Can it be July 28th? 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.