned so much about holy men and women (and an angel).
Thank you, SEC, all celebrity bloggers and LM voters who share their thoughts and wisdom.
Voting for Anna from Peoria, IL
Voting from Los Angeles, California. What a great experience Lenten Madness is. I’m looking forward to making this a part of my Lenten practice every year.
Richard Hooker is a giant and will most likely win this round. I’ve voted for him previously but Being a former teacher and growing up in the south, Anna won my heart. This woman truly was a Saint and her journey was not an easy one. Thanks from the Olympic Peninsula in Washington for another awesome Lent Madness.
Topeka, Kansas, home of Brown v. Board of Education, which integrated the nation’s schools. Linda Brown, may she Rest In Peace, died yesterday at the age of 76. Of course, I voted for Anna.
This Lent I’ve been ever more aware of the saints among us, right here daily in Madison, Indiana. For this reason, I’m voting again for Anna.
From Merced, central California, this Methodist voted for Richard. Although Anna tugs at my activist heartstrings, Richard had greatest over all influence even beyond his denomination.
Upper Lefthand Corner of the contiguous U.S. in Sequim, Wa
Voted for Anna; her modeling of the walk to which I aspire was hot, dusty and for her apparently, joy filled…. a challenging balance in the reality of life.
Milton, Ma, United States
Deerwood, Minnesota in the heart of the Lakes. Today Anna got my vote. This was a tough choice.
Good morning from the San Francisco Bay Area!
I loved the way Mr. Halley captured the relevance of Hooker’s theology, but as a teacher, Ms. Fitch Courie struck a chord in my heart. Thankful for Deaconess Anna and all the faithful teachers of history.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Best part of Lent Madness is learning about saints I never knew (2nd best part is reading comments from all over!). My vote goes with Anna as a most contemporary example for us all, especially in light of ongoing racism and inequality in education (and more). Originally from the SF Bay Area, I am one of the rare Presbyterians (PCUSA) in Maine and some of my best friends are Episcopalian, which is how I came to know Lent Madness. 😉
Milwaukee Wisconsin…..sorry I haven’t been reading these comments all along…..and the last few days the votes have been very hard…..but my vote today goes to Hooker…as a cradle Episcopalian and one who has never consider leaving…I owe him a LOT!!
A vote for Richard and his 3-legged stool from Sun City, AZ
Good afternoon from slightly chilly Pocatello, ID where another vote comes for Richard Hooker and his 3 legged stool! I too was very torn, especially being in a church that has a weekly meal for the hungry called “My Brother’s Table” which totally resonates with Anna’s work, and having been a cradle born Methodist. I was also very drawn to the way that Hooker laid the foundations for a church that welcomes, and reaches out to all and that really resonated with me. Also an aside- This was my first year participating in Lent Madness and it was wonderful as was Monday Madness! I am also a stage 3 breast cancer patient although only on the left side, thankfully although four lymph nodes were taken out as well. Treatments are also going well thanks to a really good Oncology Department, and all the prayers of my church I have been experiencing. During the chemo I took my little computer up to the hospital with me with me one day and Lent Madness provided good entertainment, and a great devotional time- thanks so much SEC! I am also now grateful Chemo is over although it’s now on to a month of radiation treatments which hopefully will also go as well as the first half of this journey!
Praying for you, for strength and healing, Terrie. The LM Global Viewing Public is a mighty group of prayer warriors, so I know that you are in the right place!
Yikes, the race is neck and neck. Go Anna! I am posting from Shaker Heights, Ohio.
Tough call today. Love the comments and sad to be coming to an end ! From Wasaga Beach, ON, Canada.
I was really torn, and I confess that I was tempted to vote for Richard Hooker partly because Maria would have a better chance against him! But I went with my better angels and voted for Anna, although, as others have pointed out, we all owe a great deal to him and I have tremendous respect for his work.
Good afternoon from the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Morganton, NC
Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of Lent Madness. It has been an enlightening journey.
Coming from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I voted for Anna. I’m glad I got to learn more about Richard Hooker, but did not think he should have won out over Margaret of Scotland. Plus, I started out my ministry as a deaconess in the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod before hearing the call to ordained ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, so I have to pull for my sister deaconess here. (I also can’t believe that Phocas the Gardener won out over Katharina von Bora. I think the SEC needs to look into vote rigging. 😉 )
Living outside Sheridan, Wyoming. It is good to see a few other Wyomingites on this site. RIchard Hooker is my choice for his mind, and what am impressive mind it is.
Darned auto correct. That should read “an impressive mind!”
Maryland’s Eastern Shore – Westover, MD
I usually don’t post, but I want to thank those who do. I live in Brattleboro VT and go to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church here. When I have had to agonize over the choices, their comments have often given me clarity I needed to make a good choice. I also voted for Anna. Deacons are in short supply, and their calling is so different than the priestly calling. We need more of them, in my opinion.
Agreed.
Anna, voting from Kailua-Kona HI! And, just for the record, not Episcopalian! Worship and serve at an independent congregation!
Marcus Halley for the Golden Halo! What a magnificent summation. I am for Hooker all the way (definitely the foundation of the Church I love) but even if not an adherent, Marcus Halley would have convinced me. I had tears in my eyes as I finished reading. I am printing that to put in my Prayer Book. And I will pray that Marcus Halley has a long and illustrious life and that he keeps writing and publishing.
Tough decision for Dearborn, Michigan today. But, I’m going with Anna.
Mentor, Ohio (25 miles east of Cleveland). I think this matchup was the most difficult of all. I had picked both going into this round, but ended up with Anna.
From Kalamazoo, MI. I love Anna story, but I voted for Hooker. He was a big favorite of one of my priests and I love the”3-legged stool”.
In Grand Blanc, MI I supported Hooker whom I had studied as a newly minted Episcopalian as I have from the beginning.
A lake in rural Maine
Sequim, WA
Trinity Cathedral, Trenton, NJ What a great cloud of witnesses to cheer us on! Many thanks.
Full court press from Lake Jackson, TX–Deaconess Anna Alexander
Forgot to give location: Arlington, VT, St. James’ Episcopal, founded in 1764. Born and raised in NYC. Received into the Episcopal Church at St. Luke’s in Kalamazoo, Mi by Bishop Bennison; The Very Rev. Canon James Holt, Rector. One of the happiest days of my life. I’ll always be grateful.
I voted for Richard Hooker. It was a difficult choice, and I expect that Anna will prevail; however, Richard’s theological writings have made the three-legged stool a stable platform on which to stand and have laid the groundwork for a bright and exhilarating Episcopal movement. Eugene, OR
Anna’s work is possible because of Richard Hooker’s. What a tough choice. (Bend, Oregon)
Brentwood, CA (East Bay of SF Bay Area)
Toronto, ON Anglican (ACC) since birth
Richard Hooker may have had some great thoughts and contributed to Anglicanism, but my vote is Anna. She was a trailblazer who believed in more than anyone thought she should.
Tampa, FL born & raised (with a 5 year period in Sarasota where my family found the Episcopal church)
A vote for the esteemed Richard Hooker from beautiful downtown Buffalo, NY!
I had to vote for Richard Hooker – scripture, tradition and reason are so important to me.
San Marcos, Texas
Boston VA. Go Anna
It was a hard decision to make but I went with Ana in the end
Antigua, Guatemala
Tunkhannock , Pennsylvania
Richard Hooker, for providing an explication of faith and belief that reaches out to “all sorts and conditions of [people], even (as several people note above) people he could not possibly have known about or foreseen. As for me: born 1941 in Huntington, NY, baptized in the parsonage of the Methodist church there, raised in New York, Vermont, and Connecticut, took the part of outsiders wherever I was (e. g. in Canton Center, CT was confirmed by the pastor who was being attacked by parishoners for having German books in his library–as a person secretly taking German lessons at the high school, I thought that anyone should know how much the Germans had contributed to theology over the last few centuries! The summer after my high school graduation (with 1/2 hour credit in German, thanks to lunchtime lessons from the Superintendent of Schools, the son of a German baron who had fled the Nazis an emigrated to Canada), I attended a summer school in Wallingford, CT with a curriculum in Russian studies. Two takeaways: the school’s chapel used a watered-down version of Evening Prayer, and as I heard and *participated in* the versicles and responses, I thought to myself, “This is what true worship sounds and feels like, a dialogue between clergy and people. Summer school led to a month’s journey through the Soviet Empire, where I saw the faith of the Orthodox church under persecution, and came home more of a Slavophile than ever (this runs deep in my family–we’ve been traveling to Russia for over a century). My mother had been raised an Episcopalian, and in my first year at Harvard I sought out the Episcopal chaplaincy and was prepared for confirmation, which took place in May, 1960 during the visitation of the Rt. Rev. Anson Phelps Stokes, eleventh bishop of the Diocese of Massachusetts. There followed a tumultuous decade (you may have heard of the 60’s), ending with my move to Dallas, TX, where I had been offered gainful employment by Southern Methodist University. My relations with the Church were conflicted, and I was not a regular communicant for some time. I’d illustrate what this meant with something a homeless woman in Austin, TX told me when I was there visiting friends a few years ago. The two of us were sitting on a bench waiting for a bus, and she said, “I am *not* homeless, I’ve just been living outside for ten years.” She went on to explain that living outside was her best course of action, because certain alien enemies with that ability to control minds were sending people to assassinate her. Anyway, in 2000 a friend of mine complained that she had no one to accompany her to church, and I volunteered, quite eagerly since it was a TEC church, the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Dallas. I was amazed at how much TEC had “evolved” during my absense, and after sporadic attendance for 8 years, I received instruction and prepared for a renewal of vows, administered on the Feast of the Ascension (May 21, 2009) by the R. Rev. James M. Stanton, sixth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas. Coincidentally (?), May 21 is my birthday, so the date is very resonant with me. So it happens that I am a member of a parish that’s an outlier in a diocese that’s an outlier in TEC, which is an outlier in the Anglican Communion, which is regarded by most other Christian communities as an outlier if not an outsider. Clearly, I am exactly where I belong!
Are you still at SMU? Maybe our paths crossed at some point. Anyhoo, if you are still on the Hilltop, please give Peruna my greetings.
#PonyUp
Jan
SMU ’13
What a fantastic journey. Thank you for sharing.
Hooker’s ideas saved many lives in England during the time of religious hatred in Europe and has been a voice of reason for many generations across the entire Anglican communion. I voted for him.
You never make it easy. I love Anna, and I am glad she made it this far. But I owe so much to Richard for laying the groundwork for our church. I found a home and family i the Episcopal Church, and I am grateful for all who have contributed to this wonderful faith foundation.
First timer here for Lent Madness and I started mid season. I have greatly enjoyed reading about all the saints and reading the comments as well! This was the hardest choice for me so far. So much so, I read many of the comments before voting. Ultimately, I went with Hooker. As many have said, Anna has my heart. She took the foundation of what Richard Hooker built and used it to welcome many more into the love of Christ. However, I decided on Hooker because that foundation, the three legged stool of tradition, scripture, and reason, has paved, and will continue to pave, the way for others, like Anna, to do the same. But, I hate voting against her. ~Iowa City, IA
A close race – just like some of the matchups in the other bracket!
Fairly new to Lentmadness ….love getting to know our saints better and equally enjoy the comments!
Thanks to all those who contributed to this wonderful experience…
Brooks……St. Gregory’s Episcopal, Dio. of SE Florida
Cumberland, Rhode Island
Please vote for Anna Alexander. She has roots in our parish. The picture in today’s post is actually the stained glass window from our chapel. Her ministry was incredibly important in these parts and we are so proud of her witness. It still inspires us today. Go Anna!
Camarillo, California. Today is a can’t-lose scenario: I can vote for Anna Alexander, who represents heart and hands in ministry or I can vote for Richard Hooker, who represents heart and head in theology. His 3-legged stool has been of very good service to me over the years… I’ve only recently learned of Anna, but her example is much needed as well. So whichever way I vote, I’m voting for a winner — and that makes me smile on this warm spring day when I can almost feel summer in the air!
Oilville, Virginia.
Hooker gazed at ships from his ivory tower, did he?
West Columbia Texas
Such a difficult choice today. Both of these saints exemplify the best of Christianity: the thoughtful reasoning of Mr. Hooker, and the hands-on, Christ in this world Deacon Anna. We have been blessed and uplifted by them both.
Linda from Green Bay, WI – attending St. Anne’s Episcopal in De Pere WI
I was originally going to vote for Hooker and he is who I had picked for the Golden Halo but I am persuaded that women and POC need be raise up. I was especially moved by the write up about Anna and the difficulties she faced and how she wouldn’t let that keep her down. I too have heard Bishop Curry mention her, most recently at the Evangelism Conference in Cleveland (Thank you St Paul’s and all who put that conference on)…so while this vote will be against my brackets I vote for Anna and all who work for the Gospel despite the barriers put before them. Go Anna!
Ouch! Come on, Richard Hooker fans. It’s too close. Get out and vote!
Anna. But I do love Eglantyne. I will honor her by buying her rose. Assume Knoxville, Tennessee, warms up. Chilly wi ter, but my heart is tender with losing Eglantyne.
Winter.
Baptized Russian Orthodox, confirmed Episcopalian. It’s Richard Hooker for me in York, PA.
Hampton,VA here and a vote for Richard Hooker.
I was hoping for Esther’s winning the Golden Halo. It seemed fitting for someone dispossessed in these days. “And who knows but that you have come to your … position for such a time as this?” speaks to me in these days.
So Anna is a wonderful example of faith in action; Richard created a framework for faith & discussions – both agreements & disagreements – for many of us in the modern age.
I had to vote for Richard Hooker.
Gail from Newburyport, MA (north of Boston)
Richard Hooker (nice job Marcus Halley)! From a northern suburb of the Twin Cities, MN.
Seattle, Washington
I voted for Anna and added Richard to my reading list! As Richard sought to bridge a divide between ” the excesses of Roman Catholicism and the austerity of continental Reformation Christianity” these times need a different bridge. I think Anna is worthy part of that bridge that is being built now.
PS. Celebrity Blogger: I’ve been to Brunswick, GA. Why no mention of the alligators?
Difficult choice, today. I went for Richard, however will celebrate whoever moves forward.
Kailua, Hawaii
Now in Springfield, MA, Diocese of Western Mass. This was the most difficult of choices for me ! However, I can only express my gratitude for all the comments about these two saints. I learned so much from them and the various links posted. Its been a joy but it has not really made the choice easier! After thrashing about all day – mentally, my votes goes to Anna . The life she lived was fueled by a faith which told her God was alive in her actions and that she and every person she touched was loved . That is a powerful message for us today.
Anne Lane
Port Perry Ontario Canada
Fort Collins, Colorado.
Voted for Hooker.
Ocean City, Maryland
Flew today from vacation in Kona, Hawaii to home in Earlysville, Virginia.
I’m voting Anna all the way.
Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Voted for Anna. Enjoyed learning about them all.
Voted for Anna, because, “Each step was a prayer that reaffirmed her faith and relationship with God.” I have often felt this while walking with family on Cape Cod, MA. (Thank you, Anna C.) I also liked the way she lived out her faith by teaching people to read.
Agree with Anna, challenging choice for role model for us all.
Tiburon California
From New York City
I think that love trumps knowledge – didn’t St Paul say something like that?
I went for Anna
Orlando, Florida. Anna for me – soft spot for the Southern heart, even though I’m a transplant.
St. Thomas’ Episcopal, Wharton, TX. Incredibly difficult choices. All 32 have been exceptional.
I’m with Mandy Rose! My vote is for Deaconess Alexander. She served with Fearless Faith & Boundless Love! Right here in River City:
Brunswick Georgia US
Madison, CT, USA
Tough choices, I like to vote for women because we seem to be under appreciated in most areas of life, But, I went with Richard because I’m so grateful for the Anglican traditions and inclusion through love for all,
Sparks, Maryland.
Hooker for me.
Wyandotte, OK but a Texan by birth & that is where my heart is. I was torn b/w these 2 but decided on the theologian. Formally Baptist but have been Episcpalian since 1980. His theories are the reasons why.
Greetings from Messiah Church Santa Ana CA.
Voting from Lake Jackson, Texas for Richard Hooker!
Bucks County, PA, Hooker and his sturdy yet adaptable stool for me. Really disappointed that Esther is not a finalist, though.
Good evening from Titusville, Florida. New to Lent Madness this year, but hooked! Tough choice tonight.
Greetings from central New Jersey! If you look at the map, my town is where the land dips in – like a waist – above the Sandy Hook beach, and the church I serve is in the Somerset Hills. While I love the via media of the Episcopal Church as well as the three-legged stool (I wouldn’t be here otherwise), I must vote for Anna because I am a deacon, too, and even more important – I pray during my commute every day, like she did!
Magnolia, Mississippi
A blessed Holy Week to all you Lent Madness addicts.
The Rev. Mr. Hooker beat Phocas and I really like Phocas, so I think I will focus my vote on Deaconess Anna Alexander today and on Maria Skobtsova tomorrow.
Also, I spent too much time stepping on and off of a stool shelving books (and shifting books between shelves when necessary which more often than not it was) in one of the libraries at Trinity Cathedral, Portland, on my day off of work Monday to be favorably disposed even to metaphorical stools today.
(Yes, libraries plural, and the minimum number of them is at least four, and the maximum number depends on your definition of a library.)
Northwestern Ontario
Ljungby, Sweden – voting for Anna!
Good evening. Anna Alexander today. Voting from the Diocese of Florida. North Florida
Newly arrived in Bethlehem, PA from Tuckerton, NJ, where I was active in the Church of the Holy Spirit (hello, Deacon Rich! Please say hi to Sarah and everyone else for me.), Diocese of New Jersey. Now attending St. Andrew’s in Allentown. Difficult decision today. My parents raised 5 children to follow their hearts. At one point, my 2 sisters and I were all on vestry in our respective churches : one in the Diocese of NJ, one in the Diocese of Long Island, and one in the Diocese of Bethlehem. We all know the importance of women in our faith to its survival. My father used to say that the Roman Catholic faith would have died in Ireland a long time ago if not for the women! But since Richard Hooker helped to make it possible for women to make a difference in the faith I chose, saying reason and change is as important as tradition, my vote today will be for him. Tomorrow I will vote for Deaconess Anna for the Golden Halo.
Voted for Richard but figured Anna would probably win. And she’s a worthy victor.
…and by the way, these votes are being cast from Dallas, Texas. 🙂
From my office at the hospital in Arlington VA, I’ve been following for a few years.
Blue Ball, Pennsylvania, votes for Anna!
Am I the only one that comments in the morning, as well as votes?
Excuse me? The only one ho comments in the morning? Perhaps there is something wrong with your phone or computer. You really don’t sound 12 either.
I know, I know. I tend to be snarky in the morning. More so in the morning.
Looks like a close vote, I will vote for Anna, though I am having trouble figuring out how to officially vote on this site. Matthew, Iowa, ELCA Northeastern Iowa Synod
March 28 edition arrived completely scrambled up so I am unable to read or vote for The Golden Halo. Anyone else with the same problem? How do I fix this?