With the on-going attacks on Church, an apologetic of the former Anglican and still Catholic/Orthodox view of Ordination may be appropriate.  At any rate, this is an interesting read regarding C.S. Lewis' take on the subject. Just a bit of faith education if you wish to have it republished.

As an aside, the post-nominal appearing in the photograph stands for Dame Commander British Empire.  She can be thus addressed as "Madam" in political society (Right Honorable) as well as Right Reverend.  Right Reverend is usually reserved in formal speak to a Bishop in the Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican tradition.  The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) has five "ranks" not including the Honorary MBE*, Member MBE, Knight/Dame Grand Cross K/DGC, Knight/Dame Commander CBE, Officer of the Order OBE, Commander of the Order CBE. *the honorary is often a gift to non-royal foreign dignitaries who then have the honorific "Sir/Dame" appellation in Commonwealth or other friendly monarchies. Its award would be similar to the Kennedy Center award in the arts (Sir Elton John for example). Brits certainly like to jazz things up!

The US has a similar award in the service category - the Citizens Award, however that is the 2nd highest US civilian award whilst the MBE ranks well down the list in the UK system.  The Congressional Gold Cross is supposed to be for specific services or recognition either Military of civilian somewhat like the British Order of Merit,  The Presidential Medal of Freedom would be more akin to the Order of St. Michael and St. George if one really wants to get into the weeds of honors system of the UK and realms.  Both nations have specific civilian awards for specific achievements in specific areas.  Each Agency has awards as well, but are Agency specific "atta boy/gal" awards, not honors. Of course in the armed forces the MOH is equivalent to the Victoria Cross except that far more MOH's (3520) have been award than have been VCs (1358).

Aside, aside just because: 

While working ambulance duty out of the Jamaica Plain VA in the early 80s on Veterans' Day I saw an amazing sight.  A room full of ancient WW1 (one was 98yo-I know we transported him weekly to the VA) and aging WW2 infirm veterans started standing, even from wheelchairs, as they were able as a young LCDR came in in his Navy Winter Blues with a French Blue ribbon and shiny medal (as Clint Eastwood called it in Heartbreak Ridge) around his neck.  This still young man shook hands, told the men to sit.  The guys there were mostly combat injuries and this man took time to speak with them expressing his respect for their sacrifices.  That busy, crowded, noisy room became quiet - well I was impressed. Some of the former military medical staff present got teary eyed at this man's actions.  We got a call for EMS service and had to leave before meeting him; but the next April I met Jamie Farr in Lexington at the Patriots' Day parade. The only other MOH recipient I met was in Nashua at a campaign visit by Rick Perry.  That chap was just a regular guy, no pretenses, just a loud Texas Hello and mighty handshake.

Of course there is one other civilian medal to which I give respect, and which must be mentioned - the Gold Star pin - provided to parents of a military member who died in the line of duty. A fellow Representative at the State House and who sits in my Committee, who holds strongly divergent economic views from those I hold, sadly wears one on his jacket.  I feel both a sense of relief I do not have one, a guilt at having that feeling - but that is another issue.  Remind me to tell you what happened with the CG of the NH Guard came to the LOB with staff, including a chaplain, in dress Blues (that was the uniform at the time).

Sorry, ADHD set in and honors are just a hobby of mine; Veterans' Day is just around the corner.  

Jordan Ulery
NH State Council
Knights of Columbus
State Advocate
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