Alva Review-Courier -

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Late on a recent Sunday afternoon, the Rev. Joseph Alsay stood before his congregation and assorted guests in bright vestments over a pinstriped suit and cufflinks, his backdrop the strewn hay of a Bethlehem manger.

"In our country, we are divided, we are surrounded by a vitriolic spirit," he said. "There is so much divisiveness around us. Indeed, we step on each other's feet. We've stubbed our own toes in the darkness. But tonight, we dare to light a candle to disperse — to dispel — that darkness."

As he looked out over the congregation, he undoubtedly saw two of the city...