Jim and I have lived in Spokane for 8 years and love it very much.  The only difficult part is that our children, grandchildren and family live 2800 miles across America in the Washington, D.C. area.

I was delighted to be asked to facilitate this plenary on the environment.  Since we have been talking about vocations this week, mine has become one of raising awareness about the environment, teaching safe alternatives to using chemicals in the home and yard thus working in harmony with Nature, and also keeping people informed about false information regarding just about everything with which we come into contact on a daily basis.  That list includes skincare, household cleaning products, garden care, food, etc.

I do want to let you know that common vanilla extract, used in cooking, is one of the best mosquito repellents ever.  Just apply it to your, skin, smell wonderful all day long, and repel those mosquitoes.

I have practiced, written about, and taught organic methods of living and gardening for many years, with emphasis on what we, as individuals can do in our daily lives toward becoming better stewards of the earth, better global neighbors.

Our diocesan house and property stand as examples of successful organic gardening and lawn care.  Inside the house we use non toxic cleaning products, and follow as many environment friendly practices as we can.  Our Meditation Garden, which is open to the public, is on the register of the Quiet Garden Trust which originates here in England.

I believe that two of the most profound questions we should be asking each day are, “Who is my neighbor on this earth,” and “How do my daily actions affect that neighbor.”

Though we each hail from different countries and diverse cultures, the one thing we all have in common is where we live.  Our home is the planet earth, a beautiful gem-like orb, that provides the vital necessities of everyday life without which we could not survive.  Each of us needs clean air, unpolluted water, abundant sunshine, enough rain, and fertile soil for growing food.  All are crucial to our well being.

I like to think of the earth as a very large neighborhood where all who dwell therein are concerned about, and working towards the welfare of this vast neighborhood.  As we know, human beings are not the only inhabitants of this community.  There are other creatures and ecosystems that are dependent upon our sense of compassion for their  existence.

It seems, though, that we have not always done a very good job of being “caretakers” of this wonderful place.  Instead of exercising compassionate dominion over all, we have too often assumed a role of entitlement, where cost, or consequence to others is not considered.  It appears that sacrifice of ecological systems, the welfare of people, animal habitat, and pollution, is never too great a price to pay for individual gain.  It is sad to think that most likely there are undiscovered species of insects, animals, or birds that may have been lost to us forever.  We may very well live to see a time when food is scarce due to the demise of pollinating insects and birds because of lost habitat, indiscriminate use of toxic chemicals, and interrupted flyways.

When God granted “dominion over all” to human beings, I cannot think that anything less than a sense of interconnectedness and respect for every living entity was God’s intent.  We were to be caretakers of this generous and supreme gift that was given to each of us.  Instead, we now face a real crisis because we have not honored and cared for the earth in the manner we should.

We, as human beings, are no more important, nor less, than the humble insects.  We live in an interconnected community made up of all sorts of creatures and systems whose purposes in life are very clear to them.  Our continuous interruptions of these communities and systems may well be our own undoing.

I hope that we can rethink our place in the world and become more attuned to living simply as part of a whole glorious system of balances and checks that work well without interference.  The initial plan for how the earth and all its inhabitants and systems connect, work, and rely on each other was nothing short of genius.

It is past time that we rethink our place; past time that we reconsider who we are and where we fit into this marvelous system called earth; past time that we do an about face, let go of our egos and remember that we are an equal part of a complete system which includes all the inhabitants of this planet, be they human, animal, fowl, or insect.  Each has an important role, purpose, and calling.

I will end this portion of our session with a quote from Katharine Jefferts-Schori, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in America.  She says, “We are meant to be partners in God’s glorious creative work.  How are we going to be green, heal this planet, and give glory to God?”  And then, “Seeking a transformed heart changes our way of seeing the world.”

May we all be so transformed.

The day for the bishops and spouses in London began early on July 24 at 6:30 a.m. as we gathered at the University of Kent bus stop to board transportation to London, a ninety minute ride away. The line of participants waiting with us must have extended at least four city blocks, so we were awash in a sea of purple cassocks, colorful outfits, and a wondrous assortment of hats suitable for a tea party with the Queen.

Arriving in London, we traveled past the Parliament Building, Big Ben, and across the river Thames to reach the starting point of our walk for the Millennium Development Goals. It was sunny and warm with everyone in high spirits and looking forward to walking together for such a worthwhile purpose. Rickshaws were provided for those unable to walk but who wished to participate.

Cutting poverty in half

We walked carrying placards which proclaimed the goal of cutting world poverty in half by the year 2015. Many bystanders waved, cheered, and shouted greetings. There were very few protesters, and they were well behaved. The English “Bobbies” were stationed on either side of the streets, just in case.

Passing over the Thames River was quite an experience as the views were breathtaking of boats, sparkling sunlit water, and all that we could see.

Walking up to Lambeth Palace was a sight. Huge banners were strung from the highest parapets of the castle-like structure, waving in the breeze and vividly telling the world of our intentions: “Do Justice,” “Love Mercy,” “Keep the Promise,” and “Halve Poverty by 2015.”

We gathered in the large courtyard to hear presentations by Archbishop Rowan and Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Together they pledged to work toward these goals. Mr. Brown’s talk was particularly impassioned.

Next we were ushered into the rear garden area of the Palace to the music of a marimba band whose members were young school children.  Refreshments were waiting for all as we wended our way to the large tented room that was beautifully set for lunch.

Palace Gardens

Afterwards, the gardens of the Palace beckoned. Paths were followed, plantings admired, and a walk to the pond and herb garden provided a pleasant interlude between lunch and time to depart for Buckingham Palace, a short bus ride away.

As we alighted at the Palace gates of black wrought iron trimmed out in gold, I rather much felt like Cinderella alighting from her carriage on the arm of her Prince Charming in purple. I think we both wore grins on our faces the whole time we were there, thinking that this could not possibly be real!

We were ushered through two magnificent rooms of portraits, glassed-in antique china, furniture of indeterminate age, but certainly very old, over crimson carpets, and gilded trim upon most surfaces. It was so elegant, speaking to another time altogether. The essence of royalty and daily events gone before was very much present.

In the courtyard

Walking out into the sunshine of the vast courtyard behind Buckingham Palace, we heard music from two military band regiments, each at opposite ends of this open space fringed on every border by gardens and paths. Humming along with the Broadway themed music, we strolled toward the gardens. At the opposite end of the building, a large lake glistened in the sun.  Indigenous water fowl swam, or rested on the banks. The Rose Garden was spectacular with a white painted cement urn at least twelve to fifteen feet high, and the “folly” designed as a Grecian temple.  The roses were grouped in sections of same color and variety.  Jim gathered rose petals for me from the grass as we strolled, in order to have a bit of potpourri from Buckingham Palace.  (They sit drying above me on the sparse shelving above my head in my dormitory cell here at the university.)

We lined up with everyone else as time approached for Queen Elizabeth to make her appearance. No word had been forthcoming earlier about who of the royal family might accompany her. Her personal guard, all decked out in the traditional red livery, descended the steps from the Palace and took up their stance. We were at the front of the line at one side so we had an excellent view of her and of Prince Philip as they made their entrance. The Queen was quietly resplendent in a conservatively printed summer dress; her matching hat sported lovely whimsical butterflies. Of course she had her customary gloves and purse. She took much time in her conversations with various people along the line. Our impression of her was one of grace and undivided attention to the persons with whom she talked.

Enjoying tea

We were on the opposite side of the line that she walked past, stopping to chat here and there, but we had the best view of everything that was happening. We crossed over later and enjoyed watching even more closely as she made her way to the royal court tent to enjoy her tea. The Archbishop and the Primates joined her there.

We helped ourselves to delicious tea, sandwiches of cucumber, smoked salmon, egg salad, and delicate truffles, sponge cakes, and mini scones topped with raspberries and cream.

Too soon

The afternoon was over too soon but, needless to say, a wonderful time was had by all!

I wish to say at this point that the many stewards who are responsible for keeping over one thousand people organized for every event have been incredibly polite, patient beyond words, and accomplished their jobs well. We continue to be so impressed with the organization of all aspects of this massive conference.  Many of the stewards are seminary students from all over the world, who, if their sense of compassion displayed here is any indication, will be very wonderful additions to the Church someday.

In this update I want to note the London Day last week when the entire group made the three- hour bus trip to the city and participated in the Walk of Witness in support of the MDG’s, after which we were treated to events of memorably gracious hospitality at Lambeth and Buckingham Palaces.

Though the social events were beyond what most of us had ever experienced and ever will again, the spirit of the day was carried by the Walk of Witness in which more than 1,000 of us marched with placards in support of action to eradicate poverty and dire consequences it perpetuates.  Though it was an unthreatening scene and a quite pleasant walk through town, simply being in the streets and saying publicly something of import made the Gospel itself seem more real and present.

At the end of the walk we heard the Archbishop of Canterbury call all to Gospel imperative action for the poor, followed by a passionately powerful speech by Prime Minister Gordon Brown focusing on the same imperatives for governments and nations.

Injecting the spirit of the Witness Walk into the Lambeth Conference makes this an opportune time to  note that one of the concerns expressed repeatedly at this conference is that what is being referred to as the “Western agenda” – meaning primarily North America – will dominate and that we will focus on sexuality, covenant, etc. to the exclusion or diminishment of far greater magnitude  world concerns such as starvation, lack of education, and unavailable health care for millions of people.

Bishops from some of the most devastatingly poor countries have said to me that discussion of sexuality and like concerns are a luxury of the rich compared to the life threatening circumstances they must address daily.  It reminds one of the scripture, “Your concerns are not my concerns,” says the Lord.  And certainly challenges us to put in perspective that which is of highest priority.

Can it be July 28^th?  The calendar is a reminder that time here is not only well filled, but is also passing quickly.  As we begin the last week of the conference, I write to update you on items that  seem to be most relevant and of highest interest.

The daily schedule of Bible study, Indaba groups, workshops, presentations, and other options resumes today.  This week will be somewhat different in design in that it affords us more plenary sessions for conversation and open hearings on increasingly pressing topics of the draft Covenant, sexuality, and the model for the Anglican Communion as we strive to go forward in mission.

Though there remain distinct and abiding differences on matters of ordaining gay and lesbian persons to the episcopate and the proposed Covenant, what is also distinct and most encouraging is that the overall tone of the conference remains far more positive than negative.  Disagreement on issues does not normally translate into dislike or disrespect of one another. That for the most part holds true across the gathering.  The more strident, critical voices making headlines are few and frequently misleading, especially if taken as the sentiment of the body here.

Overall there is a discernable readiness and general goodwill toward reaching increased levels of understanding and accommodation throughout the Lambeth gathering, but what that will look like in detail is yet to be decided.  One primary tension is whether we will evolve into a federation of national provinces that are connected, but clearly independent of one another or become more a Communion unified in mission and interdependent.  The latter is of course the preference, but the way there is not yet clear and a consensus is yet to come.

In the midst of listening, learning, and testing out possible next steps, we are exceptionally well served by the leadership of the Archbishop of Canterbury and our own Presiding Bishop – and others as well — in that both model being non-anxious, centered, and unhurried in a body where anxiety could easily escalate to the level of reactive decisions that would be less than wise and lastingly harmful.  Archbishop Rowan and Presiding Bishop Katharine are very present and relatively at ease in their comments and the conversations they are encouraging.

What I’m finding to be so – and this is from one who has a favorable disposition toward the media – is that the time we’ve spent in Bible study and discussion without high visibility, posturing and open conflict, has frustrated those here from various news agencies who are struggling to find stories that would be eye-catching and engaging to readers, especially those matters that could feed a more sensational headline.  As a result, even a simple aside made by anyone can become a headline with the implication that it reflects mood or the opinion of the conference, which it does not.

I should note that there was an extreme closeness of bishops and spouses, not in theology or ecclesiology, but during their respective group picture sessions on Saturday.  Try to imagine 700 – that’s 700, mind you – bishops of all shapes and sizes climbing onto temporary and somewhat rickety bleachers constructed just for the photo sessions.  It took nearly 45 minutes to get all in place with no space for movement and some literally having to be pushed into remaining small spaces.  Whatever the picture will look like, the experience itself will not soon be forgotten.  I resist commenting on whether a failure of structure would have been a plus or minus for the Communion.

More to come as the days unfold and the prayers continue.  I remain deeply grateful for yours.

As I reflect on yesterday’s events and review news reports already posted, I am conscious of not simply repeating the same description of “what we did” the day before.  The ENS accounts provided by reporters and Bishops who most often are approached randomly for comments offer basic information and insights that seem to serve well.  I do commend the ENS updates for your reading.

My intention in daily updates is to share my experience and perspective in a way that I hope will be informative and meaningful for our diocese.  I do recommend reading the Presidential Address by Archbishop Williams given Sunday evening.  It represents well both the tone and focus of the conference design group in the Archbishop’s own style which is a strong influence on our work.

And it continues to be clear that the intention is for every voice  here to be heard, among bishops and spouses in their respective settings.  The effort of conference planners to make this happen have been extensive and so far is proving to be effective well beyond past Lambeths, according to those who have previously attended.

Through the daily Bible study sessions (75 minutes), followed by Indaba groups (2 hours) of 30-40 bishops each, we participate in exercises that make it impossible for anyone to sit it out.  Most encouraging is the readiness of all to speak and to engage actively in discussion topics and questions.  The language differences have not been a great obstacle, thanks to the pre-planning and translation equipment available – and the fact that most speak English at some level, even if their fourth or fifth language.

The Bible study group I lead is composed of two bishops from India representing two difference dioceses, one bishop from the Sudan, another from Tanzania, and a Bishop Suffragan from England, Two ecumenical representatives who have not yet been able to attend.  The groups are inentionally small for everyone to speak.

I am daily struck by the readiness to speak and the openness to discuss not only the Bible passages and questions, but also how the issues that surface in studying John’s Gospel, focusing on Jesus’ “I am . . .” sayings translate into our respective contexts for ministry and relate to complex and challenging issues facing the Anglican Communion today.

It is heartening to hear freely offered candid comments and insights on scripture passages.  The study sessions have exceeded expectations timewise, quickly fostering honest and respectiveful interaction that is not at all always comfortable for any of us.  In the commitment to candid  communication I find real hope.

The Indaba groups that follow the Bible study and last for two hours follow a well designed model of constantly changing the makeup of small groups which vary in size within the 30-40 bishops in each.  The spirit of Indaba is being lived out.  While I at first suspected using Indaba as just another way to facilitate the same old group stuff, I have learned that it isn’t.  Below is a brief description – the essence —  of Indaba as a serious instrument for communication and community building.

Indaba is a Zulu word for a gathering for purposeful discussion. It is both a process and method of engagement as we listen to one another concerning challenges that face our community and by extension the Anglican Communion.

An Indaba first and foremost acknowledges that there are issues that need to be addressed effectively to foster on-going communal living. Originally, in the Zulu context, these would include issues which affected the whole of the community. In our case it is issues which affect the whole Communion as reflected in our daily themes.

In Indaba, we must be aware of these challenges (issues) without immediately trying to resolve them one way or the other. We meet and converse, ensuring that everyone has a voice, and contributes (in our case, praying that it might be under the guidance of the Holy Spirit) and that the issues at hand are fully defined and understood by all.

The purpose of the discussion is to find out the deeper convergences that might hold people together in difference and come to a deeper understanding of the topic or issues discussed. This will be achieved by seeking to understand exactly the thinking behind positions other than our own.

As I wrote to the Diocese at the time Gloria and I departed for the Lambeth Conference, I have resisted becoming a regular blogger. Now, however, since the news accounts of Lambeth are beginning to increase and at times contain indisputably inaccurate information drawn from a seriously distorted perspective, I will be sending updates from my own participation, observation, and general perspective, which will be subject to their own degree of distortion as one person’s view.

Hospitality

To recap our early days in England, upon our arrival we immediately began the Pre-Lambeth Hospitality Initiative which included staying with a couple in the Diocese of Chichester and traversing the Uckfield Deanery (named for the river Uck) over the next four days. Our itinerary included a series of meetings throughout the Deanery, most of which were in people’s homes where we were in every place warmly received. The Diocese of Chichester is large, with nearly two million people and 21 deaneries. Two Suffragan Bishops serve with the Diocesan Bishop.

In many hours of conversation, only a small percentage was about the usual headline issues of sexuality and ordination of women as bishops; people were eager to hear about how TEC operates and voiced widespread misperceptions. It was enlightening to hear firsthand the impression that The Episcopal Church (hereafter TEC) was in turmoil and deeply divided throughout the country. The fact that most TEC eligible bishops were attending Lambeth seemed a surprise. This spoke to the influence of inaccurate reports about TEC in local papers.

At the various meeting venues, attendees posed straightforward and occasionally challenging questions which were more genuinely curious than contentious. A majority of the questions reflected a desire that the Anglican Communion not be divided. As Gloria and I listened and also spoke about our diocese and TEC, people responded quite positively.

Gratitude

They repeatedly expressed gratitude for the opportunity to talk face to face with someone from TEC. We learned a great deal from them about the richness of their history and the context in which the churches function, still influenced significantly by patronage, and eager, as are we, to get on with mission.

Beginning July 15, training for those of us leading Bible study groups continued for an evening and a day. The outline of material is quite good and available in a slightly modified form online. I hope you will take advantage of this offering and participate.

Preparation

Though last week the days were full, the work was primarily orientation and preparation for the official launch of the conference. In his Presidential Address, the Archbishop of Canterbury outlined his perspective and hopes for the conference. His remarks were focused clearly on a call to work on a form of Anglican Covenant.

For those of us attending and for the Communion, pray that we will be able to exercise spirit led discernment over special interest distortions.

Keenly aware of and grateful for the privilege of representing you, Gloria and I send our best to all. +Jim

This evening Gloria and I fly out for the Lambeth Conference to be held in Canterbury, England from July 16-August 3. Before leaving, I want to offer a brief preview of the conference and thoughts about the design which I believe holds profound potential.

About Lambeth

The first Lambeth Conference was convened in February 1867 by Archbishop of Canterbury, Charles Longley. Seventy-six bishops attended. Not all bishops were invited; not all invited chose to attend, the Archbishop of York being one of those who declined to attend.

It is worth noting that according to Graham James, the first Lambeth Conference was convened in a spirit of “Resolving to Confer and Conferring to Resolve: the Anglican Way.” The intention, though it has shifted – especially at the 1998 conference – was not to legislate for the Communion nor to function as a governing body. The invitation was to pray, study, and build relationships across the Communion for the sake of God’s mission. There is much more to read and the details really are interesting and incredibly enlightening.

Repeating History, Recurring Tensions

A review of past conferences reveals that two fundamental tensions have occupied attention of the attendees from 1867 until today:

• The unique calling of the Anglican Communion to be comprehensive (inclusive) in tension with the need to define and hold what is Orthodox in belief and practice.

• The question about whether there should be some governing principles, not unlike the work we are doing now on an Anglican Covenant draft, to which all Provinces of the Communion would subscribe in order to be considered a member of the Communion.

Conference Design

I am delighted and encouraged that the bishops will begin with three days retreat led by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The topic is “God’s mission and a bishop’s discipleship.” I cannot think of a better way to begin and Archbishop Rowan is a gifted retreat leader and teacher.

The overall design of the conference allows for table groups for Bible study and conversation on specific items, and is focused much more on conversation, listening, and relationship building than on plenary sessions for legislation.

Gloria and I will have some interesting opportunities before, during and after the conference.

Gloria will be facilitating a session on the environment and care of creation for the spouses and I have been asked to lead/facilitate the daily Bible study for my group.

I encourage you to visit the Lambeth Conference website to participate in the daily Bible study, and other links available for news.

I note as well that as part of the Lambeth Hospitality Initiative extended to all bishops and spouses, Gloria and I will be in the Diocese of Chichester from July 11-15 and will visit churches in the Uckfield Deanery, engage in open conversation, and share in formal events with Bishop John Hind and numerous others in the brief four days. I will be the guest preacher in Holy Cross Church this coming Sunday, July 13.

Though by choice I’ve avoided becoming a ‘blogging bishop,’ I am committed to frequent communication via email while at the conference and will strive to keep you informed on the most interesting and relevant developments. You can be sure there will be sessions in our diocese for sharing of information we bring back.

Know that your prayers for all attending the conference will be much appreciated and that you shall surely be in ours.

Faithfully yours,

+Jim

James E. Waggoner