The more things change, the more they stay the same

Kim Robey at the National Episcopal Church Center found this. She writes: This was a prayer that the Committee on the Status of Women felt it was important to have written and distributed widely across the church. Morehouse was going to print it in 7 languages and make it available throughout the church.

A Prayer for Lambeth 1998
By Avery Brooke

Lord Christ, when we think of the many Anglican Christians brought together for the Lambeth conference from all over the world, we are awed and grateful, and we pray your Holy Spirit will be with them in their prayers and conversations.

For the first time there are women who are Bishops at Lambeth. They come rejoicing that it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us that they be called to be priests and Bishops. But it is a lonely path, Jesus, and there is much opposition. We ask that you be with them in their joy and rejection. We also pray with and for all those who believe that having women priests and bishops is wrong. May we respect their hearts and minds and may all your servants know the goodness of your love, the glory of your healing grace and the tracing of your Spirit.

Compassionate Lord, this is not the only conflict and difficulty that will come before our leaders at Lambeth. We who should love each other often come close to hate. Jesus, help us to forgive each other as you forgive us and to work together for your Kingdom.

Amen.