Polarization in the hierarchy! From the press office of the New York archdiocese:

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, and Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, have placed a friendly wager on the outcome of the 2009 World Series.These two long-time friends spoke on Tuesday evening to settle the terms of the bet. If the Phillies win, Archbishop Dolan will ship a dozen bagels to the City of Brotherly Love; if the Yankees prevail, Cardinal Rigali will send a box of Tastykakes to the Big Apple.Archbishop Dolan said, Cardinal Rigali is one of my closest and dearest friends; for several years he even served as my Archbishop so I feel a particular loyalty to him. I know he has exquisite taste in most matters. I just wish he had better taste in baseball teams.Cardinal Rigali said, I have great esteem for Archbishop Dolan. He is a gifted spiritual leader who has been a true friend for many years. That is why I am so sorry he will be disappointed when the Phillies successfully defend their World Championship. We have the cream cheese ready for the bagels that I know will be arriving shortly after the Repeat in the City of Brotherly and Sisterly love.

"Sisterly" love? I trust His Eminence isn't in charge of liturgical translations. But nice sentiment. Wish I could get on board with the Tastykake offer. I mean, Dolan seems more like a cheesesteak guy. And bagels? No lox? Kinda chintzy. Suggestions to sweeten this pot?PS: Awesome game last night. Archbishop Tim might want to start making his way to H&H.

David Gibson is the director of Fordham’s Center on Religion & Culture.

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