July 24, 2008
Greetings:
Debbie and I have just returned from “London Day” where we joined the Archbishop of Canterbury on a “Walk of Witness” in support of the Millennium Development Goals. Several thousand people joined with the Bishops and Spouses of the Anglican Communion to walk from Victoria Embankment, past #10 Downing Street, the home of the Prime Minister; by “Big Ben” and the Houses of Parliament; past Westminster Abbey; to Lambeth Palace.
At Lambeth Palace, we were addressed by Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, wherein he pledged his continued support of the MDG’s and the efforts to eradicate poverty in the world.
We were then hosted by the Archbishop of Canterbury and his wife for lunch in a tent more than a football field long setup on the lawn of Lambeth Palace.
Following lunch we proceeded to Buckingham Palace where all the bishops and their spouses were invited by the Queen for “Tea on the Lawn.” When the Queen arrived all the guests lined up as she walked with her husband the Duke of Edinburgh to the Royal Tea Tent. Along the way a number of persons were selected to meet the Queen personally. While Debbie and I did not meet the Queen, we did get to say hello and had the opportunity to talk with the Duke of Edinburgh.
Tomorrow we will return to our regular daily schedule of bible study and Indaba groups. In the last couple of days we have begun to have some conversations around the challenges and issues facing our Communion. I will say that the conversations have not been without passion and energy.
Without question there are going to be difficult conversations in the days ahead. However, even in the midst of some tension that seems to be building, there is a hope that exists. Personally, I have experienced valuable and insightful conversation. I have begun to develop some wonderful relationships with bishops from many other provinces and I look forward to strengthening those relationships in the days ahead.
Please continue to keep all at Lambeth in your thoughts and prayers.
+Bishop Ed