A Real Live Literary Figure

For those fans of the Alexander McCall Smith series No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, I've met one of the key figures in the fifth (I think) book, A Full Cupboard of Life. Yes, Bishop Trevor Mwamba, who plays a small but vital role in the book, has been in Columbus for the past two weeks and has become quite the media darling.

He's a darling for many reasons, not the least of which is his centrist stand on the whole gay bishop issue. He gave a brilliant speech the other day, reminding the crowd that African bishops aren't of one mind on this, and that the average African is concerned with food, shelter, health, and education, not sexuality issues. Hear, hear.

Bishop Mwamba is also excited about our new Presiding Bishop - says the women back in Botswana will be thrilled. Well, sure - anyone that close to Precious Ramotswe (the beloved Botswannan detective in the books) would naturally carry the flag for women leaders.

The evening of his arrival, I was privileged to have dinner with Bishop Mwamba and two other people. It was a long, leisurely dinner - one where folks really engage in conversation and laughter. His sister lives in Atlanta, so we had lots to talk about. I didn't learn of his literary status until the next night, when he was introduced as a speaker and the Precious Ramotswe connection came to light. He's promised to sign my book next time we meet.

I'm thinking a trip to Botswana is in my future . . .