"Verbatim".

"This is a church which has finally understood that men and women created in me vision of God can be the guardians of the faith--and be gay or lesbian.

--Rev. Sandye Wilson, on the election of the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal church (New York Times, Aug. 6, 2003)

"There are absolutely no grounds for considering homosexual unions to be in any way similar or even remotely analogous to God's plan for marriage and family. Marriage is holy, while homosexual acts go against the natural moral law."

--Vatican document "Considerations Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions Between Homosexual Persons"

"I believe in the church, and I care about it enormously. 8ut I think it's important to not have the church instructing politicians. That is an inappropriate crossing of the line in America."

--Senator John Kerry, on the Vatican's directives on moral obligations of politicians (Associated Press, Aug. 1, 2003)

"It was like a video game. Ping, another one, ping, ping."

--Sgt. Renato Adennogr, on a tank battle against Iraqis (Newsweek, July 21, 2003)

"The mother of my Savior is not a mascot; her name is holy and does not belong on a bar."

--Roman Catholic Bishop Daniel Jenky of Peoria, Illinois about a businessman's proposal to open Hail Mary's Last Chance Sports & Spirits in a former synagogue (Religion News Service, Aug. 27, 2003)