Home at last! I arrived home Monday night actually, but my brain was completely fuddled so I did not try to write.
Sunday morning there was a Morning Prayer service led by the Chaplaincy Team. I was not there as I was reading the final draft of the reflections Document. Bible Study gathered for the final time in this format. The study provided a time for each of us to identify one task at home that we wanted the group to “commission us” to carry out and for which they would pray. It was a very moving time of prayer.
The last Indaba Group gave us time to think about trying to translate our process for others on arrival home. There is a certain amount of “you had to be there to understand”. I think that those who have been to any Christian community building program like Cursillo, Alpha, TEC, Mission program, can begin to understand the intensity with which relationships build. The work that has been done has equipped new bishops for their ministry, both with personal support networks and with practical skills. There was an air of hope as we moved into the afternoon plenary session.
There were the usual thank you’s to those who had planned and run the Conferences for bishops and spouses. Then we had ++Rowan’s closing address. I expect that the text either is already, or will be published on the Communion web site. The main disappointment for me is that he is going to call a Primates’ meeting soon. There were many criticisms of the Primates’ meeting as an instrument of unity in the written notes from the Indaba Groups and I had hoped that they would stay quiet until after the Anglican Consultative Council meeting next May. However, if their meeting can be planned to rebuild relations among them, and not turn into another bullying session, it could be helpful. Unfortunately, if they meet, some other work won’t happen because the Communion budget has very limited money.
The closing Eucharist in the Cathedral in Canterbury was much more relaxed than the opening one, and just as impressive. Bishop Ellison Pogo from the province of Melanesia celebrated and ++Rowan preached. After communion, ++Rowan read out the names of the seven Melanesian brothers killed when they tried to intervene to make peace in the Solomon Islands. Then the Melanesia Brothers and the Sisters of the Church from the Solomon Islands knelt in the center of the Cathedral and chanted their Litany for Martyrs. They rose and continued to chant the litany while they carried the list of names to the Chapel of Martyrs on the side of the Cathedral. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place!
After the service, the Cathedral provided a great buffet dinner with wine or a Brew called Bishop’s Finger! There was a Big Band playing dance music so soon there were several purple dancers up enjoying the music!
Packing the suitcases with the many books and papers that I had collected was a challenge, since I did not want to have to pay the charges for overweight suitcases!
Morning came early enough and I loaded the suitcases down the stairs and across to the bus stop. The young Stewards who have been helping with everything were there to help with the heavy stuff. They got us onto to the coaches and off to Heathrow. The one on the coach phoned ahead as we arrived at each terminal so there were volunteers there with carts for us and helped us find our way to the Air Canada space in terminal 3. They were wonderful! However, Air Canada has not automated anything there! I did pass the weight test though and, having sent the luggage through, was free to roam the shops in the airport. Despite it being Duty Free, there were no bargains! A kind person at home had given me a pass to the Air Canada lounge, so I was able to get some breakfast and read in comfort until the flight was called.
On the plane, the flight attendant came by with newspapers. The one I picked had a front page article on the Lambeth Conference. I had a hard time recognizing where I had been from the description in that article! I traded with the person beside me and found it had a front page article with a photo of ++Rowan saying, ‘Same sex Blessings must stop!’, alongside an article on a Church England Clergyman who had just celebrated his marriage to his male gardener who wore a pink veil saying, ‘I am the Bride’! Go figure!!!
Across the aisle from me was a potential candidate for ordination in our Diocese who was coming to NS for the month of August, and who had been praying for the Conference throughout. I had spoken to her in the Check In line and she joked that she would probably end up sitting beside me!
Today I have watched the DVD that they sent home with us from Lambeth. It has lots of interviews and photos and footage of the Conference. I have given it to the Resource Room so folks can borrow it.
I have been astonished how many people from wide spread places have followed my reflections for the Diocese. To those of you who prayed, thank you. As I continue to reflect, I will from time to time post a message here again. A notice will appear on the web site whenever that happens.
+Sue
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Sunday, August 3, 2008
August 3, 2008
Sunday morning some people sleep in! I don’t know when I last did that! The Listeners were at work at 7 am reading the last version of the Reflections document. By the end of last night we were quite silly and thought “Capturing the Indaba” was a good title for it. We have a cartoonist in residence and we thought he would have fun with it! There was a big sigh of relief when we gave it to the photocopy folks for reproduction.
There was Morning Prayer this morning with the Chaplains group but I missed it reading the final draft of the Reflections document.
Bible study was focused on John 20:19-31. One of the questions was “What does being sent mean in your setting?” One bishop told us that being sent meant the bishop had chosen you so you would be pleased that the bishop thinks you are a good person to do the job. It also means that you might die because you go. “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Jesus was sent and died. If the prospect of death accompanying priesthood were a reality in our Diocese, how many people would offer for ordination? The end of Bible Study was ‘commissioning’ those in our group who wished it for work back in their Diocese.
After the morning coffee/tea break, we moved on to our last Indaba group. There has been an ongoing joke about how to pronounce Indaba. It is actually In DAH ba, but some have been using something like In da Bar! Some were apparently in da bar last evening so they were AWOL this morning. We spent some time doing the inevitable evaluation form. We considered what had surprised us about the conference. We had another go round for those who wanted resolutions and now don’t have any to take home. We talked about what we are taking home with us. You will hear more about this when I am home.
There has been a clear change of atmosphere from fear to hope. People spoke of their fear when they arrived and their hope as they prepare to return home. As one said, “++Rowan has a brilliant mind and he chose to have us use a process that is not intellectual but builds relationships.” Another said, “When we meet together we begin to know each other. As we get to know each other better, we become even more open in our disagreements because we are able to, in a solid relationship. We become frustrated when we do not have the time to work things through because we care about each other.”
After the many Thank you’s to the folks who kept things running, we had ++Rowan’s closing address. It was beautifully crafted. The only news that nearly caused a groan aloud was that he is going to call a Primates’ meeting in the fall. Having read 16 sets of notes about the “Instruments of Communion”, I know that there is little support for the Primates’ as currently structured. However, there were people who said this Lambeth wouldn’t work either and it has worked very well, so as the Holy Spirit is at work here, maybe it will also bring life to the primates’ meeting.
The closing liturgy was less formal and quite lovely in the Cathedral in Canterbury. As we were boarding the coaches to get there, another group of youth pilgrims were arriving. Someone should consider how a group from our Diocese could do the pilgrimage at Canterbury. I would be happy to chaperone! The Cathedral provided dinner after the liturgy. Unfortunately it began to rain so we couldn’t eat out doors in the Cathedral grounds, so we walked around and around to a huge hall that easily held 600 people. There was a band playing big band dance music so some of the folks took up dancing – it was a purple dance floor!
So now I am packing things up to return home. Would you believe that I have books?
See you soon.
+Sue
There was Morning Prayer this morning with the Chaplains group but I missed it reading the final draft of the Reflections document.
Bible study was focused on John 20:19-31. One of the questions was “What does being sent mean in your setting?” One bishop told us that being sent meant the bishop had chosen you so you would be pleased that the bishop thinks you are a good person to do the job. It also means that you might die because you go. “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Jesus was sent and died. If the prospect of death accompanying priesthood were a reality in our Diocese, how many people would offer for ordination? The end of Bible Study was ‘commissioning’ those in our group who wished it for work back in their Diocese.
After the morning coffee/tea break, we moved on to our last Indaba group. There has been an ongoing joke about how to pronounce Indaba. It is actually In DAH ba, but some have been using something like In da Bar! Some were apparently in da bar last evening so they were AWOL this morning. We spent some time doing the inevitable evaluation form. We considered what had surprised us about the conference. We had another go round for those who wanted resolutions and now don’t have any to take home. We talked about what we are taking home with us. You will hear more about this when I am home.
There has been a clear change of atmosphere from fear to hope. People spoke of their fear when they arrived and their hope as they prepare to return home. As one said, “++Rowan has a brilliant mind and he chose to have us use a process that is not intellectual but builds relationships.” Another said, “When we meet together we begin to know each other. As we get to know each other better, we become even more open in our disagreements because we are able to, in a solid relationship. We become frustrated when we do not have the time to work things through because we care about each other.”
After the many Thank you’s to the folks who kept things running, we had ++Rowan’s closing address. It was beautifully crafted. The only news that nearly caused a groan aloud was that he is going to call a Primates’ meeting in the fall. Having read 16 sets of notes about the “Instruments of Communion”, I know that there is little support for the Primates’ as currently structured. However, there were people who said this Lambeth wouldn’t work either and it has worked very well, so as the Holy Spirit is at work here, maybe it will also bring life to the primates’ meeting.
The closing liturgy was less formal and quite lovely in the Cathedral in Canterbury. As we were boarding the coaches to get there, another group of youth pilgrims were arriving. Someone should consider how a group from our Diocese could do the pilgrimage at Canterbury. I would be happy to chaperone! The Cathedral provided dinner after the liturgy. Unfortunately it began to rain so we couldn’t eat out doors in the Cathedral grounds, so we walked around and around to a huge hall that easily held 600 people. There was a band playing big band dance music so some of the folks took up dancing – it was a purple dance floor!
So now I am packing things up to return home. Would you believe that I have books?
See you soon.
+Sue
AUgust 2, 2008
The Listeners started early this morning, but we were sharp with our computers and soon had the document ready to go to press for the first Hearing. The Eucharist at 7:15am was excellent. It was led by the Church of Kenya with their liturgy with has some wonderful symbolic actions and the following opening to the Eucharistic Prayer.
“Is the Father with us? He is!
Is Christ among us? He is!
Is the Spirit here? The Spirit is here!
This is our God. Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
We are God’s people. We are redeemed.
Lift up your hearts……..”
You will probably see the rest at some point in a service when I get home.
The Bible Study focus was John 18:1-18, “For whom are you looking? I am…I am…I am…” One question was “What does it mean for you that the last ‘I am’ is spoken in this scene?” We heard stories of priests quietly and with self control stepping forward to say ‘I am the pastor’ as they were arrested, knowing they were going to their death, but believing that the Christ walked beside them. Arrest and torture for priests as the known leader in the village, unheard of in our country, is a fact of life for some of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Please remember them in your prayers and remember that the Risen Christ also walks with you in the trials of your life. The second question was “What might the kind of leadership that Jesus shows in the garden mean for your own ministry?” There was an analysis of the 1998 Lambeth conference by a bishop who was there, as people fighting over Jesus who is calmly standing in the middle saying, “I am” and waiting for His voice to be heard. That spirit of fighting is not in this meeting and it seems that many times we have heard the voice of God in the voices of our fellow bishops and their stories. It will be difficult to leave this group behind tomorrow when we have our last session.
The Indaba Group continued on with the discussion of the Covenant and the Continuation Group’s proposals. There is a request from them that there be a moratorium on ordinations of bishops in same gendered partnership, the blessings of same sex unions and cross Provincial interventions by uninvited bishops. The big issue is ordination. I have learned a lot about the perceptions around the world of what happened in New Hampshire. There is clearly a different standard of behaviour expected of clergy and bishops in particular. I have learned that in the eyes of most of our Anglican brothers and sisters, homosexual activity is clearly understood as sin. So it makes no sense to them that a ‘sinful’ person could be ordained to be a leader whose life is supposed to model that of Jesus. I have learned that their treatment of polygamy is to call it a sin, and to bar those, who for reasons of continuing to care for their wives (who would be destitute if they were divorced), have continued in polygamy, from being church layleaders or clergy and in some places they can not receive communion. They do not understand why we do not do the same.
The Listeners met and wrote beginning with lunch in order to have the next version of the Reflections document for the hearing at 5 pm. This is a different Lambeth from the past, where resolutions were passed, highly polished texts (prepared ahead of time and voted on, were taken home as “Law”. The anxiety about having a Reflections document to take home with them is beginning to come out especially among a small group. The Hearing was quite lively and I remembered the analysis from the Bible Study as I listened. I am very glad that this Lambeth was not using resolutions!
The Church of Ireland led Evening Worship with their wonderful rolling “r’s”! We had a break for supper and I actually caught up with some of the Canadian bishops. I had a glimpse of our Suffragan Bishop across the campus as I returned to the Listening Group.
We have finished as much as we can of our Reflection document.
Tomorrow we will hear from ++Rowan once more and begin to pack our bags for home.
Have wonderful Sunday services. I am looking forward to celebrating in Canadian when I get home! +Sue
“Is the Father with us? He is!
Is Christ among us? He is!
Is the Spirit here? The Spirit is here!
This is our God. Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
We are God’s people. We are redeemed.
Lift up your hearts……..”
You will probably see the rest at some point in a service when I get home.
The Bible Study focus was John 18:1-18, “For whom are you looking? I am…I am…I am…” One question was “What does it mean for you that the last ‘I am’ is spoken in this scene?” We heard stories of priests quietly and with self control stepping forward to say ‘I am the pastor’ as they were arrested, knowing they were going to their death, but believing that the Christ walked beside them. Arrest and torture for priests as the known leader in the village, unheard of in our country, is a fact of life for some of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Please remember them in your prayers and remember that the Risen Christ also walks with you in the trials of your life. The second question was “What might the kind of leadership that Jesus shows in the garden mean for your own ministry?” There was an analysis of the 1998 Lambeth conference by a bishop who was there, as people fighting over Jesus who is calmly standing in the middle saying, “I am” and waiting for His voice to be heard. That spirit of fighting is not in this meeting and it seems that many times we have heard the voice of God in the voices of our fellow bishops and their stories. It will be difficult to leave this group behind tomorrow when we have our last session.
The Indaba Group continued on with the discussion of the Covenant and the Continuation Group’s proposals. There is a request from them that there be a moratorium on ordinations of bishops in same gendered partnership, the blessings of same sex unions and cross Provincial interventions by uninvited bishops. The big issue is ordination. I have learned a lot about the perceptions around the world of what happened in New Hampshire. There is clearly a different standard of behaviour expected of clergy and bishops in particular. I have learned that in the eyes of most of our Anglican brothers and sisters, homosexual activity is clearly understood as sin. So it makes no sense to them that a ‘sinful’ person could be ordained to be a leader whose life is supposed to model that of Jesus. I have learned that their treatment of polygamy is to call it a sin, and to bar those, who for reasons of continuing to care for their wives (who would be destitute if they were divorced), have continued in polygamy, from being church layleaders or clergy and in some places they can not receive communion. They do not understand why we do not do the same.
The Listeners met and wrote beginning with lunch in order to have the next version of the Reflections document for the hearing at 5 pm. This is a different Lambeth from the past, where resolutions were passed, highly polished texts (prepared ahead of time and voted on, were taken home as “Law”. The anxiety about having a Reflections document to take home with them is beginning to come out especially among a small group. The Hearing was quite lively and I remembered the analysis from the Bible Study as I listened. I am very glad that this Lambeth was not using resolutions!
The Church of Ireland led Evening Worship with their wonderful rolling “r’s”! We had a break for supper and I actually caught up with some of the Canadian bishops. I had a glimpse of our Suffragan Bishop across the campus as I returned to the Listening Group.
We have finished as much as we can of our Reflection document.
Tomorrow we will hear from ++Rowan once more and begin to pack our bags for home.
Have wonderful Sunday services. I am looking forward to celebrating in Canadian when I get home! +Sue
Saturday, August 2, 2008
August 1, 2008
The Eucharist this morning was led by the Church in Pakistan. Part of the gathering time, we see a DVD of life in the church for those who are leading. Pakistan is a beautiful land with beautiful people and they live with daily threats. Next time you are tempted to just stay home from worship for a trivial reason, think of those who persevere in going out to worship in the face of daily persecution.
The Bible Study was John 15:1-17. We started by asking how the passage is translated in other languages. We learned there are no grape vines in Myanmar, but they have mango trees. In Congo, they have banana trees. We are of course reading the Scriptures in the context of this meeting, so we tried to imagine the Anglican Communion as a bunch of grapes! There was a terrible pun about whining in the Communion. We spent some time with verse 11. In what ways does Jesus make our joy complete? Do we let people know about that joy?
The Indaba group focused on the “The Bishop, the Anglican Covenant, and the Windsor Process”. There are two important groups at work that many people seem to have been unaware of – the Covenant Design Group and the Windsor Continuation Group. The Covenant Group has written a proposed covenant (which you can find on the Anglican Communion web site under St. Andrew’s Draft of the Covenant). In it, they make some proposals about our life as a Communion rather than a loose federation of churches. What is outlined in the opening part seems to have a level of support from the Bishops. The third part and the Appendix have very little support. This became clear as our Listening Group read through the various Indaba group reports. We will find out more on Saturday when we feed this back to the Plenary Session. The Windsor Continuation Group has been developing plans for the time between now and the Covenant coming into effect. (There is a HUGE assumption that it will do so!) Part of this is a moratorium on three things: the ordination of any more active gay/lesbian bishops, the blessings of same sex relationships, uninvited cross border invasions by outside bishops. It seems that his moratorium is proposed to last until the covenant comes into effect. There is uneven support for this idea. I will know more tomorrow when we see the Indaba group reports.
There are many concerns about all of these proposals. More concerning to me is the lack of accurate information about our church. I seem to be repeating myself explaining that we currently have a moratorium on these from our end, but we are still visited by unwelcome primates. (It makes for some carefully chosen words in my Indaba group, since one of the “Invaders” is in my group!)
The afternoon session was the next hearing of our reflections. Most people can identify with the comments in our reports. There some bishops who are clearly used to having the last word and seem quite annoyed when we say, “But that was not the opinion of the Indaba groups.” This process is quite difficult for those who want parliamentary procedure and debates on resolutions. Most of the Bishops are very much enjoying this time for listening and sharing concerns. Late in the afternoon we had an extra Indaba Group to allow more time for processing the ideas of the Covenant.
Evening worship was led by the Churches of South East Asia. They had wonderful photos of some of their congregations gathered for Baptism in the nearest rivers. They have a serious strategy for making disciples, bringing adults, youth and children to Christ.
The other Canadians went off to party tonight. The Listening Group got quite silly after 10pm so we quit!
(I think I was so tired I didn’t realize until today that I wrote this and didn’t post it! Sorry!)
The Bible Study was John 15:1-17. We started by asking how the passage is translated in other languages. We learned there are no grape vines in Myanmar, but they have mango trees. In Congo, they have banana trees. We are of course reading the Scriptures in the context of this meeting, so we tried to imagine the Anglican Communion as a bunch of grapes! There was a terrible pun about whining in the Communion. We spent some time with verse 11. In what ways does Jesus make our joy complete? Do we let people know about that joy?
The Indaba group focused on the “The Bishop, the Anglican Covenant, and the Windsor Process”. There are two important groups at work that many people seem to have been unaware of – the Covenant Design Group and the Windsor Continuation Group. The Covenant Group has written a proposed covenant (which you can find on the Anglican Communion web site under St. Andrew’s Draft of the Covenant). In it, they make some proposals about our life as a Communion rather than a loose federation of churches. What is outlined in the opening part seems to have a level of support from the Bishops. The third part and the Appendix have very little support. This became clear as our Listening Group read through the various Indaba group reports. We will find out more on Saturday when we feed this back to the Plenary Session. The Windsor Continuation Group has been developing plans for the time between now and the Covenant coming into effect. (There is a HUGE assumption that it will do so!) Part of this is a moratorium on three things: the ordination of any more active gay/lesbian bishops, the blessings of same sex relationships, uninvited cross border invasions by outside bishops. It seems that his moratorium is proposed to last until the covenant comes into effect. There is uneven support for this idea. I will know more tomorrow when we see the Indaba group reports.
There are many concerns about all of these proposals. More concerning to me is the lack of accurate information about our church. I seem to be repeating myself explaining that we currently have a moratorium on these from our end, but we are still visited by unwelcome primates. (It makes for some carefully chosen words in my Indaba group, since one of the “Invaders” is in my group!)
The afternoon session was the next hearing of our reflections. Most people can identify with the comments in our reports. There some bishops who are clearly used to having the last word and seem quite annoyed when we say, “But that was not the opinion of the Indaba groups.” This process is quite difficult for those who want parliamentary procedure and debates on resolutions. Most of the Bishops are very much enjoying this time for listening and sharing concerns. Late in the afternoon we had an extra Indaba Group to allow more time for processing the ideas of the Covenant.
Evening worship was led by the Churches of South East Asia. They had wonderful photos of some of their congregations gathered for Baptism in the nearest rivers. They have a serious strategy for making disciples, bringing adults, youth and children to Christ.
The other Canadians went off to party tonight. The Listening Group got quite silly after 10pm so we quit!
(I think I was so tired I didn’t realize until today that I wrote this and didn’t post it! Sorry!)
Thursday, July 31, 2008
July 31, 2008
Listening to God and to Each Other: The Bishop and Human Sexuality
It has been a long day!!! Some of the Listeners began at 6am to prepare the documents for today!
The Eucharist was led by the Province of Burundi – some English, some French, and a native language which I could not determine. How great Thou Art in 3 languages at the same time was great, as was Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah!
Bible Study was John 13:31-14:17. We very dutifully did the first question, “How has John’s radical paradox, that God’s glory is most visible at moments of apparent weakness and vulnerability, been part of your church’s story?” There were some profound examples. However the Indaba coming up would be “The Bishop and Human Sexuality”. We agreed that it would be easier to speak among ourselves about our views than in the bigger group of 40 people. As you might expect, among the nine of us there was the usual range of views on sexuality, but there was no bitterness or any accusations. There was agreement that spreading of misinformation had caused damage to the Communion. Campaigns on behalf of one party or another were not appreciated by anyone and mainly create backlash. (There is a constant barrage of information on Gay and Lesbian people here including a demonstration as we exited from the hearing on the Scripture.)
The Indaba Group was also very honest. The biggest concern is about the ordination of actively homosexual people, with the blessings of same sex couples a long way behind. It is clear that sexual sins (which were listed by many to include divorce, promiscuity, adultery, same sex unions) are far more important to people than any other sins (like violence within family, greed, unethical business practice). In many places, a divorced person can not be ordained or be a catechist. Those in polygamous relationships can not receive communion. The punishment for sexual deviation is severe in many places in our Communion. Many people feel that the ordination of a gay bishop been has forced on them and has created the great rift in the Communion. The Episcopal Church has been almost silent in response so far.
The second Hearing on the Conference Reflections that the Listeners are creating was this afternoon. Although we thought it might be acrimonious, it went very well. The Indaba focus about an Anglican interpretation of Scripture produced some very harmonious results for us to report. For your consideration, these are some of the points included:
- The Cranmer Collect that includes “…hear, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest…”
- The Canon of Scripture is upheld by us. It is our way of ‘testing’ novelties.
- The Scriptures contain all things necessary to salvation. (Who would have guessed?)
- Jesus Christ is the Word of God.
- The Bible was and is the standard way for Christians to be in and on the Way of God in Jesus Christ.
- We affirm different models of interpreting Scripture within our tradition.
- And several others…Further developments of the text are happening tonight for review tomorrow.
- There were conflicting comments on the purpose of the report, so we had the opportunity to meet with Archbishop Rowan late this afternoon. He is making himself very available to listen to people and to interact with them. As a result we missed Evening Prayer by the Province of New Zealand, Aotearoa and Polynesia.
There were some receptions this evening, but I opted to stay home and read!
It has been a long day!!! Some of the Listeners began at 6am to prepare the documents for today!
The Eucharist was led by the Province of Burundi – some English, some French, and a native language which I could not determine. How great Thou Art in 3 languages at the same time was great, as was Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah!
Bible Study was John 13:31-14:17. We very dutifully did the first question, “How has John’s radical paradox, that God’s glory is most visible at moments of apparent weakness and vulnerability, been part of your church’s story?” There were some profound examples. However the Indaba coming up would be “The Bishop and Human Sexuality”. We agreed that it would be easier to speak among ourselves about our views than in the bigger group of 40 people. As you might expect, among the nine of us there was the usual range of views on sexuality, but there was no bitterness or any accusations. There was agreement that spreading of misinformation had caused damage to the Communion. Campaigns on behalf of one party or another were not appreciated by anyone and mainly create backlash. (There is a constant barrage of information on Gay and Lesbian people here including a demonstration as we exited from the hearing on the Scripture.)
The Indaba Group was also very honest. The biggest concern is about the ordination of actively homosexual people, with the blessings of same sex couples a long way behind. It is clear that sexual sins (which were listed by many to include divorce, promiscuity, adultery, same sex unions) are far more important to people than any other sins (like violence within family, greed, unethical business practice). In many places, a divorced person can not be ordained or be a catechist. Those in polygamous relationships can not receive communion. The punishment for sexual deviation is severe in many places in our Communion. Many people feel that the ordination of a gay bishop been has forced on them and has created the great rift in the Communion. The Episcopal Church has been almost silent in response so far.
The second Hearing on the Conference Reflections that the Listeners are creating was this afternoon. Although we thought it might be acrimonious, it went very well. The Indaba focus about an Anglican interpretation of Scripture produced some very harmonious results for us to report. For your consideration, these are some of the points included:
- The Cranmer Collect that includes “…hear, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest…”
- The Canon of Scripture is upheld by us. It is our way of ‘testing’ novelties.
- The Scriptures contain all things necessary to salvation. (Who would have guessed?)
- Jesus Christ is the Word of God.
- The Bible was and is the standard way for Christians to be in and on the Way of God in Jesus Christ.
- We affirm different models of interpreting Scripture within our tradition.
- And several others…Further developments of the text are happening tonight for review tomorrow.
- There were conflicting comments on the purpose of the report, so we had the opportunity to meet with Archbishop Rowan late this afternoon. He is making himself very available to listen to people and to interact with them. As a result we missed Evening Prayer by the Province of New Zealand, Aotearoa and Polynesia.
There were some receptions this evening, but I opted to stay home and read!
July 30, 2008
The Eucharist this morning was lead by the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui with beautiful simplicity and a dramatic reading of the Gospel in Japanese. The Bible Study focus was John 11:1-44. We had been asked to write a 300 word interpretation of the text for this morning’s session which we would share with the group. Then the question was “In what ways are these Anglican interpretations?” In the Indaba groups we considered further these possible principles and there was remarkable agreement. After the Listeners put the list together, I will post them for your consideration.
The Listeners made our first presentation this afternoon to a full house. There was a general acceptance of the work with helpful additions suggested. Then we went off to continue our work. Unfortunately the technology was slow so the morning’s work by the groups was not yet available, so we had the evening free. I went then to the group of Anglican Schools in which King’s University is included. Fortunately I am having an early evening as the Listeners must start at 7am tomorrow to have the work ready for the next presentation in the afternoon.
Blessings.
+Sue
The Listeners made our first presentation this afternoon to a full house. There was a general acceptance of the work with helpful additions suggested. Then we went off to continue our work. Unfortunately the technology was slow so the morning’s work by the groups was not yet available, so we had the evening free. I went then to the group of Anglican Schools in which King’s University is included. Fortunately I am having an early evening as the Listeners must start at 7am tomorrow to have the work ready for the next presentation in the afternoon.
Blessings.
+Sue
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
JUly 29, 2008
Safeguarding Creation – The Bishop and the Environment
The fifth mark of mission is: “To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and renew the life of the earth.” So far this is the mark of mission least universally owned by the churches of the communion. Ignorance of the issues is a priority that must be addressed around the Communion. Stories shared from bishops around the Communion give a picture of a global crisis. There are many examples including water pollution, dumping of toxic waste, air pollution, deforestation, irresponsible disposal of garbage. It is clear that the personal level exchange of issues being faced (with first hand knowledge) has a greater impact on us than Western media reports. Environment is the top priority for some provinces and must be a high priority for all of us. In the Global South, safeguarding creation is a day to day activity, not an intellectual exercise. The Communion Bishops could take a leading role through example, such as a carbon offset target for meeting travel.
While many agencies can engage with environmental issues, the church must do so from the starting point of Scripture and a credible theology. One particularly difficult Scripture reference has been Genesis 1:28 where the words ‘have dominion over’ or ‘subdue’ have been misinterpreted as ‘Do whatever you want with the earth.’ If humanity is made in the image of God, who saw that creation was good, then humanity needs to learn to care for God’s creation. Theologies of creation, Sabbath, stewardship and “enough” need to be developed for general use. Creation did not fall, humanity did, and this has led to the destruction of creation. Some of the symptoms of this human sin include selfishness, greed, consumerism and overindulgence. The destruction of the environment is a spiritual issue and the church can suggest taking actions in terms of spiritual disciplines, including repentance of ingrained habits that are ecologically irresponsible.
Many examples of destruction focused on water. Water is central to baptism, the sacrament of new life. This is a reminder that we have a responsibility for those yet to be born to ensure conditions for their potential life and flourishing. The Communion, Provinces and Dioceses could focus on one major campaign - the human right to water.
There is only one instrument for sustaining God’s creation – humanity. To get people moving requires moral leadership and this is the role of the church together with other aware bodies, e.g. the United Nations. The Anglican churches must engage with other agencies with sound knowledge and experience to impact church members, various levels of government and the business communities.
What can the church do?
Education: Engage with scientists to have accurate and credible information. Scriptural and theological education should be available for seminary students to produce knowledgeable clergy and lay leaders to engage congregations. We need educational materials to encourage children and youth to engage with programs for change. Adult education materials for parishioners would be helpful. Every Anglican must understand that it is their personal responsibility to live a rule of life that sustains and restores God’s creation. A primary task for bishops is to raise the consciousness of church members as well as the public. The Communion/Province should position itself to be a symbol for ecological commitment to sustaining and renewing God’s creation. Dioceses and parishes provide opportunities for learning and action. People respond well to specific, simple actions, e.g. plant one tree each year, use no plastic in the churches, walk whenever you can instead of using a car. Bishops can also have specific actions, e.g. plant a tree on each parish visit, focus sermons for one season on the Environment. “Green Awards” are also incentives to dioceses and parishes to decrease the damage they do to creation and improve the ways they contribute to renewing the earth.
Liturgy/Worship: The Communion and/or Diocesan worship committees can develop worship resources on creation and environmental themes, and use the liturgical seasons for environmental awareness, e.g. planting time and harvest thanksgiving, the memorial of St. Francis, a Lenten fast from energy consumption.
Empowerment for Action: Think globally, act locally and globally. Work ecumenically and with other faith groups to lobby governments for laws and implementation of international agreements, e.g. Kyoto. The bishops could also have a reconciling role for brokering conversations between business, government and environmentalists. We must be aware of the political and economic aspects of caring for creation. Ecology and economics are connected. The desire for economic development can start a vicious cycle of damage to the environment. Damage to the environment creates conditions that impact developing nations and those living in poverty (women and children) first. Economic improvements for one group may bring environmental disaster to another. Bishops need to learn how to exert pressure on governments in regard to environmental issues and this means they have to be correctly informed and have credibility with governments.
Additional thoughts:
Environmental destruction is connected to internal displacement of people and to migration. Sometimes the creation is deliberately destroyed by companies seeking access to resources such as oil, and the local people are driven away. Sometimes, when the land is devastated by natural disaster, the people migrate seeking safety and a livelihood.
Considered use of technology: Just because we can do it, doesn’t mean we should.
Care of God’s creation should take prominent place in any Covenant for the Communion.
The Anglican Environmental network could be a better resource to the provinces of the Communion.
Green Conference: The next Lambeth Conference should be a green conference where the host institution under clear direction from the Design Group, providing recycling facilities. The Design Group could still direct the host institution to provide more recycling facilities, publicize existing facilities and greatly reduce the use of disposable cups and paper towels by providing alternatives.
One group discussed environment and human sexuality.
Another group discussed responses to the Windsor Report and interprovincial relationships.
Another group discussed the covenant.
The fifth mark of mission is: “To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and renew the life of the earth.” So far this is the mark of mission least universally owned by the churches of the communion. Ignorance of the issues is a priority that must be addressed around the Communion. Stories shared from bishops around the Communion give a picture of a global crisis. There are many examples including water pollution, dumping of toxic waste, air pollution, deforestation, irresponsible disposal of garbage. It is clear that the personal level exchange of issues being faced (with first hand knowledge) has a greater impact on us than Western media reports. Environment is the top priority for some provinces and must be a high priority for all of us. In the Global South, safeguarding creation is a day to day activity, not an intellectual exercise. The Communion Bishops could take a leading role through example, such as a carbon offset target for meeting travel.
While many agencies can engage with environmental issues, the church must do so from the starting point of Scripture and a credible theology. One particularly difficult Scripture reference has been Genesis 1:28 where the words ‘have dominion over’ or ‘subdue’ have been misinterpreted as ‘Do whatever you want with the earth.’ If humanity is made in the image of God, who saw that creation was good, then humanity needs to learn to care for God’s creation. Theologies of creation, Sabbath, stewardship and “enough” need to be developed for general use. Creation did not fall, humanity did, and this has led to the destruction of creation. Some of the symptoms of this human sin include selfishness, greed, consumerism and overindulgence. The destruction of the environment is a spiritual issue and the church can suggest taking actions in terms of spiritual disciplines, including repentance of ingrained habits that are ecologically irresponsible.
Many examples of destruction focused on water. Water is central to baptism, the sacrament of new life. This is a reminder that we have a responsibility for those yet to be born to ensure conditions for their potential life and flourishing. The Communion, Provinces and Dioceses could focus on one major campaign - the human right to water.
There is only one instrument for sustaining God’s creation – humanity. To get people moving requires moral leadership and this is the role of the church together with other aware bodies, e.g. the United Nations. The Anglican churches must engage with other agencies with sound knowledge and experience to impact church members, various levels of government and the business communities.
What can the church do?
Education: Engage with scientists to have accurate and credible information. Scriptural and theological education should be available for seminary students to produce knowledgeable clergy and lay leaders to engage congregations. We need educational materials to encourage children and youth to engage with programs for change. Adult education materials for parishioners would be helpful. Every Anglican must understand that it is their personal responsibility to live a rule of life that sustains and restores God’s creation. A primary task for bishops is to raise the consciousness of church members as well as the public. The Communion/Province should position itself to be a symbol for ecological commitment to sustaining and renewing God’s creation. Dioceses and parishes provide opportunities for learning and action. People respond well to specific, simple actions, e.g. plant one tree each year, use no plastic in the churches, walk whenever you can instead of using a car. Bishops can also have specific actions, e.g. plant a tree on each parish visit, focus sermons for one season on the Environment. “Green Awards” are also incentives to dioceses and parishes to decrease the damage they do to creation and improve the ways they contribute to renewing the earth.
Liturgy/Worship: The Communion and/or Diocesan worship committees can develop worship resources on creation and environmental themes, and use the liturgical seasons for environmental awareness, e.g. planting time and harvest thanksgiving, the memorial of St. Francis, a Lenten fast from energy consumption.
Empowerment for Action: Think globally, act locally and globally. Work ecumenically and with other faith groups to lobby governments for laws and implementation of international agreements, e.g. Kyoto. The bishops could also have a reconciling role for brokering conversations between business, government and environmentalists. We must be aware of the political and economic aspects of caring for creation. Ecology and economics are connected. The desire for economic development can start a vicious cycle of damage to the environment. Damage to the environment creates conditions that impact developing nations and those living in poverty (women and children) first. Economic improvements for one group may bring environmental disaster to another. Bishops need to learn how to exert pressure on governments in regard to environmental issues and this means they have to be correctly informed and have credibility with governments.
Additional thoughts:
Environmental destruction is connected to internal displacement of people and to migration. Sometimes the creation is deliberately destroyed by companies seeking access to resources such as oil, and the local people are driven away. Sometimes, when the land is devastated by natural disaster, the people migrate seeking safety and a livelihood.
Considered use of technology: Just because we can do it, doesn’t mean we should.
Care of God’s creation should take prominent place in any Covenant for the Communion.
The Anglican Environmental network could be a better resource to the provinces of the Communion.
Green Conference: The next Lambeth Conference should be a green conference where the host institution under clear direction from the Design Group, providing recycling facilities. The Design Group could still direct the host institution to provide more recycling facilities, publicize existing facilities and greatly reduce the use of disposable cups and paper towels by providing alternatives.
One group discussed environment and human sexuality.
Another group discussed responses to the Windsor Report and interprovincial relationships.
Another group discussed the covenant.
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