"The very model of today's Episcopalian" genre: General Comedy
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	A performance by the choir of Virgina Theological Seminary of the Episcopal adaptation of "I am the very model of a modern major general" from Gilbert & Sullivan.
	Credits: Arranged by Dr. Carol Doran
	Story Behind the Song These liyrics have been floating around the Internet for years. The performance is at the VTS Fall Talent show, 2000. (If anyone knows the origin of the lyrics, please let me know.) Lyrics We are the very model of today's Episcopalian, We're broad and high and low and wide and somewhat Bacchanalian; We're mystic and political and secular and clerical; We may be charismatic, but we seldome get hysterical. We'ere traditional and radical and socialist/monarchical; We're protestant and cahtolic, but not too hierarchichal. About a woman bishop we are split with lots of different views, As well as on the Prayer Book that our rectors say we gotta use! We're prosperous; by daily work our affluence is merited, (Abetted by the little bit that some of us inherited.) The portion that we give the church is best described as comical; But please don't call us stingy, we are simply economical. We are the very model of today's Episcopalian, We do our work while modestly proclaiming our own praises. In committee and convention we're a competent and cheerful bad. We always have a fifth around when 3 or 4 are near at had. We're known for our diversity and heterogeneity. (Please don't confuse that funny word with sex and spontaneity!) On subjects controversial you won't find many who agree, Since each Episcopalian's sure they've got God's own authority. We're educated, talented, creative and professional, So sure of our salvation that we don't need the confessional. Polite and open-minded towards believers strange and alien, We save up our intolerance for other 'piscopalians. We're sophisticated talkers now on matters ecumenical In spite of being vague about out vows catechumenical. The Anglican tradition is to most of us a mystery; How can be glitter socially and still find time for history? Don't ask us what we signify with chants doxicological. They sound so grand it must be something deeply theological! We try to carry on with just the parables and Golden Rule, While hoping in the future we'll find time to teach in Sunday School. Our clergy do our ministries and actions apostolical, We argue over liturgy and colors all aesthetical. Yet every day and everywhere, dapper or tatterdemalion, You'll see us modeling the best: today's Episcopalian!

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