Reader comments
Ann Cannon: Soda-swilling bishop's wife is caught in act

Very Good! | 5:11 p.m. Aug. 16, 2009

Reminds me of my own mother and father.

He was the bishop and she was a the relief society president. Double Whammy.

SLMG | 5:25 p.m. Aug. 16, 2009

I LOVE IT!!!
If we were totally honest with ourselves, we have all wanted to do exactly what this Bishop's wife did.
Thank goodness we were given free agency.

anotherann | 5:32 p.m. Aug. 16, 2009

I never ever drank diet Dr. Pepper (ddp) until my husband who is a 6 generation mormon tempted me and I succumbed. I can quit. I have quit, but life is sooooo much better with the ddp. Also I have known a terrific bishop and his terrific wife who drank the ddp. We are all in good company.

Comments continue below

Great! | 5:35 p.m. Aug. 16, 2009

That is hilarious. Thanks for the story.

JAYEG | 5:48 p.m. Aug. 16, 2009

There is absolutely no mention of Dr.Pepper, caffeine, or any other soda pop in the Word of Wisdom.

Clem | 5:51 p.m. Aug. 16, 2009

It is sad how people like this woman let the judgments of others dictate whether they will be happy or not. The fact is, soda is not prohibited by the Word of Wisdom and those who look down on those who drink it are making a judgment that has no basis in doctrine. This is similar to those who look down on people who watch R-rated movies when no prophet has ever issued a prohibition on ADULTS watching these movies. Why do church members fail to do the research on what prophets have really said? This soda-drinking bishops wife should not worry about criticism that has no basis in church doctrine whatsoever.

ALL AMERICAN HAWK | 6:00 p.m. Aug. 16, 2009

WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL???I THOUGHT THIS WAS UP TO
YOUR PERSONAL CHOICE.I WENT TO ACTIVITY NIGHT A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO (I'M IN THE YOUNG MEN'S PRESIDENCY) WITH A CAN OF COCA COLA.NO ONE SAID ANYTHING.

andy | 6:21 p.m. Aug. 16, 2009

If she was really humiliated and felt judged she wouldn't have written about it with such humor. I do believe it is all about the humor of the situation and not about judgement, she didn't mention anyone saying anything she only mentioned how it wasn't in the norm and that it was completely funny. :)

Californian #1@94131 | 11:49 p.m. Aug. 16, 2009

Some people need to lighten up. The lady was being humorous and poking fun at herself, which is not a sin. It's also not a sin to laugh, although an unaccustomed mile might crack your face.

Anonymous | 6:20 a.m. Aug. 17, 2009

Re: Californian

Perhaps she was being humorous, and poking fun at herself. But all too many of us HAVE been subjected to intense scrutiny by overzealous parents, spiritual leaders, and peers.

When I was a boy, our mother even forbade us to drink root beer, and ginger ale. Why? Because of the words beer and ale. When we came home with bags of candy after trick-or-treating, she went through the bag and confiscated any candy cigarettes, which were popular when I was a boy.

According to her, we were to 'avoid the appearance of evil'. Was she a 'nutjob'? I don't believe so. But she WAS overly zealous in her personal beliefs.

Trudy | 8:20 a.m. Aug. 17, 2009

What strange people: they will run over you in the church parking lot but freak out over a soda.

SLC gal | 8:36 a.m. Aug. 17, 2009

LOL!!!! Great article!!!

Lindsay | 9:19 a.m. Aug. 17, 2009

Heh heh heh. I finish mine before church starts.

Anonymous | 9:49 a.m. Aug. 17, 2009

I like to leave Sac Mtg early, go to the gas station, & get an energy drink... no way I could make it through the rest of the block w/o some assistance.

Anonymous | 9:51 a.m. Aug. 17, 2009

I was a rotten bishop's wife too...but not because of caffeine riddled sodas. Everyone has their agency, can do what they want...but caffeine does take it's toll.

Joe | 9:55 a.m. Aug. 17, 2009

Do what I do....put it in a cup and take it in the diaper bag. Then after changing yet another diaper, you can have your drink after washing the hands, while having the kid tied to the wall. What joy! What refreshment! Just what the Dr ordered. Or does your ward not have the diaper changer with the straps?

Rich | 1:12 p.m. Aug. 17, 2009

I am not trying to poke fun at anyone, but putting the Word of Wisdom aside for a moment.I work with people that go through AT LEAST a 12 pack of diet cola a day. Soda, in general, has been proven to be a direct cause of serious health problems like diabetes. Personally I drink water or tea without sugar. So what exactly is the obsession with killing yourself slowly. I know most of you despise cigarette smokers,which is proven to be deadly, for the very reason you indulge in soda. don't get upset, just something to think about.

Another LOSER Bishop's Wife | 2:43 p.m. Aug. 17, 2009

Great article. I am also a bishop's wife and have also sluffed Sunday School on occasion to get my diet coke fix and enjoy some quiet time around the house. Glad to know I'm not the only one! :)

Dubbs | 3:22 p.m. Aug. 17, 2009

Too funny of a story, you go girl!!

To: JAYEG & Clem | 3:35 p.m. Aug. 17, 2009

Lighten up - just enjoy the article and the humor behind it!

Anonymous | 6:24 p.m. Aug. 17, 2009

My Bishop father had a similar problem, only it wasn't Dr. Pepper, it was a glass of wine with dinner.

palagimama | 6:47 p.m. Aug. 17, 2009

Too, too funny. OK, I wasn't the bishop's wife, but I WAS a primary teacher, and pregnant, when I told my team-teacher to "watch the kids" for a minute while I went to the loo. Except the loo I chose to use was located down at the Dairy Queen 3 blocks away. I might have gotten away with it except for the french fry that fell down my shirt which i didn't notice till it fell out on the table when i returned to the class....16 minutes later.

Kudos -- | 7:08 p.m. Aug. 17, 2009

So Utah.
LOL.

Thanks for the article.

A Perfect man
Started a Perfect Church -
...then he let people join it.

Thanks again!

Lisa | 11:43 p.m. Aug. 17, 2009

My daughter's first question when I read this to her was, "Was it Fast Sunday?! Another great story,
Ann.

Emily Johnson | 12:06 a.m. Aug. 18, 2009

I LOVED your article. Substitute the Dr. Pepper for a delicious, juicy Diet Coke and there you have me. So glad I'm not alone :) Your article was my first laugh of the day, and I cut it out and put it on the fridge to remember that even though a lot is expected of us, we don't have to be perfect. LOL

Bookman | 9:21 a.m. Aug. 18, 2009

What a funny article. I have often used Sunday School as an "intermission". A chance to sneak away and get that Coke, check the roast, do a neighborhood watch drive-through, etc, etc. I guess it was just deserts when they made me President of the Sunday School.
I know this article is a reprint from years back but still as timely as ever. Thanks Ann.

Ken | 10:02 a.m. Aug. 18, 2009

I loved this column in 2000 and I still love it - it s one of my two or three favorites of Ann's columns. I have been married to Ann for over thirty-two years. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see her stride up the aisle with her can of Dr. Pepper working the congregation, but the two counselors in the bishopric did and were giggling like schoolgirls when I made it into the chapel. Ann's mother, Patti, told me the day Ann and I were married that life would never be dull with Ann Edwards, and not surprisingly, it hasn't been. She really is as fun and as bright and as lively and as wonderful as you would assume from her columns. It makes all of us close to Ann very happy to have readers enjoy her columns.

Anonymous | 10:52 a.m. Aug. 18, 2009

The dr. pepper doesn't bother me, but leaving does. I've known youth who leave and go to 7-11 to buy cokes during the block. It isn't setting a good example to the kids. It's a real insult to the gospel doctrine teacher who has prepared a lesson. If it's that horrible then get a new teacher. I've had some really great ones. BTW I drink my mtn dew BEFORE church so I have the energy to deal with my day of rest!!!! I for one would vote for a 2 hour block with just Sacrament and RS. I will admit there have been a few (but very few) times I've left after Sacrament mtg due to a headache or not feeling well. I could easily get used to that, but instead choose to endure to the end and make sure I stay the full block the following weeks, months and years. I'm always glad I did. I then go home, change into something comfortable and then enjoy the rest of my Sunday with a clear conscience.

Anonymous | 2:35 p.m. Aug. 18, 2009

I know someone who always leaves after Sacrament mtg because she doesn't want a calling. She isn't elderly, or in poor health. She just can't be bothered to stay. I've attended mission farewells in a different ward and left after Sacrment mtg and enjoyed it. However, it is too easy to fall into that habit.

I've also attended farewells in Utah and was shocked when half the ward left after Sac. to eat at the missionary's home. I remember Church leaders asking members not to do that. Here in CA I've attended dozens of farewells and not once have they ever had a meal during Church time. If an open house is held, it is always in the evening and usually consists of a punch and cookies type of affair. I will admit that it kinda bothers me that someone is Ann's position would act that way and then share it with everyone else in the hope of getting a laugh.

K. Kim | 3:13 p.m. Aug. 18, 2009

HAHAHa..very funny. I live in San Diego, this was forwarded to me, boy, some of you people leaving comments need to lighten up. I really enjoyed this article, from one DP fan to the next.;) You sound like a great Bishop's wife(and woman) because...YOUR HONEST and can laugh at yourself. great qualities to have. More people need that.

T. D. | 3:51 p.m. Aug. 18, 2009

This is funny.

But what is not so funny is how absolutely BORING all the Church meetings are so that you really don't miss a thing by sluffing!

huh? | 4:10 p.m. Aug. 18, 2009

3 hours in church? is that part of the joke? if so, I don't get it....

Dan M | 4:27 p.m. Aug. 18, 2009

Her point in feeling guilty had nothing to do with the Dr. Pepper but only to do with "sluffing"

Anonymous | 4:40 p.m. Aug. 18, 2009

As for the rationalization that avoiding cola drinks is not a specific "commandment," since the prophets and apostles have presented it as counsel:

"Thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you.” (D&C 21:4.)

That should make it perfectly clear, but only if you're serious about doing what the Lord wants you to do, rather than creating God in your own image.

Anonymous | 7:14 p.m. Aug. 18, 2009

I know a certain member of the Bishopric who sneaks home during sunday school for a diet coke.

Anissa | 10:26 a.m. Aug. 19, 2009

Wow, some people should have just taken this for what it was...funny! She isn't perfect, nor are we...glad that it was re-run, because I missed it the first time, and this was hilarious.

Francy | 11:04 a.m. Aug. 19, 2009

When my husband was in the bishopric, he used to leave his cans of Dr. Pepper in the fridge in the church kitchen and drink one in between bishopric meeting and the 3-hour block start, and then one to get him through the rest of the afternoon. Ann, you're the best!

Anonymous | 10:25 p.m. Aug. 19, 2009

Those who think those of us who aren't amused by sluffing church and think we ought to lighten up, think about this. You need to take Church attendance more seriously. Routinely sluffing will have long term consequences just as routinely sluffing school will. You need to be obedient in small things if you expect to be obedient in big things. Choices have consequences. That's a priciple we try to instill in our youth. Adults need to set a good example, especially those in leadership or high profile positions.

maria between "o" and "p" | 2:07 p.m. Aug. 20, 2009

first, it's only a crime/sin because you didn't share, golden rule. second, i distinctly remember you bringing said can into church, or another can with similar circumstances. :)

Jo | 8:46 a.m. Aug. 22, 2009

Ann is one of the most fantastic women I know. I love this article. Everyone is lucky that Ann has such a wonderful ability to write, otherwise you would be missing out on the thoughts of such a beautiful person.

And oh my goodness, some of us are preachy, aren't we? Really, do you think anyone is better off with your out of context, judgemental, and pretty hypocritical statements? Last I checked, we're all sinners.

Jo Ann | 11:48 a.m. Sept. 1, 2009

This story will never die, Ann!! I thought of you last Sunday as I left the building, there were two Dr Pepper cans sitting on the curb and I wondered if you had taken a break during Sunday School out on the lawn! Hugs -

L | 1:10 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009

I'm sure you know many people sent this around on email. I received a few phone calls, we all had a laugh and then had some emails too. I know it was all over the country with our network of Mormons who love a good laugh and might I say a cold drink in a can?
I know I thought of you when I ran home to get the real lesson file, not the financial (papers) of my father's in a similar folder my twelve year old packed for me...I have to try two too many outfits on each week. I opened the REF. had a drink out of my 12 ounce bottle and headed back to teach!
I am glad you ran it again and enjoyed your cheese and family that week in a far away place. YOU are the best. Looking forward to Monday...the weather will be getting colder and we live for ANN!

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.