Nick Stryker, Harrisburg city councillor, is disturbed by the mayor's suggestion that the city government should convene a three-day "praying and fasting" meeting, which a contingent of religious leaders would attend. Harrisburg is in dire financial shape and on the edge of bankruptcy. While Stryker does attend an Episcopal church and thinks religion has its place in one's life, he is uncomfortable with the mayor's suggested course of action and is not sure what action to take.