Special Lambeth Edition Updated and Revised Note: This month’s journal consists of reflections on my recent experience at the Lambeth Conference. I will follow up later with an extended article offering my perspectives on the meaning and implications of Lambeth. For archives of complete coverage, photos, videos, and other materials, click: read more.

July 11-15, 2008.  Pre-Lambeth Visit to Brecon, Wales

July 11.  After the predictable rush of last minute packing and loading, I departed Omaha late morning on flight to Cleveland, Ohio, and after a four hour layover left for London’s Gatwick Airport on an overnight flight. 

July 12.  Arrived 6:30 a.m. in Gatwick.  I was met at the gate by two volunteers from the Lambeth welcoming team, one of whom—an airport chaplain whose background is as a Salvation Army minister—escorted me through baggage claim and customs and on to the car rental place to claim my “hired” car, as the English put it.  He spoke very positively of the good relations between the Church of England and the Salvation Army.  A delightful chap (see, I’m already starting the Englishspeak!).

I drove tentatively out of Gatwick, on the “wrong” side of the road (as the English say about us!), and it brought quickly to mind my first experience of driving in England which took place almost forty years ago on a two week tour of England and Scotland.  For some reason, I find it harder to navigate now than I did then—age 21 versus age 60?!

After a few wrong turns, and a few “extra” rounds on innumerable “roundabouts,” I entered the unbelievably beautiful countryside of Wales in the early afternoon.  The further into the heart of Wales I went, the more beautiful it was.  Just breathtaking!  The incredible green rolling hills gave way to the Black Mountain areas, with dramatic, lush, and picturesque landscapes. 

I drove into the cathedral close in Brecon mid-afternoon, very weary after twenty-four hours of traveling, flying, and driving.  I was warmly greeted by one of the cathedral canons, and later by Bishop John Davies (pronounced “Davis”), and Canon Succentor Fr. Michael Thomas.  I was housed in the Canonry, a spacious apartment in a building on the cathedral close which houses the offices of the diocese of Swansea-Brecon.  Bishop Davies, or Bishop John, as he prefers, was just consecrated recently, after serving for several years as the Dean of Brecon Cathedral.

Later this evening, Fr. Michael drove me to a nearby village for dinner at the home of a parish priest, Fr. Roland, and his wife Barbara.  We enjoyed wonderful food and conversation about rural ministry in Wales, which is remarkably similar to our own diocesan context.

July 13.  This morning I had the great privilege of preaching at the principal eucharist at Brecon Cathedral, with Bishop John as celebrant, and Fr. Michael assisting.  It was an incredible experience to preach in such a marvelous building, the origins of which date back to 1093. A visiting choir from the Cathedral in Aberdeen Scotland rounded out the morning, and sang exquisitely at the eucharist.  They also sang at evensong later in the afternoon, a service in which I also vested and participated. 

Bishop John and I had an immediate connection and mutual regard.  I found him to be a sparkling personality, an exceptional liturgist and celebrant, and a genial host.  One of the interesting dimensions of the liturgy at Brecon is the fact that various phrases in the native Welsh language are often used at certain points in the liturgy to maintain the connection with the tongue that only some Welsh now use with any frequency.  I found it very moving indeed.

Following the morning service, and a very hospitable greeting from cathedral members, Fr. Michael accompanied me to lunch in the nearby home of one of the cathedral’s elderly but very active members, Lucia, who is the widow of a former priest of the diocese.  Again, we had a delightful time, and it was a treat to share lunch while overlooking her very beautiful “back yard,” which she quickly pointed out to me should be referred to as a “garden.”  I’m learning, I’m learning.

On Sunday evening I was pleased to be a guest in the bishop’s home for dinner with him, his wife Jo, son Chris, 18, and daughter Kate, 20, along with Fr. Michael, and another priest from the area.  We shared lively conversation, both about the upcoming Lambeth Conference, and about the contemporary challenges of ministry in general.  It turns out that the Davies have been good friends of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, who served as their bishop in the diocese of Monmouth, Wales, prior to Rowan’s appointment to the see of Canterbury.

July 14.  This morning I greeted a number of other visiting bishops who have been spending recent days in other parts of the diocese.  The six or seven of them, from Jamaica, India, and the U.S., arrived with their hosts in the late morning, in time for a tour of the cathedral, a eucharist in the chapel celebrated by Bishop John, and then lunch in the cathedral’s bookstore café.  It was a good chance to meet and visit ahead of time with just a few of the many hundreds of bishops who will soon convene in Canterbury.

Late this afternoon I took advantage of the first free hours I have had a chance to enjoy since my arrival here.  I strolled around this beautiful and historic city, concluding with an early dinner in a local restaurant.

July 15.  In the morning I re-packed and re-loaded the car for a trip to Gatwick, and made one last visit to the cathedral nave and the cathedral bookshop.  I drove out of Brecon, once again reveling in the sheer beauty of the town and the landscape, and headed off to Gatwick, where I will pick up Marty early tomorrow morning.  After a few stops for photos along the way, not to mention a few missed turns, I arrived at a motel near Gatwick airport late in the afternoon.

July 16-20.  Lambeth Begins: Bishops’ Retreat and Opening Eucharist

July 16.  Marty’s plane arrived early on Wednesday, and we left from Gatwick to drive to Canterbury, about an hour and a half trip.  Arriving at the University of Kent, in Canterbury, in the early afternoon, we were caught up, like several hundred others, in a colossal human traffic jam in a registration procedure that was, to say the least, less than efficient.  We began standing in the line, or the “queue,” as it is called, at around 2 p.m.  We finally emerged from that ordeal, and checked into dorm rooms at about 5:30 p.m.  Not the best introduction to what will be two and a half weeks in this setting! 

We are among the lucky ones.  We have single rooms, located side by side in a hallway, with baths “ensuite,” or “in room.”  The private bathroom areas are quite small, with a drain in the floor, and a shower in one corner, separated only by a curtain—very efficient, but very compact.  However, given the fact that many of my colleagues have communal baths down the hall, I am not complaining.  This will be no vacation, but at least it will allow some individual space. 

Hmmm.  It has been forty years since I “enjoyed” the creature comforts of a dorm room.  Why haven’t I missed that?  Why didn’t Bishop Krotz tell me about this beforehand??

OK, enough about that.  The Lambeth Conference opened officially at 6 p.m., with the Archbishop of Canterbury presiding, including a simple evening prayer service and music, followed by a welcoming address and introductions of the planning and design committee.  Dinner in one of several campus venues followed (the hundreds and hundreds of bishops, spouses, and staff are housed all over this sprawling campus, and may eat in any one of many different settings).  However—you guessed it!—all of them involve standing in long lines!

July 17.  This first full day of Lambeth began with a eucharist at 7:15 a.m. in the “Big Top”—a circus-like tent erected on campus just for this purpose (and barely air conditioned), which seats 1200 or so in auditorium style around a central dais or stage.  Following the service, bishops and spouses met separately in our respective Bible Study groups for the first time.  These Bible Studies will take place daily, with one or two exceptions, and each group has only eight members (which means there are approximately 80 groups of bishops alone, not including the number of groups for spouses.  Our particular group, named for the early church historian Eusebius, has one additional member for a total of nine in all.   The bishop members of my group are Abraham Ackah, Thomas Brient, John Otoo, and Francis Quashie, all from dioceses in Ghana; Alapayo Kuctiel, from the Diocese of Rumbek, in Sudan; Larry Robertson, from the Diocese of the Arctic in Canada; Brian Castle, from England, and Tom Breidenthal from Southern Ohio.  We had a very cordial and fruitful first meeting.  During this conference we will be studying the Gospel of John, and today’s topic is John 1:1-18, “The one who is in the bosom of the Father.”

Following Bible Study, the bishops all boarded buses for the fifteen minute ride down the hill from the University into the “City Centre” of Canterbury, and then a  short walk to the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, the historic seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and of all Anglicanism.  Here, in this stunning and majestic setting, Archbishop Rowan began a series of meditations for a pre-Lambeth retreat that will inaugurate our conference.  His topic is “God’s Mission and a Bishop’s Discipleship.”  The first talk was a reflection on how Christ is revealed in various ways in the baptized, and in the orders of ministry, with a special focus on the episcopate.

Following the first talk we shared a box lunch on the Cathedral Close, and then a period of silence and individual time.  The second talk came mid-afternoon, and focused on the complexity and challenge of “taking positions” as a bishop.  The bishop is in most instances “not a reliable ally,” said Archbishop Rowan, because he or she must always be raising difficult questions about any and all “causes” that ask for the church’s attention.  A question that seemed to be left hanging after this one was how and when is a bishop, or any Christian, for that matter, to know when bold and unequivocal action is right and good and just.  We shall wait to see what more he has to say on this subject.

The day closed with evening prayer, a trip back to campus for dinner, and an evening presentation by the Archbishop’s wife, Jane Williams, on “Marriage, Mitres, and Being Myself.”  This first day has been a long one, and there are many more to come.

July 18.  Early eucharist again this morning, as there will be most every morning of the conference.  Afterwards we gathered in our groups for Bible Study of John 1:19-34, “He confessed…I am not the Messiah.”  Then all bishops boarded buses again to Canterbury Cathedral for the second day of the retreat.  The Archbishop’s third mediation was on the theme of learning to listen to the “language” of peoples’ needs, and how in this sense the bishop is “public property,” called to be available to and responsive to all, as in St. Paul’s writing about being “all things to all people,” but with certain limits.  Ah, but what are the limits?

Following lunch and time for reflection and prayer, the ABC (Archbishop of Canterbury) offered his fourth meditation on what it means to be a “bishop in communion;” quoting the American lay theologian William Stringfellow, he spoke of the difference between being a “biblical” person, as opposed to a merely “religious” person, and what it means to be a “silent” person before God and others.  A splendid Evensong with the extraordinary Cathedral Choir of men and boys brought the day to a close, and while many returned to campus for a free evening, some managed to find their way to one or another local pub for a spot o’ refreshment.  When in England…

July 19.  We closed the retreat this morning on campus, beginning with eucharist, then Bible Study in groups (John 4:6-42, “Jesus said to her, ‘I am, the one who is speaking to you’”), and then with Archbishop Rowan delivering his fifth meditation on “The Leadership of Christ.”  This was by far my favorite one, and the most helpful in terms of putting the other meditations in context.  “Christians,” said the ABC, “lead by following Jesus,” by clearing and discerning a way forward, always seeking to look and see where Jesus is going before us.  “Episcope,” or the exercise of the bishop’s leadership, is as much insight as oversight.  And our most common failure is lack of courage—not mistaken decisions, but failure to “hope in Christ.” 

Following prayers and lunch, the afternoon sessions included a seminar and then a special worship service to welcome many distinguished ecumenical guests from the Protestant, Orthodox, and Roman Catholic Churches.

Tonight some of us attended a dinner hosted by the Dean and others from General Theological Seminary in New York for alumni bishops, as well as those with connections to the seminary.  It was good social time, and a wonderful venue for greeting one another and reflecting on the retreat just concluded.

July 20. Today is a day to cherish, and to remember as one of the highlights of the conference.  This morning early we loaded up on buses and went down to the Cathedral, vestments in hand, for the official opening eucharist of the Lambeth Conference.  Some six hundred or more of us bishops, plus hundreds of others involved in the liturgy, processed into this ancient sacred space for a festival eucharist and sermon.  The Archbishop celebrated, and a bishop from Sri Lanka, The Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera of the Diocese of Colombo, preached an incredibly powerful sermon, about which I shall say more in my next pastoral staff article in the September edition of The Nebraska Episcopalian.  The Cathedral was packed with worshipers, and the music and liturgy were awe inspiring and truly evocative of a worldwide communion.

We hurried back to the campus on buses after the service, and then many of us walked down to a nearby park for an afternoon eucharist set up as an outside event (there are a variety of so-called “outside events” during the conference that are not official sessions, but are open to anyone who wishes to participate).  This particular service was intended to lift up the ministries of faithful gay and lesbian persons in the church throughout the world.  A number of bishops came to show our solidarity with our brother Gene Robinson, the Bishop of New Hampshire, who was the only eligible bishop of The Episcopal Church who was not invited to Lambeth.

Late Sunday afternoon, we gathered for a plenary session in the Big Top, and heard the Archbishop gave his first “Presidential Address,” in which he outlined his hopes for our time at Lambeth, and also some of his thinking about the proposed Anglican Covenant.  A series of reports followed from various working groups, and so the gathering went on well into the evening. 

Again, another very wonderful day in many respects—though parts of tonight’s session left mixed impressions with many with whom I spoke.  Tomorrow we begin the basic work of the conference, with the first of what are called “Ordinary Days.”  More to come in the next installment.  Keep us all in your prayers!

July 21-27, 2008.  Lambeth Continues: First “Ordinary” Week

July 21.  Today begins the first of what will be ten so-called “Ordinary Days,” and each one will have a different theme.  The framework for each of the ordinary days is the same.  Each day begins with a eucharist in the Big Top at 7:15 a.m. (led each day by a different Province of the Communion), preceded by Morning Office for those who can arrive by 6:30 a.m.  Breakfast is usually 8:15 - 9:15 a.m., Lunch is 12:30 – 2:00 p.m., and dinner is 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.  Midday Prayers normally occur in the setting of small groups, and evening worship is at 5:45 p.m. in the Big Top.  Night Prayer is also available at 8:45 p.m.  The customary English “Tea” is offered each afternoon in various locations—normally outside and informal—at 3:30 p.m. 

Today also inaugurates the series of meetings of the “Indaba Groups.”  Indaba is an Asian Indian process involving sharing, listening, and prayerful discernment. The Indaba Groups are comprised of 40 bishops, or a combination of five Bible Study Groups.  The Bible Study Groups meet each morning from 9:15 – 10:30 a.m., and each Indaba Group meets each day from 11:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.  Usually there are hearings at 2 p.m. each afternoon related to different topics, and then there are multiple workshops at 4 p.m. which are called “Self-Select Groups,” many involving noted teachers or expert resources in a wide variety of areas related to our overall daily themes.  Then there are frequent plenary sessions, sometimes in the morning or afternoon, more often in the evening.  Finally there are a host of “Fringe Events” which are offered as options, ranging from seminary gatherings to book signings to educational programs in the evenings.

Our theme for today, Monday, July 21 is

“Celebrating Common Ground: The Bishop and Anglican Identity,” and the Indaba Groups actually meet twice today rather than once.  In the Bible Study today we considered the scriptural passage of John 6:14-21 “But he said to them, ‘I am, do not be afraid.’” 

In the early afternoon the Episcopal Church bishops gathered for the first time as a group at this conference for a very helpful meeting.  Later in the day, many of us attended a reception off premises sponsored by the Episcopal Church Foundation, a fund-raising and resource center for the wider Church.  The Foundation has been very helpful to us in Nebraska by providing consultation and training in the area of capital giving and stewardship.  Tonight we attended an extraordinary plenary session on evangelism in the modern context, led by Dr. Brian McLaren, who is well known for his book Generous Orthodoxy.

July 22.  Today’s theme is “Proclaiming the Good News: The Bishop and Evangelism.”  Our Bible Study focused on John 6:1-14; 25-29 “Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life.’”  In our Indaba Group today we divided into ten groups and discussed ten different areas dealing with issues in contemporary evangelism.  My sub-group dealt with “responses to decline,” and we had a helpful conversation about the causes and solutions to declining parish attendance and membership.  Tonight the plenary featured an address by Cardinal Ivan Dias, Prefect for Evangelization at the Vatican. 

July 23.  “Transforming Society: The Bishop and Social Justice” was the theme for the day, and John 8: 1-20 “Again, Jesus spoke to them saying, ‘I am the light of the world,’” was the topic for our Bible Study.  The first of a series of hearings by the so-called Windsor Continuation Group, appointed by the ABC to advise on matters related to the Windsor Report, drew a huge crowd to a very warm meeting room, made even warmer on occasion by the strong feelings expressed on all sides.  Tonight Marty and I attended a lovely reception at the Canterbury “Palace,” as the Canterbury home is called, of the Archbishop of Canterbury (ABC) and his wife Jane.  This was one of several receptions planned for the coming days wherein all bishops and spouses will be invited in groups of a hundred or so.  The ABC strolled among us in the garden, and chatted with almost everyone present.  It was my first time to meet him except in passing, and he is quite a personable and charming host.  Canterbury is an especially lovely place in the evening—especially when in (literally) the back yard of the cathedral, which is beautifully illuminated each night until midnight.  This has been another long and arduous day in terms of schedule, but a rich experience.

July 24 (London Day).  In the future, when I think back on my life, or write informal memoirs for my children, surely this day will number among the most impressive and memorable.  Very early this morning some 600 bishops (bedecked in purple cassocks or other ecclesiastical vestments) and quite a large number of spouses boarded buses for a two and a half hour ride in busy traffic to the heart of London.  There, at approximately 10:00 a.m., we commenced a “Walk of Witness,” in support of the Millennium Development Goals.  Beginning at Whitehall Palace, we continued past the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, across Lambeth Bridge and over the Thames River, to Lambeth Palace—the home of the ABC, and “headquarters” for the worldwide Anglican Communion.  At Lambeth Palace, we had a brief break for water and a stroll through the Library.  Afterwards, under a blazing sun, we were greeted by the ABC and ecumenical guests, and then introduced to Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister of England, who gave an impassioned address (without notes) on the crucial significance of the MDG’s and their role in bringing an end to global poverty and injustice.  He said that our walk was the most significant demonstration of faith in London history—quite a profound statement.

Following the address we were directed to the spacious grounds of the Lambeth Palace, overlooking “Big Ben” and Parliament across the river, and there on the grounds a thousand of us enjoyed a very refreshing and delicious lunch under an incredibly large outdoor tent.  After lunch we were free to walk the grounds.  With the help of tour guides, Marty and I made our way to the crypt, and to Lambeth Chapel, both significant sites of landmark events in the history of England and of the Anglican Church.  

Shortly thereafter, buses departed from Lambeth Palace to Buckingham Palace—a place I have seen twice as a tourist from “outside the gates”—but this time we were escorted through the gates, and into the front doors of the Palace, and then out onto the huge park-like atmosphere of the Palace Garden.  At 4 p.m. sharp, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, announced by a brass band playing “God save the Queen,” came out onto the lawn and were greeted ceremoniously by the Archbishop.  Then they proceeded to walk along and chat with those who had managed to secure spots in front of the throngs of us lining the ribbon barriers set up to control the crowd.  I was impressed that the two of them spent more than an hour conversing with first one and then another Lambeth guest, while they patiently made their way to the “Royal Tent” for tea—and by this time most of us had already enjoyed tea in adjoining tents. 

For the next hour and a half or so we were free to roam the expansive acreage which includes a lake, flower gardens, and forested areas.  Quite a spread!  One Brit, noticing our fascination with all things Royal, quipped, “You’d have to pull up all the tea you dumped in Boston Harbor to get this back, you know!”  We replied that we sort of enjoyed it, but didn’t want to pay for it!

The Bus ride back to the University of Kent in Canterbury got us home in time for a late dinner in the various venues on campus.  Quite a day, but all of us were very weary afterwards.   By this time many are feeling the stress and strain of an unrelenting schedule, and are trying to prioritize the major events and sessions so as to keep the energy and attention levels keen and ready.

July 25.  The theme for today is “Serving Together: The Bishop and Other Churches.”  Our Bible Study theme is John 8:31-59 “Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.’”  An excellent discussion ensued in our Indaba groups today on the variety and challenge of ecumenical work in our various contexts, and in addition, we also began a heartfelt and very honest exchange about the challenges of our differing perspectives on human sexuality.  In our Indaba group, we have bishops from the Sudan, Ghana, North India, South India, West Africa, South Africa, Scotland, the Philippines, Ireland, Australia, Canada, and the U.S.—and others—plus ecumenical representatives from the Greek Orthodox Church and the Baptist World Alliance.  So you can imagine the breadth of opinion in this group!

 After lunch the Episcopal Church bishops met for the second time, along with all the other provinces, in separate sessions.  Later in the afternoon I attended a fascinating session led by Richard Burridge, a New Testament scholar, on issues in Biblical interpretation.  Tonight the plenary was a sobering report from Professor Chris Rapley, Director of the Science Museum and an expert in climate change.

July 26.  The theme for today was “Safeguarding Creation: The Bishop and the Environment.”  Our Bible study theme was John 9:1-41 “He kept saying, ‘I am the man.’”  In our Indaba group, there was amazing unanimity on the urgency and significance of the issues around global warming, and the adverse affects it has had and will have on “this fragile earth, our island home.” 

This afternoon the Episcopal Church hosted a reception for bishops from Sudan, Liberia, and the Congo.  It was a good opportunity to explore companion relationships and to build bridges of cooperation and understanding.  Evening worship today was presented by the Episcopal Church, and the bishops and spouses choir gave a pre-service presentation of various hymns and anthems.

July 27.  Today we had choices about our time.  Some had signed up to be transported to various parishes in the area to spend the morning and worship in area parishes.  Others opted for another day at Canterbury Cathedral.  The celebrant for the principal morning eucharist at Canterbury Cathedral was the ABC, and the preacher was the Dean.  After lunch and a walk about town, we also attended Evensong, and again heard the marvelous choir sing some stunning music.  Afterwards we walked with others to historic St. Augustine’s Abbey for a civic reception by the ABC and the Lord Mayor of Canterbury.  St. Augustine’s Abbey is the burial site of Augustine of Canterbury, the first Archbishop, and it is an ancient and holy place.  Before returning to the University, we walked to the restaurant in Canterbury where many from my “class” of bishops (2003-2004) were gathered for dinner.

July 28 – August 3.  Lambeth Concludes: Second “Ordinary Week” and Closing Day.

July 28.  By this point many of us in attendance are becoming weary, and are finding the pace of things to be a real challenge.  Day to day life on the campus, given the busy schedule of events, is difficult, and simple things like laundry and other day to day necessities remind many of us of “how it was in college!”Our Bible Study group today considers John 10:1-10 “So again, Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate…’  By this point our Bible Study group has become quite a small community, and we are able to share honestly and lovingly with one another, from the heart.  This remarkable experience, according to reports heard all around the conference, is typical.  Our Indaba Groups are also becoming communities of trust and honest speech, and even though it is at times risky and difficult, we are finding more and more meaningful interaction in these settings.  The theme today is “Engaging a Multi-Faith World: The Bishop, Christian Witness, and Other Faiths.”  During our Indaba session I shared with the group what is happening in Omaha with the Tri-Faith Initiative, and many were truly amazed, particularly those from African nations where the typical Islamic expression is domineering and violent.  The difference in perspectives and experience is extraordinary. 

The Episcopal Church met again this afternoon—as did other Provinces—to discuss the process and progress of the conference.  Tonight’s plenary consisted of an excellent presentation on “The People of God and the Covenant,” by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth.

July 29.  Today’s theme is “Equal in God’s Sight: When Power is Abused.”  We spent the entire morning in plenary, with spouses, and were led through a series of challenging questions and sharing around the universal issues of violence, particularly violence against women in a variety of domestic and cultural settings.  This session was a stretch for some who are not accustomed to dealing openly and honestly with this, and some bishops even walked out as the morning began—not a welcome response.  After lunch we held our third provincial gathering of Episcopal Church bishops, following which we hosted yet another reception for bishops from African provinces not represented at this past Saturday's meeting. 

In the late afternoon our Bible Study groups discussed John 10:1-18, “I am the good shepherd.”  Afterwards, the Archbishop of Canterbury offered his second “Presidential Address” following evening prayer in the Big Top.  Tonight, mercifully, was a free evening, and many made their way to restaurants or other attractions in Canterbury’s City Centre.

July 30.  Bible Study Groups this morning dealt with John 11:1-44, “I am the resurrection and the life.”  Our Bible Study group took group photos today, and also committed to a discipline of ongoing prayer for one another during the coming years, using a collection of prayers provided by each of our members.  The theme today was “Living Under Scripture: The Bishop and the Bible in Mission.”  Our Indaba group had a very meaningful exchange about how we use and interpret scripture in preparing sermons.  This led to a wide variety of responses, which highlighted the great diversity of approaches to understanding the Bible in Anglicanism. 

Following the normal afternoon events and workshops, we attended a dinner tonight for friends and alumni of Virginia Theological Seminary, held in one of the campus venues.

July 31.  “Listening to God and Each Other: The Bishop and Human Sexuality” is our theme for today.  This, of course, provides our Indaba Group, as well as many others, with some real divergence of thoughts and feelings, but I am impressed again at the honesty, depth, and mutual respect, that is accorded varying voices in this conversation.  Our Bible Study Group discussed John 13:31-14:14 “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” 

This afternoon was the second in a series of hearings moving toward producing a document of reflections on the Conference, which will take the place of any closing statement or position paper.  Discussion is intense, and varied.

Tonight we joined alumni and friends of the School of Theology at Sewanee, where we served on the faculty for four years, at a reception in a nearby hotel. 

August 1.  As we move into the last three days of the conference, we begin a three day focus on one closing theme: “Fostering our Common Life: The Bishop, the Anglican Covenant, and the Windsor Process.”  Obviously this emphasis is one that has roots in the “Windsor Report,” issued by a commission appointed by the ABC back in 2003-2004, following the confirmation and consecration of the Bishop of New Hampshire, and both the proposed “Covenant,” and the so-called “Windsor Process” provoke a wide range of responses—and this is certainly the case in our Indaba Group—about which I will write more in-depth in the coming weeks.  We had two Indaba Group meetings today, and the conversation was all over the map, with some supportive of an Anglican Covenant, including a mechanism for enforcement, some open-minded and willing to consider a covenant, and some diametrically opposed to the whole notion as a matter of principle. 

Our Bible Study Group focused on John 15:1-17 “I am the true vine.”  Tonight is yet another free evening set aside for the many hundreds of participants to begin preparations for traveling home following closing events this coming Sunday.

August 2.  Discussions continued today on the Covenant and the Windsor process in all of the Indaba Groups, and though a wide diversity of opinion was expressed our group had some remarkable expressions of commitment and desire to remain in communion and partnerships around the world.  This was apparently the case across the board with all of the groups.  One emerging question is to what extent the upper echelons of the prevailing appointed structures (the Covenant Design Group and the “Windsor Continuation Group), as well as the ABC, are aware of this “on the ground” reality.

 Our Bible Study considered John 18:1-18

“For whom are you looking?”  The afternoon was less full than usual, and the evening plenary a short one.  We were able to take in one more glorious service of Evensong late today at Canterbury Cathedral.  Tonight, we joined several from Province IV (Southeast) for a farewell dinner.

August 3.  The last meeting of our Bible Study Group was a time of much emotion and expression of solidarity.  We discussed and shared on John 20:19-31 “That through believing you may have life in his name.”  Our Indaba Group continued in the vein of sharing closing thoughts and feelings as we all prepare to depart tonight or tomorrow.

After lunch we gathered for a closing plenary, featuring the Archbishop expressing thanks to a wide variety of persons who helped throughout the planning and implementation of Lambeth.  We also heard observations from two of our ecumenical guests, one from the Greek Orthodox Church, and one for the Reformed Church.  Finally, the Archbishop delivered his third and closing Presidential Address, in which he outlined in more depth his vision for the future of the Communion.  Comment on that will need to reserved for an upcoming article.

Following the plenary, all made one last trip down to Canterbury’s Christ Church Cathedral for a lengthy closing eucharist and reception.  We departed late and drove part way to Brecon, Wales.

August 4-6.  Postlude to Lambeth.

August 4-5.  This long “Lambeth Summer” ended for Marty and me with a quick overnight visit back in Brecon, Wales, where I began my time here some weeks ago.   Again, the hospitality of Bishop John Davies and family was gracious, and we discussed possibilities of a continuing relationship between Nebraska and the Diocese of Swansea-Brecon.  We left midday Tuesday, and drove to a hotel adjacent to Gatwick Airport.

August 6.  After a very early arrival at the airport, the long trek back began.  At 8 p.m. tonight, some 23 hours after we left the room this morning, we arrived at home in Omaha.  A rich experience it has been, with much to ponder, pray about, and reflect upon for some time to come!