Bishop Greg's Blog

Muyinga, Burundi Trip – December 8, 2009

2009-12-10T11:17:00.001-06:00

Today was our day to depart from Burundi. We met Bishop Eraste for breakfast at 7:30 am – a meal which included a “Seasonal Fruit” plate. It contained a selection of all or most of the currently available local fruit. There was a miniature banana, a small green orange, half a green lemon, a Prune de Japon, a piece of Mango, a piece of Papaya and a section of Pineapple. It seemed a very fitting last meal for our stay, presenting us with a taste of the various flavours of the place – symbolic of the experience we have had over the last two weeks. While we have made some new friends and learned a great deal about life in Muyinga and Burundi, it was also in some ways just a taste of what life is really like in this part of the world.

As our flight did not leave until nearly 2 pm we managed to fit in a number of things on our way to the airport. We stopped at the Anglican Cathedral in Bujumbura and viewed the new building that is being erected; the old one is no where near big enough to accommodate the size of the congregation we are told. We then visited a “community centre” where we met with the director of FHI in Burundi – folks who are doing particular work with HIV/AIDS education. They encouraging the local churches to take a greater hand in this work, and the Anglican Church – Muyinga included – is doing its best to take up the challenge.

We then visited a friend of Bishop Eraste’s who is the manager of one of the larger banks in Bujumbura – and which has a branch in Muyinga, where Eraste has an account for the Diocese. We discovered that all three of his children have done their university education in Canada – two in Montreal and one in Ottawa, and discussed some logistical things about how funds can be transferred more efficiently (and with less cost) to projects in Muyinga.

We then made our way across the city and out to the Risuzi River, which flows into Lake Tanganyica just West of Bujumbura. The plan had been to find a national park there and perhaps views some wild life along the river. Unfortunately that did not work out, but it was a lovely drive to the Congolese border and back.

The airport departure was thankfully uneventful – although it does take a bit longer, with more check points for passports, customs and visa checks than we are used to in Canada. Departure was on time - although our tickets made no mention of the stop in Kigali, Rwanda which took place along the way. It was not a problem as it reduced our waiting time in Nairobi from 7.5 hours to 5.5 hours. As I write this we are sitting in Nairobi airport awaiting our night flight to London.

Muyinga and Burundi have been quite an experience. The formation of the Companion Link for the Diocese of Qu'Appelle will, I believe, be very good for us as we pursue the renewal of our mission and ministry in southern Saskatchewan. Although our contexts are very different, there are many things to be learnt from our brothers and sisters in Muyinga. There is very deep poverty here in the physical sense – but there is also a richness of faith, producing much joy in the midst of it. In Canada we have a great deal of wealth – but very often with a poverty of faith that diminishes our joy in Christ and robs us of peace. Travel fatigue makes it difficult to reflect on all this very fully at the moment, but I know that the next few weeks and months will be a time of ongoing learning as we grow together in God’s mission to our broken world.

Muyinga, Burundi Trip – December 7, 2009

2009-12-10T11:16:00.004-06:00

Today was an early start as we departed Muyinga for Bujumbura. After a 6:30 am breakfast, we made our farewells to Consolate, the Bigirimana children and the family and household staff of the Bishop before heading out.

As always, we began by praying for God’s guidance and protection before departure – and thankfully had an uneventful trip. Being uneventful, we could enjoy the scenery and take lots of pictures of both the views and the various small towns and market stalls along the way.

Once in Bujumbura we visited the Provincial (National) Office of the Anglican Church of Burundi. We met the various staff and were informed about the programs they run: HIV/AIDS, Development, Mothers’ Union, etc. They have a lovely office space, and are currently planning to build on their adjoining land. This project will include a conference centre with residences, a dining hall, an internet café and offices – as well as an apartment building to provide income to help support the Church’s ministry. They have a fair bit of fundraising to do before they are ready to build.

After the Provincial Office we moved on to some shopping to find the requisite souvenirs for ourselves and friends and family. We visited the market – it is really something else. The masses of people, stalls crammed in with barely room to pass between them – much of it in a covered warehouse – with the smells of raw fish, raw meet, wonderful fresh veggies and fruit and all the sights and sounds that go with it all. Many, many items can be purchased here – from fabric to dishes to clothing. I am not a shopper – but I suppose it was good to experience the market; thankfully it was mercifully short. We then spent a few minutes in a much more pleasant set of outdoor shops, and a lovely RC bookstore.

For lunch we were taken to a beach front resort hotel. It was exceptionally lovely, with a magnificent white sand beach on Lake Tanganyica. Interestingly, there were very few people there. Twelve years of civil war have gutted the tourist industry it would seem. Perhaps with a few more years of stability more folk will venture to visit. The fresh caught fish from the lake made a delicious lunch.

We returned to Bujumbura to drop off Rosemary, the lovely Englishwoman who works for the Province of Burundi as a communications person. She had spent both our first and last few days with us in Muyinga, taking pictures and documenting the visit for the Burundi Church and for Muyinga. She was a great help for us during our visit, giving us good information and guidance upon our arrival and helping us make our way through some of the final events of our visit.

We had a couple of hours to relax at the hotel, before attending a reception that Bishop Eraste and Rosemary put together for various Canadian and British folk in Bujumbura, along with folk from the Provincial Office. We had some good conversations about the state of the church in Burundi, about the way to proceed with development projects and various other bits and pieces. We also met some wonderful folk, most of them in Burundi with various NGO’s doing work to help build the country. A wonderful evening all around.

Muyinga, Burundi Trip – December 6, 2009

2009-12-10T11:16:00.003-06:00

Today was our last day in Muyinga and we celebrated with the people of Mukone Parish – which is also the diocesan Cathedral Church of St. Andrew’s. It is in the city of Muyinga. When we arrived we discovered that the stones out front and along the driveway of the Cathedral had been painted white – apparently a special gesture for honoured guests. The doors were decorated with greenery and banana leaves – with purple flowers interwoven.

This was the first parish visit where we did not go to a separate house to vest before the liturgy as St. Andrew’s has a vestry within its walls. It may sound like a trivial thing to comment on, but it reflects the realities of the vast majority of the smaller and simpler churches in the rest of the diocese.

As we were vesting we could hear the sounds of the congregation, led by a choir, singing songs of praise. It is not something you say about Anglican Churches very often, but the place was really hopping. The sounds of joyful worship were inspiring and uplifting as we entered the sanctuary from a side door.

The usual greetings took place with introductions for all those visiting as part of the official party. I am given time at each of these and expected to speak for some while about Qu’Appelle and what it is like, and about our family. Always I bring greetings from their brothers and sisters in Qu’Appelle – and greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ always get a large round of applause. The good people of Muyinga seem to take great pleasure in my description of our children – specifically the part where I hold up my hand to show that Jeremy is slightly taller than I am, and then that Asha is taller than her mother, and then that Kyla is just as tall as her mother. They also always seem to react to the fact that the water is frozen in Qu’Appelle at this time of year, that our Diocese is almost twice as large as all of Burundi and that it took about 41 hours of travelling to get here.

The singing and dancing was, if it is possible, even better today than in previous services. The songs were well rehearsed and the danced choreographed carefully.

An additional feature of today’s service was a call for all of the children and mothers with little ones to come forward for the Bishop of Qu’Appelle to pray for them and give them a blessing. It was announced that this would take place right after the next choir song – and since it was the first I had heard of it, I appreciated the forewarning. During the song I was approached by their very capable young deacon, Alexi, who handed me a handwritten note from Bishop Eraste reminding me to include in my prayers the families, orphans, homeless children, sick and disabled children. I was grateful for the reminder, and it also caused me to appreciate the wonderful organic way that the liturgy unfolds here. When the moment came for the children and new mothers to come forward there was a mass of seventy or eighty who lined up ten deep along the front of the church. I prayed with Eraste translating.

After the sermon we had the formal signing of the Companion Diocese Covenant. This went over very well and was treated as a major event in the life of the Muyinga Diocese. The Church in Muyinga takes this very seriously – and considers that in this partnership we are truly one Church family. Diocese of Qu’Appelle folk – I am bringing back pictures of your new family.

After the service there was another lovely feast – a party in Burundian terms. This provided occasion for the final farewell speeches, as well as some of the actual farewells with folks that we won’t see again in person for some time. As one pastor remarked however, though distance may separate us, we will remain one in the Holy Spirit.

We returned to our lodgings and this evening had an extended time of conversation and celebration with Bishop Eraste, Consolate, their children and the various folk who have helped out at their home and with us, to make our stay comfortable.

Muyinga, Burundi Trip – December 5, 2009

2009-12-10T11:13:00.001-06:00

Saturdays and Sundays seem to be days for the bishop to make parish visits – and so today, as last Saturday, we spent the whole day in a visit to a single parish. We visited Bihogo Church in Rukinzo Parish – a smaller church a short distance from Muyinga, and very near to the Congolese Refugee camp we had visited on November 27th.

We arrived a bit late and were led directly to the small mud-brick hut around the back in order to vest for the service. I had not packed any vestments for this trip – they are something of a nuisance to add to already over packed baggage. As it turned out, Bishop Eraste is my size and provided a Cassock, rochet and chasuble for me to wear at all of the services we attended.

The pattern for this service was pretty much the same as the others we have participated in – with the exception that this one included Confirmation and Holy Communion. There was much singing with 3 or 4 choirs taking turns. I have said in other posts that they “sing and dance” – the choirs employ rhythmic steps back and forth, and sometimes in patterns, with arm and hand gestures added. Some, I understand, don’t really consider this dancing in the full sense.

At the confirmation the candidates were called forward and the bishop, opening a copy of the catechism in Kirundi, randomly selected questions and expected them to have memorized the answers. A few responses were clearly not entirely to his liking, but after the recitation of the creed he proceeded. I was asked to join in, laying on hands alongside him as we confirmed the 20 candidates in pairs. I was told that this was a very small confirmation indeed; 100 to 200 are not infrequent.

The sermon was placed after the confirmation and the reception of the new Mothers’ Union members, and following the offertory but before the Communion. At non-communion liturgies is comes almost at the end. Once again Bishop Eraste felt that there was a response needed to the sermon and so invited anyone who had things that needed confessing or healing to raise their hands, and then asked me to pray over them and bless them as a group.

Communion had a couple of differences for us. They do not use wine, but what appears to be a sweet fruit beverage. They also have moved to a different method of receiving communion; the administrator washes their hands before beginning and then picks up the host, intincts, and places it on the communicants hands saying “the Body and Blood of Christ.” It is a bit sticky, but also does address the ongoing concern about passing on germs as no one touches the wafers on the paten or the wine except the priest who has washed in advance.

The service was about three hours long , although I’ve found that by not being concerned about time, you can hardly believe that more than an hour or so has passed. The one concern on these longer services is that you do have to make sure you do a bathroom visit before leaving home, because it is a lot of hours until the next oportunilty.

We ended our parish visitation with another wonderful meal Burundi style and then headed home for the evening.

Muyinga, Burundi Trip – December 4, 2009

2009-12-10T11:12:00.001-06:00

The Anglican Church in Burundi began first as a mission coming down from Rwanda in the north. For many years it was a part of other provinces of the Church – connected with Uganda, Rwanda, and parts of the Congo at various times. Its establishment is traced back 74 years. At one point the whole of Burundi was a single diocese, and, we are told, Buye was its centre. The town of Buye itself is very small, but it is also just north of the city of Ngozi. We visited there today to meet with Bishop Sixbert Macumi and were given a tour of some of their ministry sites. Bishop Sixbert, along with Bishop Eraste were both at the school for new bishops at the same time as I attended it in January of 2007 in Canterbury. The Diocese of Buye is in a companion diocese relationship with Edmonton.

We arrived in pouring rain and managed to duck inside the Diocesan headquarters for a quick tour. These new offices are in the city of Ngozi. We then toured the main parish church in Ngozi and got a first hand look at a “guest house” under construction on that site. Burundian construction techniques are an interesting study in themselves; bricks and mortar are the most common construction materials. However, the bricks can be made of either fired clay, or just sun-baked mud. Likewise the mortar can be actual cement, or clay rich earth that has been worked into the correct consistency with water. The use of mud bricks and mortar requires the speedy addition of a roof, as rain quickly begins to dissolve the earthen structures. Joists for the roofs are often an approximation of a two by four, but unaltered logs are also used at times. The roofs themselves can be made of grass, clay tiles, or iron sheeting. The iron sheets are the preferred method for their combination of strength, durability, simplicity and cost - although on the latter point, cost does vary depending on the quality you wish to purchase, and the prices rise the farther you are from the capital, Bujumbura.

Next, we drove the short distance (6 – 7 kms) up the hill to Buye. Buye was established by the earliest missionaries in the area. They acquired what appears to be an entire, rather large hilltop, and built a Cathedral, a school, a hospital and a bishop’s residence. There is now also a Bible school and student housing. The setting is magnificent with wonderful views all around. An interesting feature of Burundian church facilities, at least in our experience is the wonderful ability to combine church activities with things like, say, agriculture. In Buye, the bishop’s compound includes pens for a half a dozen cows, a small banana plantation, and vegetable gardens. The rest of the church grounds are also well utilized in growing beans, corn, avocadoes, Soya beans, potatoes and various other crops. Each of the student residences on site also has a full garden plot and students are expected to grow a significant amount of their own food.

The hospital, which was originally built by the Church, was taken over by the government some years ago. The current government is asking the churches to take back responsibility for many of the schools and hospitals – and are returning these facilities to the Diocese of Buye is in process.

The school is a secondary school with about 500 students. We arrived just as lunch was finishing. Because it was exam period, the refectory tables had been moved out onto the central grassy area of the school to make space for examinations, which meant that there were crowds of teenagers milling about waiting for the afternoon sessions to begin. We visited the school office and found that because they had some electrical issues, the secretaries use old manual typewriters and were busily trying to make copies of documents on carbon paper (for those who are not old enough to know what that is you may need to ask your parents).

After a lovely lunch at a local restaurant and a final tour of bits of the Church’s ventures in Ngozi, we returned to Muyinga.

Muyinga, Burundi Trip – December 2, 2009

2009-12-10T11:11:00.011-06:00

Today we made a trip to Gitega. Gitega is the second largest city in Burundi and located fairly close to the geographical centre of the country. Muyinga is perhaps the poorest area of Burundi; Gitega gives the appearance, in relative terms, of being substantially better off. Gitega is where Bishop Eraste and Consolate met and were married, and where he worked as a parish priest and diocesan secretary before being elected bishop of Muyinga.

We travelled fairly directly south along one of the few good roads here. It is being prepared for paving, so most of it is well compacted with layers of clay rich earth. Part of the road was under construction and at times we wound our way through piles of gravel, clay, rocks and cement. It was also the first time we have seen heavy equipment being used: backhoes, dump trucks, graders and the heavy compacting rollers we see on Canadian roads during construction. An interesting feature of Burundi highways is that they build modestly deep drainage trenches along the sides, with carefully constructed outfalls, culverts and channels to keep the effects of heavy rainfall from undermining the roads. These trenches are built by hand, and constructed of rocks and cement in a carefully laid straight line with the edges smoothed and finished nicely. In Canada we would consider this rather fancy and expensive stone work for a highway. Here it is relatively cheap as the wages for labourers are not high. Also the stones are quarried locally and shaped on site by the labourers with simple hammers. We are told that it doing it this way is not only effective, but also provides a basic income for many who would otherwise receive nothing.

The trip from Muyinga to Gitega passes through lovely farm lands. The usual small holdings of banana trees, cassava, beans, maize, sorghum, and some we still don’t quite recognize were in abundance, along with large stretches of rice growing in the valley bottoms. We crossed the Ruvubu River again as we neared our destination – though far enough upstream that it appeared markedly smaller.

In Gitega we visited the Diocesan Centre and Cathedral. We met the Bishop and his wife, and many of the staff, and toured their facilities. They have developed a very strong set of ministries over the 24 years that Bishop John has been their bishop.

We were then taken to the National Museum of Gitega which is a small but very informative and interesting collection of traditional artefacts. These included a model of a pre-colonial Burundian hut – specifically that of the monarch (Burundi was a monarchy up until the 1960’s), samples of the various vessels and baskets that were used, displays of original clothing, the range of spears, bows, clubs and other weapons used in hunting and warfare, litters for carrying important people, churns for making butter, the equipment used in making banana beer (an important drink in the traditional culture) and a variety of other household and religious objects. We also learned some pieces of Burundian culture – including that the first colonial invaders were German and arrived around 1896 and were then replaced by the Belgians after WWI. Their two great heroes are the son of their last King who led them to independence in 1962, and another leader who finally established democracy for them in the early 1990’s. Both of these leaders were assassinated.

After the museum visit our gracious hosts took us to a lovely hotel for lunch we said our farewells to Bishop John and his wife. Bishop Eraste and Consolate then took us to an orphanage that they helped to found some years ago and which they still help to fund and operate. There are many orphans in Burundi; one of the many tragic outcomes of the civil war and AIDS. Burundians have identified that raising these children and helping them to be socially integrated is an important responsibility for the country. Eraste and a group of nine others founded this orphanage as a response to that need. We met a few children on our visit – although most, happily, were at school. The facility includes sleeping quarters, an office, kitchen facilities (Burundi style), as well as large gardens for raising a number of crops and a small heard of cows. The staff were friendly and kind, and the children just like other children in Burundi; inquisitive, playful and willing to be engaged. They especially like having their pictures taken.

After the orphanage we had the privilege of visiting Eraste’s mother before making the journey back to Muyinga.

Muyinga, Burundi Trip – December 3, 2009

2009-12-10T11:11:00.007-06:00

Today’s schedule was something of a variety pack. We began by driving to the Diocese of Muyinga’s environmental project. We followed a small dirt road which we had not been on to this point. Many of the roads here a very rough, and we have observed on several occasions that the cars Vicki and I drive in Canada wouldn’t make it far on them at all. Bishop Eraste’s car is a Toyota Land Cruiser – and while it has not failed us yet, it quite clearly takes a beating. Today’s track had stretches that made driving seem much like a fairway ride.

The environmental project is all about planting trees. The diocese has acquired seedlings of Eucalyptus and Greveria trees which are being tended while they grow to the right size for transplanting. The seedlings will be planted around the whole of Kavuruga Lake, a modest sized lake within sight of Muyinga (although a very distant sight) as well as on some church properties. Apparently there had at one time been many more trees in this area, but the civil war saw most of them cut down. The project provides some employment for those looking after the nursery, and also addresses one of the priority concerns of the community.

We continued on from the nursery to the small community of Nyarunazi. Here we met with many of the local church folk, their pastors, evangelists and catechists. We were welcomed, sang some hymns, brought greetings from our respective communities and spoke about the developing Companion Diocese linkage between Muyinga and Qu’Appelle. After exiting the church building we toured another of the diocesan projects: a banana plantation right on the grounds of the church. Banana’s are a staple in the diet of Burundians and come in several forms: small sweet ones, larger starchy ones for cooking, and large sweet ones. The plantation will not only raise food, but will, through the sale of the bananas, produce some income for the church. We learned, while touring the plantation, that in many places here the soil requires fertilizer to produce reasonable crops. The main form of fertilizer is manure. The plan for the bananas in Nyarunazi is to purchase some cows to graze under the banana trees. The cows will be milked and, eventually will be used for meat. The manure will fertilize the bananas. It is a layered system which makes good use of the small amount of land that is in the church’s keeping.

After lunch we visited a dam on Kavuruga Lake – and saw a probable site for launching canoes. The Diocese of Muyinga is in the process of beginning a recreational rehab program for those maimed and disabled in the civil war and others in similar circumstances. A centre will be established in the town of Muyinga itself, but part of the program will involve canoeing. The canoes will be kept in Muyinga, but the plan is to transport them, along with the disabled folk, to a specially designed launch point. We saw the spot where they have in mind for this. The project is to get underway in the new year.

After the dam, we paid a short visit to the Batwa. Batwa is a local term which refers to the pygmies – or first aboriginal people of the area. They are very little different than other Burundians in the area in most ways, except that they desire to keep doing things the old way – generally preferring to live in reed and grass huts, to do things the traditional way, and to not send their children to school.

Dinner this evening was at the residence of the Roman Catholic Bishop. I believe I mentioned earlier that Bishop Eraste and Bishop Joachim (RC) are good friends. In our first meeting we had touched briefly on the possibilities of joint projects between the two dioceses. Bishop Joachim put on a magnificent banquet for us – a multi course meal with wonderful company and lovely food.

I don’t have a scale to step on, but by now I believe I must be up about 10 pounds.

Muyinga, Burundi Trip – December 1, 2009

2009-12-10T11:10:00.004-06:00

Today’s main event was an AIDS rally in the city stadium in Muyinga. December 1st is AIDS awareness day. Various local organizations that work in the area all come together to stage a rally, with singing, dancing, speeches and dramas. Today’s event featured a traditional Burundi drum group, like the one we saw/heard on Sunday. The event began with a long procession of people and groups, each group holding its particular banner and slogans, entering into the stadium area. Some groups danced and sang, others marched quietly. Upon arriving in front of the main venue area, the groups took up positions facing the stands, leaving an area directly in front for the various activities which were to take place. The flag of Burundi, along with a special “national unity flag” were raised and the Burundian national anthem was sung.

Dramas seemed to be very popular – with perhaps a half dozen groups putting on skits, mostly depicting domestic life and warning of the consequences of failing to receive HIV testing, or treatment or both. In each case people acted out going for testing, or how the infection was spread in the first place. It was done with seriousness, but also some humour was invoked, getting people to laugh at some of the unhelpful responses to AIDS. It took quite some time.

In the afternoon we made a visit to the Tansania border, and then, on the way back, stopped in at a Banana plantation owned by the president of Burundi. It was quite a site with row upon row of banana trees and pineapple planted in rows between these rows. Some explanation was given of how they planned to expand the operation to include a larger area, as well to grow grass for grazing cattle that would in turn manure the plantation.

We ended the day with a pleasant late supper with the Bishop and Consolate.

Muyinga, Burundi Trip – November 30, 2009

2009-12-10T11:09:00.003-06:00

Today began at a more leisurely pace. After breakfast we were given an hour of free time before we were to be picked up for our days adventure. It gave us a chance to do some washing; which, here, means hand washed. This turned out to be an adventure in itself as the cold water faucet broke and we had to turn off the water to the whole house in order to stop it from flowing constantly and wasting large quantities of water. We did manage to get the laundry done, however, and hung out to dry on some lines in our rooms. We mentioned the problem to Bishop Eraste when he came to pick us up, and a quick phone called ensured that there was a new faucet in place by the time we returned in the evening.

Our trip for the day was to Cankuzo (Chan koo zo) Province which is also a part of the Diocese of Muyinga. To get there we traveled through Ruvubu National Park. This is a band of parkland following the course of the Ruvubu River flowing northeast through the northeastern part of Burundi – and which empties into the Nile system. The scenery was magnificent, as was the view of the river and the groves of papyrus growing down in the valley. When we were picked up by the Bishop to make the journey, there were two young police officers carrying automatic rifles in the very back seat. We thought that we might be giving them a lift to somewhere along the way – an impression that was gradually corrected as they continued to stay with us all the way to our destination and then joined us for the return trip. Once back in Muyinga we asked about this and were told that the trip through the park is not safe without police presence. Apparently there are bands of thieves who roam within the park and will stop travellers to get what they can. With police sitting in the vehicle however, the problem is solved. As it turned out, we were stopped on our way back into the park by some people who were clearly not supposed to be stopping us. They glanced into the back seat, were suddenly all smiles and we were waved through.

On the other side of the park we visited Kigamba parish. We stopped at a small, mud-brick church with a couple of dozen local people who had gathered to greet us. It being a Monday and a work day, these folks had left there usual activities (mostly agricultural) in order to be present for the occasion. We were there only a short while to meet and greet the people and then let them get back to their daily work. Even in the poorest and smallest of congregations there is an attention to the formalities that protocols demand. All those present are welcomed by the pastor, always including greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. The purpose of the gathering is stated. The guests, including the Bishop are introduced and welcomed. The Bishops speaks, thanking everyone for taking time from their activities to be present and telling them how wonderful it is to be with them. The Bishop then introduces the guests, tells why they are present and speaks about the importance of the occasion. The guests are then asked to speak and share about who they are and where they come from. In our case this includes telling them about the Diocese of Qu'Appelle, about what things are like in southern Saskatchewan, about why were are coming to visit them. We always bring greetings from “your brothers and sisters in Christ” in the Diocese of Qu'Appelle and tell them that the diocese has been praying for them over the past year as we have prepared to consider a Companion Link with them. We always mention that at this time of year the water is all frozen in our part of Canada (which they always find astounding) and that Qu’Appelle is almost twice as big as all of Burundi (which they find equally astonishing).

After our short stop in Kigamba we continued on to the town of Cankuzo where we were treated to another feast at a local hotel (in the hotel, but entirely prepared and presented by the local church folk) with the local clergy, evangelists and Mothers’ Union representatives. We were then shown a parcel of land on which they hope to build a church. It turns out that while they have 14 congregations in the local area, there is no church in the main centre itself.

We then made our way back to Muyinga via the park (more wonderful scenery), getting back after dark in time for supper and bed.

Muyinga, Burundi Trip – November 29th, 2009

2009-12-10T11:06:00.005-06:00

Today we made a parish visit to Mwakiro – again in the eastern part of Muyinga near the border with Tansania. We left at 9:00 am and returned at 7:00 pm. The pattern for the visit was the same as yesterday (although the drive was a bit further). As we arrived we entered the church area through an archway decorated with evergreen bows and banana leaves. Apparently this is a traditional structure that is set up for such occasions – the banana leaves especially signifying honoured guests. As we got out of the car, a traditional Burundian drum group began to play, sing and dance. They tell us this form of drumming and dancing together is uniquely Burundian. The dancers are dressed in the national colours of red, white and green, and they dance while drumming and singing all at once. They paused at one point to chant in unison a series of welcomes to the Bishop of Muyinga, to Vicki and I, and to the Mothers’ Union representatives (the President of MU being the Bishop’s wife).

We were then led into a parish house where the customary tea and bread were offered and consumed. At each of these occasions the ritual begins with someone coming forward with a basin, a pitcher of water and soap. Each guest in order washes their hands. When that is completed the tea and bread are placed on the table and a prayer of thanks is offered. The food and drink are consuming mostly in quiet – although some talk does occur. When all have clearly had as much as they desire, then the hand washers return to repeat that process.

The next piece of the visit is for the clergy to vest and walk in procession behind the Mothers’ Union representatives and occasionally some other choir members. Singing and dancing accompany the entrance into the church as those leading the service take seats at the front facing the congregation. The leadership of the service is carefully parceled out, with local pastors, diocesan representatives and the bishop all taking leading parts at various points. The service unfolds with choirs singing songs and dancing, formal welcome and greetings being brought by those present; the readings are interspersed with more choirs, prayers, hymns, the installation of Mothers’ Union members and a sermon.

Today the service was about 3 hours long – but it did not feel long at all. The joyful singing and dancing, and the engagement of the people are enthralling. Once again I was asked to preach – a couple more times with an interpreter and I may actually get the hang of it. Once again, we had a major rainstorm which delayed the ending. In my sermon I had used the imagery of “bearing fruit” for God, and spoken of our need to prepare the ground of our hearts to help the word of Christ grow in us; I also prayed that the rain of God’s Spirit would pour out upon each one of us present. Which, when the actual rain came down produced a number of humorous comments. Once again the rain provided opportunity for extended and unscheduled singing and dancing.

When the rain had largely subsided we headed out of the church to be greeted by the drummers who had re-located to the side entrance of the church to await us. We then found our way to the parish house to remove vestments, and then had a short drive to the local school were the meal was to take place. The drum group had somehow managed to relocate once more and were there drumming, singing and dancing as we arrived. The cooking here seems to be almost entirely done outdoors over special fireplace facilities. This meant, unfortunately that the poor folk doing the cooking had been rained out and were delayed in getting things ready. The drum group however, continued undeterred – not only while we waited for the meal, but right through it and until we drove away over an hour later.

Burundians have a much greater sense of formality than is usual in Canadian gatherings. I have found that people are very deferential and are very hesitant to approach or speak – until you indicate that you are willing to actually engage with them, at which point they are very eager. The young people in particular have often stood quietly watching, even when only a foot or two away – and looking quite serious too – until we reach out a hand to shake theirs, and then something like a mob scene ensues as everyone tries to get in on things all at once.

Once again I was struck today by the warmth, generosity, hospitality, love and joy that we are encountering amongst the people in Muyinga.

Muyinga, Burundi Trip – November 28, 2009

2009-12-10T11:05:00.000-06:00

We were given extra time for rest in the later afternoon yesterday, on the grounds that we had a hefty day ahead of us. Since today had only one item on the schedule, a parish visit, that seemed a bit odd – but down time and catch up on sleep are always good, and turned out to be very helpful.

We departed Muyinga (the city) at nearly 9:30am and made our way along a secondary highway, and then a dirt track in rather rough shape until we came to a very small, very poor town near the border with Tansania; we did not return until 5:30pm. In Canadian terms, it included only a service and lunch – and driving time only accounted for 1.5hours of the time. It was quite an amazing parish visit.

We were once again greeted by lovely singing and dancing as we arrived. We then paused for the welcoming hospitality of tea and some bread. We then vested and processed to the church to begin worship. The building was packed – several hundred people I would estimate, crammed into a long, narrow rustic building with no electricity, and a simple roof of iron sheeting. The order of service included welcome speeches, hymns, readings, a sermon, the installation of new Mothers’ Union members, and interspersed throughout various choirs from congregations in the area took turns singing and dancing to the rhythm provided by a variety of drummers. At one point, the wind picked up and a huge storm came through. The rain on the roof was so loud that no one could hear anything speakers might say. No matter – the order of service was put on hold and we sang and danced until it stopped (perhaps 20 to 30 minutes). I had been asked to preach, and again experienced the oddity of speaking through an interpreter. For someone who uses no notes and depends on a flow and rhythm to carry the stream of thought, it was a challenge to have to pause every sentence or two and wait while the translation was given. Another new one on me was that once I was done, the local pastor got up and did a follow through with the congregation – asking them to consider what they had heard and to give thought to how they might put it into practice in their lives. Bishop Eraste then got up and challenged them to consider how they might be more open to God’s working in their lives, asking those who had matters on their hearts that might have been stirred up by the sermon and which needed to be offered up to God, to stand while we first sang and then prayed over them. I will have to reflect on what it means that I found it surprising, or at least “new” that people might respond to a sermon in this way.

We were treated to a wonderful dinner in the local school and had time to mix with the local people for a while before heading back to Muyinga.

Muyinga, Burundi Trip – November 27th, 2009

2009-12-10T10:54:00.004-06:00

Today began with following up on an invitation from the RC Bishop Joachim to return to their complex to visit the rehabilitation centre for the disabled. This is right up Vicki’s alley as physiotherapy is her vocation in life. We greeted at the entrance by a group of the residents who sang a welcome song and presented us with flowers. We were then given a tour of their lovely and well organized facility and provided with hospitality (food and beverages are an automatic part of visits in Burundi it seems - you have not been properly welcomed as a guest until you have had something to eat and drink). The facility is run by an order of nuns called the Servants of Christ.

The Diocese of Muyinga being fairly young (about 4 years at this point) there is much that they and their Bishop, Eraste, have plans and dreams for. One is an upcoming project, scheduled to start in the new year which will provide a recreational rehab centre, largely aimed at providing rehabilitation service to victims of the civil war. There is also a plan to build a medical clinic on site at the Cathedral grounds. These projects all seem very ambitious, but they have an incredible “can-do” attitude, and find ways to make things happen in affordable ways. One common strategy is to get local folk to donate local materials, such as a couple of bricks each. By getting some external funding for iron sheeting for the roof, and bags of concrete to put it all together, a building can be erected at a very reasonable cost. Because the Church is engaged in offering services in education, health care and others, the government is often willing to provide some or all of the funding for staff.

The second part of our day was a visit to a Congelese refugee camp. Refugees from the Congo, fleeing violence in the eastern side of that country entered Burundi 4 of 5 years ago and have been unable to return because of the ongoing problems. The UNHCR built a refugee camp for them. The Anglican Church (as do several other churches, all of which work somewhat cooperatively) has establish a congregation in the camp, including a simply church building, and the bishop identified, trained and ordained one of the refugees who now serves as their pastor. Upon arrival we were once again greeted with singing and dancing. After the offer of hospitality we entered the packed church and shared a time of prayer, singing, dancing and shared greetings. It is hard to describe the incredible mix of emotions that I experienced. On one hand there is the very obvious and very real hardship of a refugee camp, people displaced from their homes, the issues of poverty and a shortage of medical and educational resources – and there is no doubt that there are very real problems and suffering for them; but on the other hand there is an incredible, deep and very palpable faith that issues in joy and love that fairly exudes from these people. It was a privilege to be in their presence.

Muyinga, Burundi Trip – November 26th, 2009

2009-12-10T09:57:00.010-06:00

Today, our second full day, was much less hectic. We began with a visit to the Roman Catholic bishop and their diocesan centre. There is a wonderful sense of friendship between the bishops, and therefore a growing desire for mutual co-operation on the work that each diocese is engaged in. We were given a tour of their facilities which are quite extensive and beautifully kept – and we delivered a gift of medical supplies for the clinic which the RC church operates in Muyinga.

After a quick stop at home we were driven to the lakes in the north central part of Burundi right near the border with Rwanda; another beautiful area in this beautiful country. We visited an agricultural development centre run by the Roman Catholic Church. The Anglicans send some of their people to this centre for training. We were shown two initiatives which have taken off for them: one is sunflower oil production (they grow the sunflowers and then process them on site), the other is the production of pineapple wine, which we were told has become quite popular in Burundi.

We then drove to Lac Cohoha (pronounced Cho Ho Ha) in the same district and stopped for a late lunch at a restaurant and hostel run by some Roman Catholic nuns. We then made our way back through the mountains through a series of small towns.

Encountering the lovely, open and friendly nature of Burundians, and seeing the beauty of this land, it is difficult to imagine that this country was torn by a civil war just a few years ago – but then, if you watch attentively, the shells of burned out homes, the heavy poverty of many and the scars that some still bear are still there to be seen.

Muyinga, Burundi Trip – Day 2 - November 25th, 2009

2009-12-09T13:52:00.009-06:00

We were up early to be ready for breakfast at 7:00am today as we had an appointment to meet with the Governor of Muyinga Province at 8:00am. Unfortunately the governor was detained at a meeting elsewhere, and so we had a very informative conversation with the Deputy Governor instead. We learned something of the political structure of

Burundi

and the interplay between federal and provincial responsibilities and jurisdictions (always interesting for Canadians) as well as something of the relationship between the church and the state.

Burundi

is in a process of rebuilding – which means that many sectors of infrastructure have a long way to go. That includes basic things like food, housing, education and medical care. Because of a shortage of resources, the governments look to the churches to step up with programs and resources to help meet the need. The churches, of course, are as badly off as the rest, but with help from outside organizations and the resources of those church members who do have something to share, they are working in a surprising number of areas.

After our time with the Deputy Governor, we made our way to the Diocesan Synod Office. The Synod Office is a smallish house which the Diocese rents. In one room that I would describe as the size of a living room in a small bungalow in Regina there were six people at work on four desks. Some others had a room to themselves – usually with enough space for a small desk and room for a person or two to stand in front of it. However, the range of their work is quite amazing. There are staff working on Christian Education, Youth, HIV/AIDS issues, Mothers’ Union, administration and finance, development (meaning the development of micro projects to help provide income) – and others besides. An example of one project going on is the rescuing of children made orphans by the death of their parents to HIV/AIDS. They find families to care for them, and, because there are those who attempt to take their land, the church advocates to preserve the land for them until such time as they are old enough to return and take care of themselves.

We then visited the Diocese of Muyinga’s primary and secondary school. This is a joint project with the government. There are 1100 students in the primary school with 22 teachers – with classes as big as 70 or 80 students. The secondary school is new this year with only a 7^th grade class. Each of the next few years will see the secondary school grow by another grade. We were met in the central yard by the whole student body, who greeted us with a wonderful welcome song. Bishop Eraste and I both were given time to speak to the students, during which time the students crept closer and closer, apparently trying to touch us. We visited each classroom in turn, met the teachers all together and left pencils, pens, crayons, erasers and other supplies which, at the local folks’ suggestion, will be used as prizes for good behaviour and academic achievement.

We then visited the Anglican Cathedral. We met clergy, bible school students, catechists, the choir, Mothers’ Union members, St. Andrew’s Men’s Fellowship members and a fair number of parishioners. We were able to greet many in person and had time for prayer together; both Bishop Eraste and I spoke to those gathered. I’ve discovered that both speaking and praying with an interpreter is a fatiguing business. Breaking thoughts and comments into translatable bits, and then holding your train of thought while the translation is spoken takes some mental energy. Listening to everything through a translator is just a little less difficult.

After the meeting in the Cathedral, we toured the cathedral grounds – which include a Bible School, a pig sty and large gardens growing bananas, beans and forage grass for cows.

After lunch we were taken on a tour of the local hospital - the only hospital in the Province of Muyinga – serving a population of 640,000. In many ways it would be unrecognizable as a hospital to most “westerners”. It is more like a campus, with each ward, lab, pharmacy or office being a separate building. A cooking area is provided, as patients are not given meals; family members must come to feed them. The resources are quite sparse, but the grounds are kept up well, and the facilities are clean and well organized. We prayed in every ward and handed out blankets – apparently an important item in what is considered the colder time of the year.

We ended our day with an official welcome “dinner party” in our honour at the bishop’s residence, with the Governor and the Roman Catholic Bishop in attendance, along with various clergy and diocesan staff members. Parties here are very much more formal than in Canada. Seating is arranged very specifically and speeches are given. The food was wonderful again – I will resist the temptation to describe my adventures in eating on a daily basis – it is close to my heart, but not so interesting for those only reading about it.

As I review what I have written, I realize that I have not said much about my impressions of the various people and locations we have encountered so far. I will attempt more in future entries – but will say now that I am constantly struck by the hospitality, faith, warmth and hardworking industriousness of Burundians. The colours and textures of this country are magnificent.

Muyinga, Burundi - November 24, 2009

2009-12-09T13:30:00.010-06:00

The Diocese of Qu'Appelle and the Diocese of Muyinga in

Burundi

are exploring the establishment of a Companion Diocese relationship. For those who do not know what that means, it is essentially a way for churches in different parts of the world, with different cultures and contexts, to establish a partnership in which each church and its members learn about the other, and learn from each other in the common journey of living out our faith in Christ.

The first steps in this particular journey began at the Lambeth Conference for Anglican bishops in the summer of 2008, when my wife Vicki and I got to know Bishop Eraste and his wife Consolate. We spoke of exploring the Companion Link possibility, and exchanged contact information. In the spring of 2009, Bishop Eraste and Consolate came for a visit to the Diocese of Qu'Appelle, travelled to a number of churches, met with our Diocesan Council, and got to know something about who we are as a church.

Vicki and I are now returning that visit, and have just arrived in Burundi for a two week stay. We will be visiting various congregations in the Diocese of Muyinga, meeting local dignitaries, touring schools and hospitals, visiting a refugee camp and several other things besides.

My intent is to revive my blog by providing entries as often as is practicable. Unfortunately there will be no live blogging as at Lambeth last year, as it appears that, contrary to the information gleaned beforehand, my emailing ability on the Blackberry does not seem to work here. Perhaps that is best as it will give time to digest experiences and be a little more thoughtful about what I write.

So I begin.

It takes some time to get to Burundi. In our case, with various legs of the journey, changing planes and layovers, it took us 41 hours from when we left for the airport until we arrived in Muyinga itself.

Upon our arrival we were warmly welcomed by Bishop Eraste, who met us at the airport and gave us a quick tour of the capital, Bujumbura. We then paused long enough at a local hotel to “take tea” and then picked up Rosemary, a woman from

England

who has been working for the Anglican Church’s Provincial office in Bujumbura for the last 8 years as their communications person and who will be with us in Muyinga for both the beginning and ending parts of our stay. We then began the three hour drive to Bishop Eraste’s home. It was an amazing drive.

Burundi

is a beautiful country with low lands and lakes as well as mountains. The views were amazing, and we were immediately engaged with Burundi culture through the people along the road, those selling goods, and those making their way along the same road in cars, vans and trucks – though by far the majority were walking or on bicycles. As we traveled were learned about crops and commerce, communications and geography.

Upon arriving in Muyinga we were greeted by Bishop Eraste’s wife, Consolate, and fed a lovely dinner – which included what is becoming a favourite for me here – fried bananas. Not the sweet kind, but a variety that is more like plantains. We spent some time conversing, catching up on news, and going over the plans for the next two weeks.

After settling in at our accommodations we took tea again with a bit more food and settled in for the night.

Some information on Burundi:

The main language is Kirundi. Many people speak French as well, or at least some – the outcome of their time as a Belgian colony.

The language and ethnic background of Burundi is almost the same as in Rwanda.

Burundi had many of the same troubles that we heard about in Rwanda. An estimated 300,000 people died in the civil war over more than a decade. The country has been at peace for 4 or 5 years now, but the devastation (the violence, families shattered, homes ruined, livestock slaughtered and commerce being entirely disrupted) has left much to be done by way of re-building.

The people here are wonderful and always great a wave and smile with the same in return. The hospitality is warm, gracious and generous.

Interesting Times

2009-10-29T09:45:00.001-06:00

We are most certainly living in interesting and unsettled times. Last year at this time we were newly into living with an economic “downturn”, quickly becoming a recession. This year, with the effects of recession still largely with us, we are living with the recent and rapid rise of the second wave of the H1N1 virus. As a Canadian who has lived the nearly five decades of my life largely in peace, security and general well-being, this looks and feels like something different. 911 was said to have changed our world, or at least our view of it; but somehow a pandemic seems to hit much closer to home.

Fear seems to lie like a low grade fever over much of the popular reaction; a low grade fever is often not obvious at first, but rather brings a general uneasiness and sense of dis-ease. For some, in this instance, it is the fear of illness and possibly death, particularly fear for our children. For others, paradoxically, it is a fear of the proffered vaccine – with stories circulating about possible side effects and serious dangers. Just like the “old days” when rumours and gossip spread ignorance and fear through populations, the internet is showing that we are still the same human beings we always were – given to the same behaviours, but with a technological twist.

In the story of the people of Israel preparing to enter the Promised Land, the book Deuteronomy depicts the gathered hosts being told by God that he is setting before them some choices: a blessing or a curse, life and prosperity or death and adversity. Blessing and life come from obedience to the commandments of God. God says, “choose life, that you and your descendants might live.” The choice of life and death may seem like an easy one, but in its context it means far more than simply being alive or being dead. As the choice of blessing and curse also indicates, it is about choosing a life that embraces the source of life and receives God’s blessing, rather than choosing to turn away from the one who created us and living diminished, constricted lives that shrivel our hearts and souls, like branches cut-off from the tree. Much later in Israel’s history, Jesus, in the Gospel of John, says, “I am the vine and you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them, bear much fruit.” Speaking about being the Good Shepherd he says, “I came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.”

Fear, it seems to me, diminishes life, sapping it of joy, constricting love and displacing peace. Faith, trust in God, enriches it. Not that faith is a guarantee that what we once feared won’t happen; people with deep faith in God are caught in recessions, die in pandemics and are killed by terrorist bombs. But to live without faith, to live in fear is to be dying before any of these come our way. To live in faith, is to live in love, joy and peace, even in the midst of recessions, bombs and pandemics. As St. Paul says in a slightly different context, “If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” Christian hope is neither “for this life”, nor for a “life after death”, but rather for the life of the Spirit lived in us, both in this life and hereafter.

It is wise, of course, to avail ourselves of the medical advice and help that are offered; I for one will be getting vaccinated – once I’m on the list of the eligible – and will take the advised precautions to avoid causing hurt to myself and others. None of these, however, can offer real life that is unfettered by fear. Only a life grounded in the Source of Life, only trust placed in the One who has conquered death, Jesus Christ, can truly make us alive. When it comes to Life – God’s Spirit is the real air we breathe, and prayer is the breathing of it.

Gregory Kerr-Wilson

Bishop of Qu'Appelle

Lent Fast

2009-02-26T19:07:00.006-06:00

We are now one day into Lent and I cannot help but feel a bit behind. Not getting around to prayerfully reflecting on a Lenten discipline for this year is the main culprit. Lent is, ultimately, about grace of course, so best just get on with it. "Now is the acceptable time..." as Paul reminds us in 2Corinthians.

In pondering my chosen course for Lent it has occurred to me (mostly through repeated e-nagging by one of our clergy, Malcolm French - thank you Malcolm) that it would be a good discipline to blog regularly through Lent - especially after a few months of none at all.

It also occurs to me that some comment on fasting as an important discipline might also be worth some reflection.

Of the classic Lenten disciplines of prayer, giving, fasting, study, etc., it is fasting that draws the strongest response. Along the years I've found that people are either fascinated or repelled.

It is the reaction of those repelled which I find most interesting. I've had people tell me that "it isn't good for you", that it's "holier than thou" activity, and even that it's "verging on anorexic behaviour." (Please understand, I'm not talking about starving oneself in order to lose weight - nor the sort of "can do" self-discipline that reinforces the egos great claim to mastery and the inflated pride it brings. I mean the fasting which reminds us of our own hunger and need for God, as well as keeping before us the needs of those in our world who do without food involuntarily. And just for the record I have never been less than 15 lbs overweight in all the years I've engaged in fasting.)

What fascinates me about these responses is that we live in a culture, a society, in which the chief health issues are related to overeating, or overindulging in some manner or other.

But then, perhaps that's why the reaction is often so strong. Fasting breaks the unwritten rule of our culture that every itch should be scratched, every whim indulged, and every apetite appeased.

When done prayerfully and with openness to God's Spirit, fasting reminds us that the only thing, in fact the only one who can fulfill our deepest yearnings, needs, longings and desires is God.

When done prayerfully and with openness to God's Spirit, fasting grows in us the fruit of self-control and that self-awareness that leads us more deeply into a recognition of our dependence on God.

When done prayerfully and with openness to the Holy Spirit, we come to realize that the compulsive, addictive and overindulgent behaviours (including workaholism) that tempt us day by day are in fact the demons we must battle and allow God to banish if we are to come to wholeness as human beings.

And that is what Lent is all about - growing in wholeness/holiness through a deepening relationship and dependence on God.

I should add that if anyone reading this determines to attempt to fast - I highly recommend, and in fact would consider it vitally important, that you confer with someone who has knowledge and experience about fasting - whether giving up something simple (why is chocolate always the target?) or abstaining from meat or not eating anything for extended periods, there are do's and don't's you should know about - especially for people with diet or medical issues.

May God's grace sustain us in keeping a holy Lent.

Finance, politics and the kingdom of God

2008-10-08T16:48:00.000-06:00

I was conversing the other day with someone about the current crisis on global economic markets. The question was asked about what might have caused all the trouble. Having heard any number of media pieces I might have been tempted to pull some clever analysis out for discussion. Fortunately it seemed, and seems, clear to me that a straight forward and fairly accurate answer can be given without much economic theory. The answer is “greed”; or, to move it more explicitly into “religious” language, idolatry.

The uncomfortable truth is that we have been trained, conditioned, or sucked into, thinking that if we want something we should have it (even if we must go into debt to attain it); and, that “security” is defined by the accumulation of wealth (or the accumulation of military weapons).

Interestingly, our political leaders in the midst of a campaign for a general election continue to promote this attitude – promising programs, spending or tax cuts – so that we can continue maintain our standard of living.

The implicit or, more usually explicit, question behind all this is “how do I get what I want” – indicating that getting what I want is how I will find happiness or fulfillment in life. The implicit and explicit answer is by keeping the commandments of free market economics and believing that the “bottom line” actually has something to do with money.

The kingdom of God is in direct opposition to this. It begins with recognizing that in God alone we put our trust and it is not about “getting what we want”, but about becoming what God wants us to be; being formed and shaped by the Spirit in love, peace, faithfulness, generosity, gentleness, and all those things which make for real happiness for creatures in the image of God.

Anything else is idolatry.

Gregory Kerr-Wilson

Bishop of Qu'Appelle

Back home and looking back

2008-09-04T10:50:00.003-06:00

One of the things I find fascinating about returning after being away for conferences is the process of addressing the questions, "did you enjoy yourself" or "so how was it?" The questions are quite understandable, and important. The fascinating part for me is in recognizing the struggle to respond adequately. Simple answers like, "yes I enjoyed it" or "it was good" or even " it was very meaningful" might all apply, but frequently seem inadequate or even shallow.

Returning from Lambeth has brought this on in a very big way. I will say right off that, yes, I enjoyed it, it was good and I found it very meaningful. More, I would say that the experience was deeply formative for me.

It is one thing to talk about being part of the "greater Church", or speaking in traditional terms "the Catholic Church", and even to participate beyond local and regional boundaries, but it is something else entirely to sit in Bible Study day after day with others from very different cultures, geographies, pastoral concerns, besetting challenges and economic realities engaging the texts of scripture together. It is something else entirely to engage in theological discussion and dialogue on critical and even conflicted issues with brothers and sisters in Christ whose daily life is so vastly different and who struggle with challenges well beyond my experience - and yet who, nonetheless, are so obviously and deeply connected to me in faith through our one Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and the indwelling and empowering Holy Spirit.

Living in a church culture that is frequently focused on multi-cultural context and diversity, I cannot help but be deeply struck by how the Gospel, the faith received, proclaimed and lived in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church has found a home in the hearts and minds of people from around the globe, on every continent and island.

I believe that at Lambeth I came to know in a deep and significant way, that the particular ministry to which I have been called as a bishop is not a solo affair, nor is it simply a sharing of episcopal oversight in a local or national setting, but a corporate reality shared with bishops around the world.

Having said that, I recognize that the direction of the questions I mentioned at the beginning, and/or the attempts to respond end up focusing on the personal aspects of an experience. While significant, these often miss the much more important piece, which is that participation in conferences or Synods is not primarily about the privileged opportunity of an individual, but about the ongoing life, work and witness of the Church.

On that central piece I believe that Lambeth 2008 was a very important moment in the life of the Anglican Communion - and, I would suggest, for the rest of the One Church beyond our denominational boundaries.

I hope to reflect on that some more in the days ahead.

Closing of Lambeth

2008-08-03T16:05:00.002-06:00

Today marked the end of Lambeth Conference 2008.

We spent the first part of the day in our last Bible Study and Indaba Sessions.

Our passage for study today was John 20:19-31 - "as the Father sent me, so I send you...". Our discussion focused first on the way that Jesus brings life (Jn 20:31) during the course of the Gospel of John. We followed up with a discussion of what it means to be "sent" in each of our contexts. Once again, the various responses to this were interesting. Some spoke of being sent into the secular sphere as representative of the Church, others of being sent as being empowered, still others of the connection to the connection to the one who sends - and therefor that we are witnesses. There was also the comment that sometimes just showing up fits the bill. A final bit of reflection focused on the fact that Jesus, in this passage of scripture, is risen in glory, but also carries the wounds of crucifixion - which was the prompt for a discussion on how we carry out our ministries both bearing the glory and the woundedness of Christ.

I couldn't help but reflect on how nearly three weeks of daily Bible study with the same group of nine folk is deeply formative for community and faith. I think the farewell to our group time together revealed just how connected we have become and how much we will miss each other. Perhaps email will keep us connected some - but nothing will or can replace the face to face sharing of our faith and ourselves.

Our final Indaba group was a time for sharing with one another the things that we thought we would take away from the conference. It turned out to be quite moving as we heard folk share about the way their thoughts and hearts had been changed over the time of our discussion together.

For myself, I come away with a deep sense of what it means to be part of Christ's one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church - throughout the world. I have always believed that and held to it strongly, but this is a kind of knowing that transcends ideas and theologies. I am also profoundly touched and I think changed by knowing the circumstances in which others serve our Lord - with amazing sacrifice and courage.

In the afternoon we had our final Plenary session, in which many folk were thanked for the tremendous amount of energy, planning and plain work that was done in putting the conference together. We heard two ecumenical partners give some observations on our proceedings - and then Rowan Williams gave us the final Presidential Address.

I will admit that I was very much wondering what Rowan might say - perhaps even a little concerned given some of the murmuring about needing a clear decision and direction. I think he did brilliantly. He put before us the great value of the time we have spent - not simply building relationships in the usual human sense, but in drawing nearer to Christ in prayer and study, and through that, growing nearer to each other. He called us clearly to continued and deeper faithfulness to Jesus Christ and also gave some clear direction. This was not as some form of command or attempt to dictate, but by way of a clear word of where we really need to go if we are to be faithful to the life of our Communion - in Christ and as Anglicans.

After the final plenary, we headed down to Canterbury Cathedral once more for the closing service. The occasion was less "solemn" in the old fashioned sense. Bishops dressed in cassocks and sat with their spouses instead of rochet and chimere. The Archbishop of Canterbury preached, while the Archbishop of Melanesia presided. The reflections of the conference were recieved at the altar and the seven Melanesian Brothers (monks) who had been killed during the uprising in the Solomon Islands in 2003 had their names placed on the roll in the Chapel of Martyrs. (For a narrative of this event see www.anglican.org.nz/.../Other%20Liturgical%20Resources/FATSweb/Melanesian%20update%20k%20booth.rtf)

This last bit was particularly moving - and I will admit to having been close to tears. The names were read out by ABp Rowan, and then representatives of the Melanesian Religious orders sang a litany of the saints and martyrs of Melanesia as they processed the document up to the Chapel altar. Some of the brothers present, as I understand it, were friends of those who had been killed. And there was something about their singing - simple, clear and joyous - as they ascended the steps, first into the Quire, and then further off up past the high altar, fading in the distance (it is a large cathedral) as they entered the far chapel.

Once the liturgy was done we were treated to a reception in one of the Cathedral Precinct buildings (rain had forced it indoors). There was decent food, strawberries and cream, local "Bishop's Finger Strong Ale" and a big band playing some great music. It was a wonderful way to end our time.

Penultimate Lambeth

2008-08-02T17:23:00.005-06:00

Today was the second last day of Lambeth. We have a full day again tomorrow, but today was the last day for "hearings" and "conversations" and self-select groups on things like human sexuality, the Windsor Process and the Anglican Covenant.

The last two days have both focused on the Anglican Covenant in the Indaba groups - and since there have been regular "hearings" to discuss the reflection document that is being accumulated out of our conversations, much or our energy and focus has been in that direction.

But first to Bible Study. Yesterday's passage was John 15:1 - 17, "I am the vine...". The guide questions directed us toward discussing the way we are "pruned" by God in the course of our lives and ministries, and on what the fruit is that God intends to grown in us. This was a very fruitful discussion (sorry about the pun) and tended to focus on our particular and individual experiences.

Today's Bible study looked at John 18:1 - 18 which covers Judas' betrayal of Jesus and Peter's Denial. The scene in the garden in John's telling is quite remarkable. The "I am" is often translated "I am he" in modern translations, but the "I am" motif already established is very clear. We were asked why we thought this would be Jesus' final use of that "I am" phrase in the gospel. My own thinking tends to see that throughout the Gospel the "I am" statements are connected with wonderful and powerful images of miracle (Cana), healing, feeding the many, being the light - but now the "I am" signals a transition. Now Jesus will stand and suffer. The I am's are not just about glory in the human sense - but redefine glory in the supreme love of Jesus giving his life for his friends. This is were the trial of Jesus begins, but the "I am" of God in Christ, paradoxically comse alive and human characters (Herod, Pilate, Soldiers, etc.) all judge themselves as wanting in the face of Jesus' amazing sacrifice.

The Indaba groups over these days have very much focused on the Anglican covenant. There has been much debat, back and forth, but in our group as in many, there was a clear and unabiguous sense that moving ahead with the covenant was important and necessary.

One way of looking at it would be to recognize that we are not developing anything new or radical in this exercise. The Anglican Communion has always been shaped by covenant - after all, "This is my blood of the new covenant" stands pretty close to the heart of almost everyone's understanding of communion. The difference is that we have always generally assumed it's presence rather than spelling it out. Thus, we are really trying to restore something, not create it new.

Our particular Indaba came to a fairly powerful conclusion - very nearly a concensus - that the covenant would be important and necessary, and that the shape and content, as the most recent draft suggests, are very good .

With apologies I will make this short. Chronic lack of sleep coupled with continuous conversation and analysis make focusing difficult late in the evening.

The Truth

2008-07-31T15:53:00.001-06:00

Today's topic for our Indaba was Listening to God and Each Other: The Bishop and Human Sexuality. Given the current contentions in the Anglican communion you might well imagine that hearts were filled with trepidation as the day dawned. There may have been some of that, but my own sense has been, both in myself and from conversations with others, that most of us have wanted to get into this, and hoped for some significant interchange, dialogue and mutual understanding.

Our group decided not to follow the small group exercise laid out, but to simply arrange ourselves in one large circle and give everyone a chance to speak their mind. The conversation was respectful, mostly gentle, frank and, in my view helpful.

My sense is that there is a good deal of common ground that could be affirmed on all sides of the issue - even when some end up in significantly different places in the end. I do hope we are able to capture some of that commonality and affirm it publicly. It would be taking some significant steps toward discerning the mind of Christ for us in the current difficulties.

As I've pondered our deliberations I've been reminded of the well known oath about telling "the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth - so help me God". The whole truth is very important, as parts of the truth, though true in themselves can paradoxically lead to what is effectively false. The tricky bit is that none of us has the whole truth in ourselves. Sometimes we are so passionate about our particular bit that we are unable to receive insight or critique from others. We need our brothers and sisters to share thoughts and insights and weigh them alongside our own.

Today's scripture study was John 13:31 - 14:14 which includes "I am the way, and the truth, and the life...". An all important reminder that we will only come to the truth when we have opened ourselves to the Truth - the risen Christ in our midst; when we have received the Living Word through the written word in scripture and allowed his Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth.

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Life at Lambeth

2008-07-31T10:33:00.001-06:00

The daily logs I have posted to date give, I hope, some sense of the ebb and flow of Lambeth as a Conference. It occurs to me that there are other bits that could be mentioned to fill in some colour.

For instance, the food. Those who know me know that I love food. It seems to me that there has been a very clear intention to keep us well fed. We have the option of a full cooked or continental breakfast everyday; coffee/tea and cookie breaks mid-morning; a full "dinner" with a variety of options at lunchtime; coffee/tea break mid-afternoon; and another full supper in the evening.
The only thing missing is some scheduled fasting days.

Thankfully the program also provides 2 fitness session options in the afternoon. I haven't been of course, I'm hoping that as "what is done to one part of the body affects the whole body," that the well-disciplined exercisers will get it done for all of us. Our residence is on the other end of campus though, so I do get a good, brisk, 12 - 15 minute walk several times a day.

I've already mentioned the full conference worship occasions of eucharist at 7:15am and evening prayer at 5:45pm. I've also mentioned the daily praying of morning prayer at 6:30am and night prayers at 9:45pm. We also pause at noon in our Indaba Group to pray mid-day prayers.
On top of this the prayer place is open all day providing a quiet, reflective circular space that is arranged with a large wooden cross at its centre, an icon of the Trinity on the "front" wall, the reserved sacrament toward the middle-right of the front, an open Bible standing to the middle-left, a basin with water near the entrance, an icon of St. Mary with the Christ-child on the far-right and the word "I am" projected onto the back wall in colour. Simple arrangements of flowering plants adorn each item.

You might guess that I am sitting in the prayer space as I write this. I'm regretting not having come here more often, as the hectic schedule and focus on conversation have left little time for silence and personal devotional time.

This enriching silence in prayer and reflection is more and better food than the dining rooms could ever provide.

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Lambeth Ordinary Day 8

2008-07-30T15:06:00.003-06:00

I decided to go to Morning Prayer this morning before the main worship event at 7:15. It starts at 6:30am - and given the shortage of sleep for the last number of days it was a bit of a chore to get going. However, once there I knew it was the right decision. The same serene, reflective, prayerful quiet as Night Prayer pervaded as we sang and prayed our way through. It was exactly what was needed.

Bible Study today addressed John 11:1-41 - "I am the resurrection and I am life". The format was different for today as we were each asked to prepare a short piece to present on how we would interpret this passage. The heat and humidity in our study room encouraged a quick move out onto the grass where we progressed through an amazing range and variety of presentation - generally all done as "this is how I would preach this text". Reflections ranged from a theological focus on the "I am" as the eternal present - implicitly undoing the significance of death as belonging to the temporal and temporary realm of decay and endings - to reflections on the "unbinding" command of Christ which releases Lazarus from the power of the grave.

The Indaba groups followed on from this. The topic was "Living Under Scripture: The Bishop and the Bible in Mission". We were each asked to be prepared to come with a chosen text we might use in preaching on Mission and give an outline of what we might say and why - at least that's what we ended up doing. Again it was quite enriching to hear what others do or have done. My particular small group for the day included someone from Central America and someone from Western Africa. We talked about a number of strategies from our own contexts, including creating the textual, or homiletic, equivalents of "ear worms" to send people home with a phrase or sentence to "chew on" for a few days. I chose John 20:19-23 - the mission/sending piece is clearly evident, and I find the echoes of creation/new creation as the basis for it to be helpful.

We were asked to provide 4 points on what a particularly Anglican way of interpreting scripture for mission might be. Some of us (perhaps many) were much convinced that the real heart of Anglicanism is not to ask "what is Anglican", but rather, "what is Christian" and draw on whatever appears coherent with scripture - whatever is true - from any one of the catholic, evangelical, conservative, charismatic or liberal strands that might present themselves. As a Roman Catholic Ecumenical observer pointed out to some later in the day, the principles that ended up being listed were much the same as what many others would do.

Of course, we had to include the classic formulation about scripture as primary, as read throught the lense of tradition and with the use of reason. (Note that the three-legged stool is not mentioned here as that notion of three co-equal authorities is actually an erroneous reading of Richard Hooker and the Classical Anglican and Christian tradition).

The afternoon included participation in a "self-select" event, which was to hear Cardinal Kasper offer (at our invitation) a reflection from the RC point of view on the Anglican Communion. It was helpful and insightful.

The day ended with some decent ale at Woody's Pub and a strange snack - unroasted, unshelled peanuts (you don't eat the shells). Like many things English, very odd - but they grow on you.

A Joint Day with the Spouses Conference

2008-07-30T14:34:00.001-06:00

Tuesday began as usual with a celebration of the eucharist. After breakfast however the day's schedule changed entirely.

Instead of meeting separately, the bishops and spouses met together in the "Big Top" for some focused work on issues of violence - specifically on violence against women.

We were divided by gender and sat accordingly in the two halves of the venue. We then watched a dramatic production which intertwined several gospel stories involving the healing of women. The presentation used creative interpolation to present issues of violence and oppression of women, and Jesus' role both as prophetic teacher and healer.

We then engaged in a Bible study process on 2 Samuel 13:1-22, the story of the rape of Tamar by her half-brother Amnon.

Questions were presented and discussed in gender specific groups, with some of the comments shared in the larger venue.

For the afternoon we were told that we were encouraged to spend the time together with our spouse - either in a workshop or just off on our own. It was lovely to get a couple of hours to sit with friends old and new and sip latte's while sharing stories about our countries, our ministry and our thoughts on the conference.

Bible study began 4:30pm with our study passage being John 10:11-18. From conversations with other bishops I can confidently say that this part of our time is almost universally positive for us. It has been enriching and exciting. Imagine, a communion of bishops, covering a wide range of cultural and theological perspectives, all excited about studying the scriptures.

One reflection which was somewhat surprising was that in one cultural context the shepherd/sheep relationship is anything but personal and friendly. In fact, we were told, the sheep are herded in large flocks, treated very roughly, with the closest thing to a pastoral relationship being with the sheep dogs.

After Bible study came Evening Prayer, followed which ended with Conference reflections from the Archbishop of Canterbury. He described some of what he thought he'd heard to this point, and urged us to seek the common centre.

In the evening I attended a "Windsor Continuation Conversation" - which turned into more of a "hearing" with people airing their views in a number of ways. The temperature in the room was quite high - meaning it was quite warm and humid, and rather uncomfortable.

I closed the night by attending Night Prayers. This is lead every night by a group of religious (monks, nuns, etc) who have created a wonderful, quiet still point in the midst of the meeting venue. It was exactly what I needed to end the day.

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Lambeth Ordinary Day 6

2008-07-28T16:38:00.003-06:00

Today we got back to the regular pattern of Morning Worship, Bible Study, Indaba Groups, etc.

The theme topic for the day was Engaging a Multi Faith World: The Bishop, Christian Witness and other faiths.

Our bible study was on John 10:1-10 with its mix of metaphors "I am the gate" and "I am the good shepherd." Our group had another lively and engaging discussion. The presence of multiple cultures brings an interesting breadth of reflection. One group member mentioned that where he is from, they don't use fences and gates at all, but allow the sheep to roam, because they will not go any further than 1 mile from water. So if the water is kept pumping and present, they stay close. Provides a very different sort of metaphor.

Others from the South Pacific were able to relate experiences of keeping pigs - the pigs know their owner's voice and will only respond to them, and not to thieves or others who might come along.

We spent a good deal of our time teasing out the implications of being enclosed in the safety of a pen, which can also be interpreted by some as "restrictive", but by others as needed and appropriate boundaries - while also considering the idea of the gate which leads out into the world as well as inward to safety.

A good amount of time was spent on discussing the "pastoral", "shepherding" role of the bishop. Noting that good shepherding is more than just cozy and gentle care but rather includes the occasional need for some good prodding and discipline. Hmmmm.....

The Indaba groups were scheduled to discuss the main topic of the day, but ours focused on Evangelism in response to the unhappiness over the shortage of time spent on it in the process. Again, a variety of cultural contexts provided some interesting examples of different ways that bishops engage personally in Bible Study. Some good ideas were shared.

In the afternoon, the Windsor Continuation Process hearing was held. All the bishops gathered in the Sports Complex in near sauna like conditions. A short introduction preceded open microphones for people to offer their thoughts and observations on the proposals.

My own analysis is that while there was some amount of helpful feedback and comment, the comments quickly sidetracked away from Windsor and onto people's feelings about the current crises and who was or was not to blame, who has the facts and who has not, and a variety of other bits and pieces. On one hand I am certain that it was helpful to the speakers to be able to share their thoughts - on the other I came away feeling that we had accomplished very little of anything helpful toward finding a way forward. Hopefully the Indaba group discussions on Windsor and the Covenant will be the place for significant and deeper discussions.

This evening we had a fabulous lecture Sir Jonathan Sacks - Chief Rabbi for Great Britain. Sort of like the Abp of Canterbury for Judaism someone said. It was a great bit of preaching and profound reflection on the nature of Covenants. He spoke of Covenants of fate and Covenants of faith - drawing on the OT Covenants with Noah, Abraham and Moses. He intertwined these themes with reflections on Christian-Jewish relations and and with the nature of human societies, particularly their need for faith and religion as the foundation on which co-operation and sharing in society are based. He encouraged us to keep covenant with one another as Anglicans, stating that our ability to do so to this point in our history has been one of the great gifts of the Anglican Church to the world. It would be impossible to adequately report his speach, but if it comes available in digital form I will post it if allowed.

We start again tomorrow at the usual early hour. Time for rest.

Bishop Greg's YouTube Debut

2008-07-26T17:12:00.003-06:00

(The following was posted by Bishop Greg's blogging techie.)

Bishop Greg has made his YouTube debut in the following video by Joanna Clegg, an Oxford theology student who is working with Times of London religious correspondent Ruth Gledhill. Bishop Greg appears at about minute 4:00.

The original post, including the video, can be found here.

Lambeth Ordinary Days 4 & 5

2008-07-26T15:44:00.002-06:00

The schedule here hasbeen described by one of the bishops as "relentless". Not a bad word overall. It is my excuse in any case for not having posted anything substantial yesterday.

The topic for Friday, Day 4 was "Serving Together: The Bishop and Other Churches. The Eucharist was led by the Church of North India and the Church of Bangladesh.

The Bible Study covered John 8:31-59, which includes disputes between Jesus and the Jewish authorities of the day - in the midst of which occurs the startling statement by Jesus that "before Abraham was, I am." Interestingly, John tells us that this conversation is with some who "had believed in him". We were challenged to re-hear the story as followers who have believed, and to consider the ways in which Jesus' hard words might be spoken to us.

The Indaba groups discussed the main topic, which was essentially around the bishop's role in ecumenical relationships. We had some good solid discussions about the foundations of Christian "koinonia" in our group, focusing on the Apostolic Witness as recorded in Scripture - particularly Ephesians 4:1-6. There was some interesting variation from different perspectives, but a very large amount of agreement in most of it.

Later in the afternoon, I attended a "self-select" group in which Abp Rowan, Kallistos Ware and some other ecumenical representatives (including RC) discussed the Windsor report and its ecclesiology (its theological understanding of the nature of the Church). A very helpful bit that came out was the observation that koinonia (fellowship or communion) is a mystery, and a gift of God which is a reality already given and undergirding our efforts to mend the broken relationships that exist between Christian Church bodies.

Last evening we were prepared for today's discussions on the topic "Safeguarding Creation: The Bishop and the Environment" with a plenary presentation on Global warming. The was done by a group of speakers including several bishops providing presentations on the impact of Global warming in both "developed" and "developing" nations, and a Professor explaining the science behind the issue.

This morning, after Worship conducted by the Australians, we studied John 9:1-41 - the story of the healing of the man born blind. A number of interesting reflections focused on the echoes of Genesis 2 in the use of saliva and earth for healing (in Genesis 2 God creates Adam out of earth and his divine breath), on the increasing intransigence of the authorities as they attempt to come to grips with a ministry which doesn't fit their expectations (I'm guessing there something in there for priests and parishioners as well as bishops) and on the interesting explanation that Jesus gives for why the man was born blind (vs.3).

The Indabab groups focused on Genesis 1:1-2:2 and discussed environmental concerns in light of the creation story. We noted that while Genesis says that we are to "rule over" creation, the full scriptural witness indicates that what God means by "rule over" is seen in the care that a shepherd has for his/her sheep. Rulers who exploit those they have been given the care of are tyrants and are under divine judgement. More things for government and industry to ponder - and we who collude in damaging economics and daily life practices.

We also discussed how bishops can take ownership of this timely and important issue by challenging the diocese in all parishes and individual members to attend to carbon footprints - as well as seeking to pressure governments to make need changes.

This afternoon was "official photo" time. Assembling approximately 670 bishops on risers and ready to go took quite some while - but was done with good humour and general co-operation.

Vicki and I then had a couple of hours to look around some of the booths and displays in "The Marketplace". No books have crept into my luggage to weigh them down as yet, but it is only a matter of time.

This evening we attended a reception at the "Old Palace" at Canterbury Cathedral. A lovely setting, and more opportunities to meet folk from the Church around the world. The hospitality was, of course, gracious.

Tomorrow I will treat as Sabbath and refrain from blogging. Back on Monday.

Photos from yesterday in London

2008-07-25T17:06:00.010-06:00

Thought I'd put up a few pictures from yesterday's adventure in London - the Walk of Witness and the Lambeth Palace visit (no cameras allowed in Buckingham Palace).

This in the parking lot at University of Kent. As you can see it was a dress-up day. For those who know Vicki you may be wondering about the hat - it's part of the tradition around Tea with the Queen at Buckingham.

Some shots of the bishops preparing to Walk.

On the way to Lambeth Palace

The Archbishop of Canterbury with Interfaith and Ecumenical Guests, Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and the Anglican Representative to the UN (on the far right).

In the Gardens at Lambeth Palace - notice the lovely Portaloos (the blue trailer like things to the right) - definitely the most upscale "loos" I've ever been in. And, of course, Lambeth Palace in the background.

The point of the Walk of Witness was the highlighting and promoting of the Millenium Development goals. They are listed below - clic on them to learn more about each.

Buckingham Palace

2008-07-24T13:03:00.001-06:00

Tea with the Queen at Buckingham is now done. The experience was indeed a gracious one.

Interestingly, both lunch at Lambeth and tea at Buckingham, although delightful "treats" and lots of fun, were both informal extensions of Lambeth Conference discussions. The most significant piece of which was the continuing engagement with different cultures, their differing values and the way we use language - even when it is apparently all English. Working through some of that will be crucial to making headway in our conversations about Biblical understanding and theological reflection.

Buckingham though had a lovely amount of relaxation and wandering on the lawn time in what is a very large and lovely Garden.

God's blessings on her Majesty.
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Lambeth Palace

2008-07-24T07:25:00.000-06:00

We've successfully completed the Walk of Witness, heard some good addresses from +Rowan, Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the Anglican rep to the UN. Having had a lovely lunch in Lambeth gardens in a marquee set up nicely for about 1500 (amazing organization) we are now preparing to be moved over to Buckingham Palace to visit Her Majesty for tea. If we can avoid melting in our cassocks in the 28 to 30 degree heat, all should be lovely there too.
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To London

2008-07-24T03:34:00.001-06:00

I am writing this while riding the coach to London.

Our first item of the day will be the Walk of Witness - aimed at raising awareness and calling for support of the Millennium Development goals.

As the Archbishop of Canterbury says, "This walk will be a poignant act of commitment by the Anglican Communion and other faith groups to continue to put pressure on those who have power and resources to help end extreme poverty across the globe. It will be about pledging, as a Church, to play our part in continuing to develop lasting solutions. It will also be a walk where we will be in step with those who know at first hand the impact that the unfair distribution of the world's resources can have on daily living and life opportunities."

The ministry of bishops is "College" which means that we are to work constantly at shared witness and joint action in leading the Church. So I present to you some of the thoughts of other bishops on this bus as we make our way to London.

Colin Johnson, Toronto: poverty exists in many places, including Canada where conspicuous and seemingly universal wealth hides the tragedy of biting poverty among street people, urban slums, rural pockets, and many aboriginal reserves. We need to witness to the Gospel call to care for all sisters and brothers. It means direct assistance to those in need but also public advocacy with government and business to change policy and practices that perpetuate poverty. It also means I have to change my behaviours and attitudes, my patterns of consumption that compromise the welfare of the poor, a much harder call to obey!

Mark MacDonald, National Indigenous Bishop: Here the Word becomes flesh and flesh becomes the Word. It is good, in the midst of a meeting with a lot of words, to anchor our words in acts.

Bob Gillies, Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney: My sons will be so jealous that I'm surrounded by hockey playing Canadians.

Joanna Clegg, The Times: Good to see the bishops all united. I wonder what the sub-text of the Indaba groups is - what they're becoming.

Kee Sloan, Suffragan Bishop of Alabama: Godd to be addressing something that is important to the whole world.

Nigel Stock, Bishop of Edmundsbury and Ipswich: Godd to remind everyone that the MDG's exist.

Nirmala Vasanthakumar, spouse of the Bishop Karnataka Central Diocese of South India: I am priveleged to be part of this walk because we are walking together standing together in support of the Millenium Development Goals.

Valentino Mokiwa, Archbishop of Tanzania: This is a good move. The churches carry on with this good spirit as we go back home - continuing to dobthe same.

We now been handed out placards to carry so it must be about time to march (or walk). The BBC helicopter is now overhead and the Archbishop has arrived.
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Bread & Light, Orthodoxy and Evangelism

2008-07-23T15:19:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was a very full day for me at Lambeth. Morning eucharist, a Bible Study on John 6:1-14, 25-59 "I am the Bread of Life", followed by Indaba Group exercises on "The Bishop and Evangelism", then sat in on a meeting with folk from the Global South, followed by a session on Anglican-Orthodox Dialogue, then, after supper a plenary session with Cardinal Diaz (Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples - the Vatican) and finally Night Prayers at the Conference Prayer Place.

Today's schedule ended up being lighter, including the usual Bible study (This time John 8:1-20; I am the Light of the World), but many Canadian bishops were invited to a Lunch with the "New England Co." that assists us with mission financial support - so we participated only a short while in the Indaba Groups. The lunch was in the Chaucer Hotel in the town of Canterbury. It was lovely to meet the folk who provide support to many Canadian Dioceses in our work with First Nations peoples. Vicki and I decided we would spend the afternoon touring Canterbury and the Cathedral. It was actually a good break after the overly full schedule of the last couple of days. In the evening we participated in a "Fringe Event" which was a Candlelight "Pilgrimage" in the Cathedral with prayer and quiet times, ending with Compline.

The Bible Study times continue to get stronger, and better. We are delving into the scriptures together, often leaving off the questions provided as we pursue discussion that rises out of our shared ministry and the particular contexts in which we work.

It was fascinating to hear some of our folk talk about the fact that "Bread of Life" does not really connect in their culture, as the staples of life come from other sources. It was also helpful and more than a little revealing to explore how "bread of life" hits differently in one culture where subsistence living is very real for people, and in another where excess and high consumerism are the norms. One person commented that in their experience both of countries in the midst of extreme poverty and those in affluence, that those who have very little food often seem so full of life, while those with so much are often drained and have the life sucked out of them. Perhaps it is because in a consumer culture we actually think that "having things" is what life is all about, while those in poor countries know that life itself is the great gift, and are thankful for it.

Today's Bible study combined the story of the Woman Caught in Adultery, with Jesus' I am the Light of the World discourse. For a story which many scholars think was added in later, the former connects remarkably well to the latter. In fact there are a number of ways in which the "Light of the World" piece opens up the core teaching of the preceding section. For Jews of Jesus' day, the Torah (Law) was "The light of the world". In the story the pharisees bring the woman to Jesus under the indictment of the law - she has transgressed, and according to that law she ought to die. Jesus brilliantly enlightens the gathered crowd - with simple words, letting them recall their own sinfulness. His words are profound - "let the one who is without sin cast the first stone". Of course the Christian reader knows that Jesus himself is the only one "without sin" - and when the woman is finally left alone before the only one who could condemn her she finds forgiveness and love. She is herself then invited to keep living in that light she has received from Jesus - "go and sin no more". We noted that Jesus does in fact pass judgment in the story, on the woman, on her accusers, and the assumptions of our limited human urges around "justice" - but he does not condemn, only calls us - invites us - into new life. In doing this, Jesus reveals himself as the true light, the Word embodied, Torah that brings death to old ways of being and acting, and life and light to the world.

After digging into the scriptural text itself, we were challenged by one of our own to ask the direct questions about how this might apply to us in the Anglican communion - as we gather in the midst of disputes and conflict. The discussion was direct, open and helpful. If the Indaba Groups can be that direct it will indeed be a major step forward.

We're off to London early tomorrow morning for the Witness Walk in support of the Millenium Development Goals - followed by tea at Buckingham Palace.

Time to rest.

An "Ordinary" Lambeth Day

2008-07-21T16:10:00.003-06:00

Today was our first "ordinary" day at Lambeth. Ordinary in that we have now begun a fairly regular daily schedule.

I did not post anything yesterday as a shortage of sleep and a looming 6:15am wake up call meant that sleep took priority.

The day was eventful however. We began with buses shuttling all bishops and spouses down to Canterbury where we walked the last couple of blocks through the streets to reach the Cathedral Close gate. It was an interested walk, with a fair number of folk lining the streets on either side, holding signs making references to "The Whore of Babylon" (from Revelation), being consumed by evil dragons, along with the odd verbal injection telling us that our ship was already sinking, or that we were all godless, mean, cruel, apostate, or whatever. To be honest many of the signs were hard to figure out - not at all clear about what they were unhappy about. There is a certain important learning associated with walking through that kind of thing and being intentional about smiling, and being as gracious as possible in the face of animosity.

The Conference Service was certainly a grand occasion. It took over half an hour for all the bishops to process into the Cathedral. The "mass setting" (the music for certain set things that happen in a communion service) was an African setting, with drums and interesting rythms - sung by a traditional men's and boy's choir! The Cathedral itself is such a magnificent setting, and with all the pagaentry of a well run liturgy things were pretty grand.

The piece I found the most moving was the Gospel Procession. It was done by a group from Melanesia in keeping with their cultural traditions. Using a ritual form which comes from the greeting of a visiting king or chief, they danced to the front of the Cathedral, playing pipes and carrying a large wooden canoe. The Gospel Book was carried from the altar and placed in the canoe, and then danced down the aisle to the place where the reading took place. After the reading, the procession returned with more dancing and shouts of joy. It's hard to describe adequately what a moving thing it was.

In the afternoon we had the formal opening of the Conference. It was very well done - laying the ground work for the various pieces of work and consultation to take place, including the Windsor Process and the Anglican Covenant work. It ended with the Presidential Address by the Archbishop of Canterbury which was yet again an excellent/brilliant bit of work on his part. It can be found at http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/1535.

But getting back to today...

An "Ordinary Day" is as follows:

6:30am Morning Prayer (For those who choose)
7:15am Worship, Holy Communion
8:15 Breakfast
9:15 Bible Study
10:30 Break
11:00 "Indaba" Group (discussion of the days main topic)
1300 Lunch
1400 Occasional meetings, or time off
1530 "Self-Select" Groups (a variety of sessions on a wide range of topics - choose which you go
to yourself) OR Another Indaba Group - depending on the day
1745 Evening Prayer
1830 Supper
2015 Plenary Sessions or "Fringe Events" (again, a selection of possible events, generally put on
by other groups with Lambeth's blessing, but not organized by Lambeth)
2145 Night Prayers

Today's Bible Study was John 6:14-21. Another good study in our group. Also another "I am" statement, slightly hidden in most translations. Jesus comes walking on the water - the disciples see and are afraid - Jesus says "I am, don't be afraid". The usual tranlsation is "It is I" - however, there doesn't seem (in John) to be any doubt about Jesus' identity, and the Greek literally says "I am", which would accord with the fact that only God has power over the forces of nature, and Jesus is depicted as the personal presence of that power. We reflected on what particularly might have made the disciples afraid, and then considered what things we feared in the context of our ministry. We then were asked to think about what it might mean for us to hear Jesus saying "Don't be afraid" in the midst of our Lambeth proceedings.

The main topic for the day was "Celebrating Common Ground: The Bishop and Anglican Identity". We discussed four "signposts" of Anglican Identity: Formed by Scripture, Shaped in Worship, Ordered for Communion and Directed by God's Mission. We listened to (and read) prepared statements on each of these categories, then broke into groups to dig into the statements and make comments, criticisms and suggestions. The method will be that listeners will gather the remarks and take them to a central group which will re-write things to begin shaping a document that reflects the discussions and thinking of all gathered at Lambeth (as far as is possible).

This evening's Plenary Session was a presentation by Brian McLaren (author of "A Generous Orthodoxy") on doing evangelism, or making disciples in a post-modern/emerging world context. It was very engaging, interesting and encouraging.

It's now midnight. Time for some sleep before the rather early wake-up for worship.

Lambeth Day 4

2008-07-19T13:26:00.004-06:00

The retreat portion of the Lambeth conference ended at noon today.

Today's Bible Study focused on John 4:1-42 - the story of the woman at the well. Our group of eight from five countries covering a fair span of the globe has begun to engage enthusiastically with one another in sharing insights about the Gospel, about theology, about mission, and about our lives and ministry in the midst of it all.

Some of the interesting insights we encountered and shared included reflection on Jesus' need to go through Samaria (vs. 4) which is not a geographical requirement, but clearly in John a setup for the necessary unfolding of God's mission - perhaps even an enactment of Jesus' words in John 3 about the Spirit being like the wind which blows where it will and the human unknowing of its purpose and direction. Jesus, not by a "reasonable" decision for his day, but compelled by his mission enters the hostile territory of the "unrighteous" and calls forth faith. Some interested discussions ensued about the nature of God's plan" and/or "vision" for our lives - how that is to be understood, and how God works with our human choices, constantly bringing good out of even our flawed choosing.

The first of the clear "I am" statements occur in this passage (vs. 26 - "I am he"). Parallels were noted to Moses and the burning bush - the women comes alone to the well, outside of town (wilderness) and encounters "I am" in Jesus.

Our Bible study guides pointed out that a man and a woman meeting at a well is an Old Testament narrative pattern found in the stories of Issac and Rebecca, Jacob and Rachel, and Moses and Zipporah. In the cases of the first two pairings, the meeting is what leads to a marriage and the continuation through progeny of God's promise to make many descendants of Abraham. In this story, the woman is "wooed and won" - but as a disciple who will bring forth more disciples through mission.

Another brilliant address from +Rowan brought the retreat to a close. He drew on Hebrews 10:19-25 to focus on leadership - a common theme and concern in our contemporary culture. He pointed out that Jesus is our leader - not first as someone giving commands for others to follow, but in leading the way - clearing the way to the cross, and thus to God the Father. Two other insights stood out for me. First, that in Mission we do not take Jesus where he has never been, but rather we always go where he has already gone before. Second, that as we seek new ways to engage in mission and ministry, our primary question is not "is this Anglican", but is this a new and life-giving way" - and we might make it an Anglican way.

The afternoon and evening were allowed as break time. The "working" portion of the conference will begin tomorrow with the Conference Service at Canterbury Cathedral in the morning, and the Presidential Address by +Rowan in the afternoon.

Hopefully the good ground work laid in the retreat time and Bible studies will work to good effect as we engage in some of the more difficult discussions ahead.

Lambeth Day 3

2008-07-18T15:12:00.005-06:00

Today was the second retreat day for Lambeth. The schedule followed pretty much the same pattern as yesterday.

The Bible Study (in small groups of 8) this morning focused on John 1:19-34, which deals with John the Baptist's confession that he is not the Messiah (Christ). We were lead by the study guide to focus on the question of what John might mean by "make straight paths". Our group's discussion ended up looking at how the particular way we proclaim the gospel might complicate things creating obstacles and barriers for those who hear. One of our number also turned it around for us and asked the missional question about how things in our own lives might prevent Christ from coming through us to others. The same question might be helpful for the Church, and particularly congregations, to ask ourselves in examining our mission and ministry.

Once more some of us (quite a few more this time) walked down through the streets of Canterbury to the Cathedral for the retreat sessions.

In the first session +Rowan challenged us to consider that the bishop comes as both friend and stranger: friend, of course, in that we are "on their side" - all brothers and sisters in Christ, members of the one body, rejoicing with those who rejoice, weeping with those who weep, and bearing one another's burdens (my interpolations); but also stranger, in that we come in from outside to communicate the God who is both in the community and beyond it. Calling the community beyond itself into a deeper obedience to God. In other words we are called to come, not simply as strangers, but as Christ-like strangers. Paul's discussion in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 provided another way into this. We were reminded that to do this requires discpline to counter the self-indulgence which is the counter force to our communion with God. (My apologies to +Rowan for a rather inadequate re-telling of a wonderful and challenging address).

Following this address, we were given time for prayer and reflection once more. The Cathedral space is really magnificent for this, especially the lower Crypt which was reserved for silence.

The second address of the day focused on the exercise of Episcopal ministry as a collegial one. We exercise it in community, both locally and globally. The ministry of a bishop is not an individual task, but exercised by all bishops together, and in concert with the community. He spoke candidly about our situation in the Anglican Communion during this section. Gently, but clearly challenging us to see our differences, not as simple diversity, nor as an excuse to go silent or walk away, but as a sign that there is work to do in our common life - and we need to get at doing it. Leadership in the Church, we were reminded, is by definition leadership in Communion.
(I feel another apology is in order to +Rowan for yet another inadequate accounting of what was once again a challenging and significant address.)

After some more time in retreat, we concluded the day with Evensong (beautifully supported by music from the Cathedral Choir).

The walk back was good, although once more interrupted by "The Bishop's Finger" pub and a quick pint to strengthen us for the climb back up the hill to the University of Kent.

What I have not recounted in all of this is that in between addresses and prayer time, there has also been lunch and walking time, providing much space for us to get to know one another and share our thoughts. It is indeed an amazing privilege to share conversation with bishops who do ministry and mission in the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Madagascar, Malaysia, India, the US, Australia, Burundi, and Jamaica - all in the same day (and I know I've missed a few).

First full Lambeth Day - Retreat Day 1

2008-07-17T16:12:00.010-06:00

Lambeth officially opened yesterday evening with a welcome event and some orientation to get us started on our way. Today was the first full conference day, which begins with two and a half days of retreat, mostly held in Canterbury Cathedral.

We began with a 7:15 Eucharist in the main venue - including some good music, much of it out of Africa. We then had an hour for breakfast before having to find our Bible study rooms for a 9:30 start.

The Bible studies for the duration of the conference are a sequential study of passages from the Gospel of John containing "I am" statements of Jesus. Today's study focused on John 1:1-14. While the "I am" is less obvious, especially in English translations, it turns out that the eighteenth verse contains the phrase "who is close to the Father's heart" which in the Greek construction indicates "Being" in the same way that the Greek Old Testament translates God's words to Moses at the burning bush when Moses asks God's name. Thus the "I am" is slightly covert, but in conjunction with the first few verses which speak of God's bringing into being all that is through "the Word" who is Jesus, it sets the tone for the rest of the "I am" statements throughout John. One insight from our Bible Study group suggested that John's intent is to point to Jesus as the one in whom God's eternal "now" is always present to us - that the "I am" of God's being means that Jesus' death and resurrection are always and eternally present in this moment.

After the Bible Study, we headed out immediately to make our way down to Canterbury Cathedral. Buses were provided, but, given the allowance of time, some of us chose to walk. It was absolutely delightful to walk as pilgrims down into Canterbury, along the old cobblestone streets, and enter the Cathedral enclosure through Christchurch Gate.

The Dean of the Cathedral had declared to us last night that we were not considered guests, but that the Cathedral was "ours" as the bishops of the communion. In token of that, we found that every area of the Cathedral (many bits of which are usually gated and locked to the public)were all open for us to explore.

The retreat began with worship, followed by an address by Abp Rowan. Beginning with Galatians 1:16, and looking at the original meaning of the Greek - "...(was pleased) to reveal his Son in me he spoke of how we go about recognizing Jesus in others, then connected this to how God reveals His Son in the ministry of bishops, including the offer of forgiveness, embodying the promise of God's future, and reflecting the Christ who judges, not allowing us to simple continue in our faults and shortcomings, but calling people to a changed and transformed life.

The next piece was a time in silent prayer. This was particularly profound for me. In the context of prayerfully considering my ministry as a bishop, a found myself in prayer for the clergy, parishes and layfolk of Qu'Appelle moving through names and faces one by one. I was struck by the awesome privilege of being called to bear all of them in my heart before God, asking his blessing and strength. While I do this on a regular basis, it was particularly poignant sitting in the crypt of Canterbury Cathedral amidst a gathering of bishops from all corners of the globe. The confluence of catholic and local was profound.

After lunch we had a second address from +Rowan which used 2 Corinthians 11:28-20 and Philippians 3:12 as a jumping off point for exploring how bishops are called, not to be aloof, but to be invaded by the weakness and brokenness of those with whom we work - specifically as a sign that we live the new humanity of Christ in which we bear one another's burdens.

A further challenge called us to see ourselves as signs of unity - not particularly by way of a constant search for consensus, but in being willing to stand together in the shared struggles of our weakness, and in the shared treasures of our differing gifts of holiness - all pointing to the future hope and promise of the oneness of both Church and humanity.

After more time for prayer and reflection, and a lovely time of worship in evening prayer, we headed back to the University of Kent for dinner and the evening off.

I will admit that on the way back through Canterbury, I gave in to the temptation to stop for a quick half-pint of "The Bishop's Finger" ale - a local and very tasty brew - at a pub called "The Bishop's Finger".

Looking forward to more retreat time tomorrow.

En Route

2008-07-15T10:42:00.000-06:00

I have always loved trains.

There is something about being able to sit and reflect, converse with friend or stranger, watch the countryside slip by or perhaps read a book while being carried along on the gentle rocking of a set of rails to your predetermined destination.

Well, as I am sitting on one as I write this, I suppose I must admit that the gentle rocking has almost gone and the smoother, speedier train makes the countryside rush past rather than slip quietly by.

I must also admit that my reading has also been slightly less eirenic. The Guardian headline reads, "The Archbishop prepares to face his tormentors."

Amidst a collection of quotes from a wide range of perspectives Stephen Bates reflects on Rowan Williams primacy and the question of whether he is the right person to be the Abp of Canterbury for this moment in our history - whether he has provided the needed "leadership" for such times and circumstances.

A number of those quoted decry a lack of leadership and are shocked by an admitted lack of strategy. Some say he looks for concensus where there isn't one.

It is interesting to reflect on what it means to provide Christian leadership in such times and circumstances. We are after all "church" - not an institution in search of the correct strategy for survival, but first, foremost and always a community of those who believe in Jesus Christ and seek to follow as faithful disciples with the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength, bound together by that Spirit in love.
In such circumstances, when, for whatever reasons whether true or flawed, we find ourselves in apparent irreconcilable conflict, it seems to me that the most important kind of leadership is not the singular CEO running the train to the inexorable end of the line, but the kind that constantly and steadfastly calls us back into prayer, reflection and dialogue; the kind which consistently reminds us of our call to Christian love and forgiveness. This is the central strategy to be lived and followed. We won't discover some pre-existing consensus by it, but we might, in time, discover the mind of Christ and thus arrive at a consensus that is given not made.

I do think that Abp Rowan Williams is where he is by the hand of God. He is human like the rest of us, and certainly not the Messiah, but I cannot help but wonder if those critiquing his leadership style and direction have stopped to reflect that when God became human in Christ his leadership ended in complete disaster according to the standards of the day.

The openning paragraph of the article in the Guardian quotes one source saying upon Rowan's appointment "God save us from a holy bishop." God is in the business of salvation, but that is about the last thing God is likely to save us from.

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Heading to Lambeth

2008-07-14T17:14:00.002-06:00

I head off to Canterbury tomorrow morning to participate in facilitator training for the daily, morning Bible studies that we will engage in.

As the opening of the conference approaches I am aware that there is already much buzz here in the British press about what is coming, about divisions, about contentious issues, about what is or is not planned by way of debate, and how folks on one side or the other of those issues have sought to short-circuit or undermine or boycott Lambeth before it has even begun.

It seems to me that we have much hard work to get done - the first bit of which will be attempting to so firmly anchor ourselves in prayer and the study of scripture, and so open ourselves to the Holy Spirit, that the rest of our conversations and deliberations will be directed to faithful discernment of truth - that is, discernment of the mind of Christ.

As I read what I have just written, I am aware that some who read it might consider it a bit naive in light of the contentiousness and conflict that has arisen over the last few years. I understand that sentiment, but in considering it must name it naive to think that we will accomplish anything fruitful in our time here, apart from doing that.

I am reminded of Isaiah 31:1 which says, "Alas for those who go down to Egypt for help and who rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the Lord!"

The Scriptures are replete with warnings about not placing our trust in military might, politics, human cleverness, or humanly devised schemes - but rather turning to God, seeking a word and wisdom from God, and being willing to wait upon the Lord for direction. It's not very modern or rational by human standards - but it is the way of faith, and therefore it is the only way forward.

I ask the prayers of all who read this - for myself, for all traveling to Lambeth over the next day and a half, and also for those who have chosen to stay away.

Endings for the CrossTalk Event

2008-07-14T16:12:00.004-06:00

The last few days have been quite full as the Companion Relationship activities in Lichfield are about complete (although the youth delegates will continue for another week) and I am preparing to head down to Canterbury and the Lambeth Conference.

Since my last post here:

the residential conference for CrossTalk ended with a wonderfully joyful celebration of Holy Communion;

the bishops and senior staff of Lichfield (England), Qu'Appelle (Canada), West Malaysia, Kuching (Malaysia), Matlosane (South Africa) and Saba (also Malaysia) spent a day in discussions on the future of our work and sharing together in Mission and Ministry;

I preached and presided for a meeting of a Deanery Chapter (clergy gathering) in Church Eaton (near Stafford);

was toured through Wrockwardine Deanery (just East of Shrewsbury, Shropshire) and spent an evening with their folk in presenting and discussing on the changes in World and Church which challenge our mission and ministry;

I joined with the rest of the Qu'Appelle delegation in the Crosstalk Festival event (a fun presentation from each diocese reflecting it's history and culture);

preached at two services in All Saints', Burton-on-Trent;

celebrated the signing of a renewed agreement between Lichfield and each of the Dioceses present in a glorious service in Lichfield Cathedral;

and finally spent a day in Leicester with youth and bishops from various parts of the globe in an opportunity for bishops and youth to meet for an exchange of ideas, thoughts and concerns in preparation for the Lambeth Conference.

Things have been busy and full, but very fruitful. I come away with a deepened sense of hopefulness about our ability to work together as brothers and sisters in Christ as we seek to bring the world to the knowledge of the love and grace of God in Jesus Christ.

I'm also very much looking forward to the three day retreat which Abp Rowan Williams will lead to open the Lambeth Conference.

Mission and cultural context

2008-07-08T15:32:00.004-06:00

Our time in Lichfield Diocese continued today with the second day of the CrossTalk Conference in Swanwick.

The topics for today included "Mobilizing the Whole Church for Mission" and "Mission and the Challenge of Islam". On the first topic plenary presentations by Archdeacon Rob Hardwick of Qu'Appelle and by a Lay Pastor from West Malaysia set the stage for some good workshop discussion on our varied experiences of developing every member ministry.

The afternoon session was perhaps the most startling however. One of the paricipants provided a plenary presentation on the situation for the Church in the officially Muslim setting of their country. It would take some telling to go through the list of policies and laws of the government there which are major challenges.

Some brief examples include that everyone is officially listed by religion with the government,and if for whatever reason someone declares, or signs a form indicating, that they are Muslim, they can never reverse it. If a non-Muslim marries a Muslim, they are automatically registered as Muslim themselves - and any and all children are automatically considered Muslim. If an already married man becomes a Muslim, then upon his death all his assests are seized by the government - as they can only be inherited by another Muslim. Only if his wife declares herself Muslim can she receive his assests - and then all her children are automatically considered Muslim - whether they have any such belief or not - and all the above rules automatically apply to them.

Of particular concern in the context of mission for these Christians however, is that it is illegal to speak to Muslims directly about Christian faith. If a Muslim becomes a Christian and is found out, they can be executed or, usually, jailed. If a Muslim is caught entering a church, it is also illegal, and if the Church is deemed to have known that the person was a Muslim and allowed their attendance, then the church is shut down by the authorities.

It would be easy to bemoan the lack of freedoms experienced by these Christians, and even to cry foul at the kind of co-opting being practicing to ensure a rising Muslim population in that state, both real and serious issues. What got me pondering in the context of a conversation on Mission however, was that here is a group of Anglican Christians who desire to share their faith and bring others to Christ, in the face of legal and punitive opposition - while we in Canada, with all the official and legal freedoms possible, are constrained by our own unwillingness, or perhaps some strange sense of inappropriateness about the very idea of it.

By my reckoning the Christians in this Muslim Country are being much more effective in their mission of proclaiming the gospel than we are. How peculiar and sad that the constraint of cultural disapproval and personal discomfort should be a more powerful deterrent for us than legal and punitive barriers do for them.

CrossTalk in Lichfield, Pre-Lambeth

2008-07-07T16:40:00.002-06:00

Many things have gone on since my last post. In Anglican Church land, the Global Anglican Futures Conference (GAFCON) has put forth a declaration. The Archbishop of Canterbury has responded, the Primate of Canada has responded - I can't say I'm particularly inclined to.

We, our family and the CrossTalk delegates from Qu'Appelle, are now in the Diocese of Lichfield, England, as part of a two week Companion Diocese visit and conference. We have all been received with marvelous hospitality.

Our family has visited in a couple of parishes. In Christ Church, Shelton and Oxon we toured the parish, saw something of their situation and concerns, discussed their mission action plan, and were, of course, well fed. On Sunday, I preached and presided for a lovely congregation in Kinnerly, with folk from Maesbrook, Knockin, and Melverly all present with their joint Celebration Choir. We then had a tour of the various churches, visited a craft centre and local farm - and were, of course, well fed, twice.

As of today, the formal conference portion of the visit has begun in the Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick. The theme is Mission. We have joined together in prayer and worship, seen presentations on churchplanting and mission in Southeast Asia, had workshop discussions on the same, then had "Bishops talk Mission" sessions with five bishops in separate meeting spaces sharing the issues and concerns for mission in their respective dioceses. I chaired the churchplanting session (official intros and timekeeping) and presented in the Bishops talk Mission portion. And, of course, we've been well fed - twice more.

There is no question that Lambeth and GAFCON hover in the background to some degree. But it is wonderful to be with a group of people whose primary, overriding concern is to extend and deepen our ability to reach people with the Good News of God in Jesus Christ, neither diminishing the central component of faith in Jesus in favour of "the gospel is really about social justice", nor diminishing the reality that faith in Jesus necessarily leads to a commitment to and work for justice and peace in God's world.

For those interested, our Qu'Appelle delegation (not including me) did a wonderful job of leading evening prayer.

The Baggage

2008-06-27T03:10:00.000-06:00

This evening we got on our way on the first leg of our journey.

Earlier in the afternoon, the final packing decisions had to be made. When you are headed off for two months, but also have space and weight restrictions the choices become significant.

I had my elder daughter advise on which pants and shirts were the right colours and combinations - she knows about these things. My usual instincts to take as many books as possible - just in case - had to be ruthlessly quashed and I settled on three.

It all got me thinking about the other sorts of things we carry with us and whether the preparation for Lambeth might fruitfully involve some intentional dropping of baggage.

It is much harder to do though - even more so than my precious books. Principles, values, and most importantly received theology and tradition really are necessary if our dialogue is to be meaningful. The willingness to listen for and discern the Spirit in and through those things as well.

I can't help wondering if we couldn't leave behind egos though. Or the resentments bourne of real or imagined slights - or the stereotyping of North and South, rich and poor, even conservative, liberal, evangelical and catholic.

I shall have to check my bags and see what I've packed - perhaps see if I can lighten the load.
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"Go from your country..."

2008-06-24T14:01:00.003-06:00

Some may recognize the title of this my first blog entry as the beginning of God's call to Abraham. "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you." Genesis 12:1 One of the remarkable things about Abraham's call is that there is no indication given as to where he will end up. He is simply asked to begin.

I am taking on this business of blogging in large part because of a request from clergy and layfolk in the Diocese of Qu'Appelle (with thanks to the Rev'd Malcolm French for getting me started and bugging me to post something)that I provide some updates during the course of the upcoming Lambeth Conference that are not simply reflective of the biases of mainstream media, but give a fuller account of the many things that will go on there.

Having been somewhat dubious about the idea of blogging I am inclined to see this as having a similar dynamic to Abraham's journey. I will begin and see where it leads.

In the larger scheme of things, Lambeth itself feels like that kind of journey. While we now have schedules, themes and activities, there is a real sense in which it is not at all certain where the Lambeth journey will end. I, and all of the bishops I believe, go in faith and with hope that whatever the outcome, we will be led in faith a little nearer to where God wants us to be - and perhaps, like Abraham, be blessed so that we may be a blessing to the Church and to the world.

Lambeth doesn't begin for another couple of weeks, but I will endeavor to reflect on the journey that leads there through Vancouver and Lichfield.

Or, who knows, perhaps I will catch the blogging virus for real and start posting daily thoughts in what I have generally viewed as a form of on-line exhibitionism. (My apologies to my several friends who are veteran bloggers - you do a lovely job I'm sure.)