Spokane progressives are frustrated and dismayed by the mayoral election results. Down in Moscow, Idaho, conservatives are feeling the same pangs.

Led by controversial pastor Douglas Wilson, Christ Church of Moscow has for years been planning a spiritual takeover of the town — transforming both its politics and its soul. Wilson is gentle and soft-spoken when not behind the pulpit but will go head-to-head with anyone in a debate.

Diana Butler Bass, a leading voice in progressive Christianity, will be in Moscow, Idaho this month to lead a conference on gratitude.

I started to think about all those people we had just talked about at Coffee Talk – the people sleeping under downtown bridges or in doorways of businesses closed for the night or in their cars.

As a way to protect myself from my past, I had let the memories of our friendship fade.

I only get a hint into my neighbors’ morals and values this time of year, when the signs come out