Ro-diddly-ole Model

While writing up that last post, I found this archived BBC story about how Ned Flanders has taken the British religious community by storm.

I found the following bit of particular interest.

Links between religion and the Simpsons appear to be growing all the time. After it was announced that Dr Rowan Williams was to be the next Archbishop of Canterbury, a newspaper presented him with a boxful of Simpsons merchandise - he is an avowed fan.

Maybe Archbishop Williams is a better bloke than I've given him credit for, particularly when you consider that the Anglican leaders have really held the American and Canadian churches accountable for their controversial, unorthodox decisions in the last few years. And of course, it reminds me of one of my favorite Flanders moments...

Maude: Oh, Neddy, you almost hit that coffin!
[the family gets out of the car]
Ned: [gasps] Leaping Lazarus! Is this what passes for eternal rest these days? Rod, go get daddy his burying shovel.
Rod: Yay! [runs to the car]
[a little later, the family has buried the tank]
Todd: You sure buried him deep, Daddy.
Ned: Not so deep the Lord can't find him -- and judge him!
Rod: This is the best birthday I ever had.

Best birthday, indeed.