LAMBETH CONFERENCE REPORT

Bishop Stanton and Lambert are attending the Lambeth Conference July 16-August 4. (For arriving comments)

AN APOLOGY

“BLOGGING” –providing news and commentary on the internet. Simple enough, right?  

This is the first Lambeth Conference to be “blogged”. I didn’t conceive this “series” of reports to be a blog. But in any event, I have found the possibility of providing them very frustrating.  

In the first place, my ability to connect to the internet has been intermittent at best. My apologies for raising expectations and not then being able to follow up on them.  

In the second place, the days have been long and filled. The sun comes up very early here in England, and the only time to get out for a long walk is about 5:30 AM. Then follows a relentless round of activities – morning worship at 7:15, breakfast, Bible Study groups at 9:15 followed shortly thereafter by Indaba groups. Various meetings come in the early afternoon and persist until supper. The evening meal is followed by plenary sessions. This has left little time for reflection and writing. (I tip my mitre to those who have nevertheless done so.)  

Third, I do not find a great deal to comment on. The Bible Study group to which I belong is very rewarding and personal. This is as it should be. The Indaba groups are still finding their way forward. Some colleagues have expressed frustration and tentativeness at the way they are unfolding. Others take a slightly more positive approach. But there is little of a tangible sort to report on. There is speculation aplenty out there in the “blogosphere,” but I find precious little of substance yet to comment on.  

Finally, I wonder if regular reports actually fit what this Conference is attempting. This is not structured like the last Lambeth Conference or our General Conventions. It is not possible to say that “this” was passed and “that” was not, nor even that certain documents or legislation were making progress in this hearing or that. The attempt has been, it seems to me, to provide opportunity for bishops to get to know each other and establish at least some sort of relationship while dealing with matters, some larger some smaller, that face the communion. How does one report on the tenor of a Bible Study, or the sharing in the groups in more than just glimpses?  

In the days ahead, I will leave it to others to report the “news” and offer their take on it. It seems to me that, barring some unforeseen event or development (like the second coming!), it will be best to wait for commentary until I/we see what shape the Conference takes. And that may only come, given its design, when it is over.