The (almost dead on) Arrival

I have a very dear friend who grew up around horses, who, when he had been though a particularly difficult time would always say, "Well, my dear, I feel as if I've been rode hard and put away wet."

My sentiments exactly at this moment.

Thankfully, and serendipitously, I was able to travel with my friend, Martha Gardner from the Diocese of Newark, who used to work for 815 and now works for the ACC (Anglican Consultative Counsel) at the United Nations. Unbeknownest to either of us, we were on the same plane from Newark to Gatwick Airports.

We also ran into one of my oldest and dearest friends, Margaret Rose, who was also headed to Lambeth but was flying into Heathrow.

The flight left Newark Sunday evening at 7:15 PM and arrived outside of London at 6:45 AM Monday morning. We then took the train to Victoria Station in London and then hopped another train to Canterbury, then a cab to St. Stephen's parish hall at around 11:30 AM.

I was driven to my wee apartment about a 15 minute walk from here where I had a chance to unpack and fix myself a cup of tea before taking an absolutely delicious two hour nap. After my nap, I got dressed and and walked back to St. Stephen's, which is serving as the "Integrity/Changing Attitudes" (AKA "St. Anne's Group") Nerve Center.

The place is a jumble of of electrical and computer wires and is absolutely swarming with amazing volunteers who are helping to make our time here effective and our voices heard.

We were fed an amazing hot, delicious parish cooked dinner which filled places I hadn't realized were empty. Blogger and 'radical librarian' Allie Graham also stopped by and we were able to steal an hour of conversation and giggles. Fortunately, she was able to stay for dinner with us.

I'm hoping to catch up with Allie, Luiz, and Michael tomorrow, and, together with Jon (who's also volunteering here), we'll head off the the local pub for some proper fish 'n chips - hopefully Tuesday evening.

All this activity since my arrival has been punctuated by bits of happy and/or intense conversation and hugging, when not being introduced to folk who are here from Nigeria, Toronto, Ontario, and from every and all areas of the UK and USA.

It's amazing. Truly.

Tomorrow morning, I'm going to the University of Kent to get my press pass and schlep over some of the Episcopal Women's Caucus stuff to the Market Place. I'm also going to try to catch up with Margaret and Martha as well as Kim Robey from the Women's Desk at 815 to do some networking with Anglican women around the globe.

I want to listen to their stories and give them voice on this blog. I'm hoping to help make the justice connection between sexism and heterosexism/homophoba as I write for the "Lambeth Witness" - the daily publication of the St. Anne's group for the bishops and visitors to Lambeth.

I'm excited and hopeful and inordinately exhausted but Ms. Conroy assures me that if I have a good supper, drink plenty of fluids and get off to bed early tonight I'll feel like a new woman in the morning.

From her mouth to God's ear.

Lambeth Weat and Lambeth Weeds

“Let anyone with ears listen!” Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
X Pentecost – July 20, 2008
The Episcopal Church of St. Paul
Chathamhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.photo.gif, NJ
(the Rev’d Dr.) Elizabeth Kaeton

I have very clear memories of my grandfather’s garden, which was the side lot of the family home in Fall River, MA. My grandfather and father and uncles would all help in the plowing and planting of the field, and we children and my grandmother, mother and aunts would help him tend the garden.

It’s gone now, that side lot. A house has been built on it. They call that progress, I believe. Reminds me of the reporter who asked Gandhi what he thought of Western Civilization. “It would be a good idea,” he said to have responded.

We were taught at an early age how to plant and how to weed – how to recognize the early shoots of corn and melon, squash and pumpkin from the weeds that would spring up right beside them. Oh, in the beginning, we would make a mistake and pull up the wrong growth, but that only happened once. My grandmother kept an eagle eye on us, and it seemed that every new growth was precious in her sight.

My grandfather’s garden was huge – it had to be. This was not gardening as a hobby. This garden fed our family. It was important work. Hard work. “Honest work,” as my grandmother would say, which is why she insisted that we sing songs as we worked – songs that gave praise to God and the mystery of our place in creation. The music fed our souls while we tended the food that would feed and nourish our bodies.

So, to hear Jesus tell this parable, this image of the Realm of God seems very strange to my ears and eyes. My first thought in reading this passage was that if Jesus ever wanted to become a farmer, well, he should not quit his day job. Not pull up the weeds? I’m sure Ann Bennett and the rest of the ‘Monday Night weeders’ would agree with me – this is preposterous! First of all, weeds can be harmful to the plants. More than that, if you wait for the harvest to pull up weeds and wheat, your job is made that much more difficult.

As I’ve studied and meditated and prayed over this gospel this week, I’ve come to see that this is a perfect image of this church to take with me to England. Indeed, it is a great image of the church I’ll be encountering on the campus of The University of Kent, where the Lambeth Conference is being held.

How can that be an image of the Realm of God? How is that Paradise? I walked around for days trying to figure this out, and then I remembered a story told by Mpho Tutu, one of the daughters of Desmond Tutu, who is also an Episcopal priest. Bishop Robinson recently retold this story last Sunday in his first sermon in England at evensong at St. Mary’s, Putney.

Mpho tells the story about her brother-in-law’s engagement. When he brought home the woman who was to become his wife, his mother was not pleased. Indeed, she was so distressed that she hardly slept all night. When she awoke in the morning, however, she made an announcement.

“In my dream,” she said, “God revealed to me that I have placed myself on the wrong committee. God did not appoint me to the Selection Committee. God appointed me to the Welcoming Committee.” And, with that, the family dispute was settled.

I think that’s exactly what Jesus is telling us this morning. In the family of God, we have not been appointed to the Weeding Committee. Neither have we been appointed to the Wheat or Harvesting Committee. Rather, we have all been appointed to the Welcoming or Hospitality Committee – and the only thing we are responsible for, ultimately, is the harvest of our own life. In the end, as it was in the beginning, God will sort out the weeds from the wheat.

That is what we say about this church, isn’t it? Everyone is welcome here to come and grow – the weeds and the wheat. And everyone, every single last one of us – from the tiniest grain of wheat to the strongest blade of weed – is welcome to celebrate God’s presence together in the way that is most meaningful to us as individuals in community. We are each responsible for the harvest of our own lives.

That’s also a wonderful image to take to the Lambeth Conference with me. There are over 650 bishops and primates of the over 800 in the WWAC who have gathered together to study scripture and pray together, and live in community with one another. Some of the bishops think other bishops are the weeds in the fields of the Lord, which threaten to chock out the good wheat of the “faith first delivered to the saints.”

The problem is that those bishop don’t see that other bishops see them as the weeds, come to chock out the good wheat of the on-going revelation of the Spirit who brings new growth, new life to this ancient church of God. Well, you can giggle, but those bishops are not any different than anyone else in this church. I suspect you might agree with me that it is a good thing that God has decided that S/he will be the judge of that.

I admit that some of my dread in going to England was about this idea of weeding. There are some of our sisters and brothers who like to take things in their own hands. They believe with all their hearts that God has anointed them with the task of being on the Selection or Weeding Committee, and when the weeds are not pulled, or banished or humiliated, fear begins to set in and violence is ignited in their minds.

I was at the Lambeth Conference 10 years ago, and at times, the tension on the beautiful green rolling hill of Kent was as thick as weeds in a meadow. It was not a pretty sight, made even more ugly in a gathering that called itself the Anglican Communion, which professes to follow the Way of Jesus. I confess that I am going to Lambeth this time, ten years later, with a certain amount of healthy anxiety, but I can also say to you in all honesty that I am not afraid. I say that as fact and I say that as prayer.

I can say that, in no small part, because of this little miracle meadow of wheat and weeds called The Episcopal Church of St. Paul in the hamlet of Chatham, NJ. The love and the prayers that are here give me the strength to feel my fear and keep walking anyway. I have come to know that this is the definition of courage: to feel your fear and keep walking, anyway. I have also come to know that courage is not something you have – it’s something you get from others when you feel loved and prayed for.

So, off I go, then, from the fields of wheat and weeds at St. Paul’s, Chatham into the fields of wheat and weeds called the Lambeth Conference. Both are, as Jesus tells us in this morning’s gospel, very near to the Kingdom of God, who is, in fact, President of the Selection Committee.

I go with that image of the field of God, in which I am not a weeder, but a sower of seeds of hope in the fields of the world. It is important work, hard work, honest work, so as my grandmother taught me, I travel with this song in my heart:

My life goes on in endless song
above earth's lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
that hails a new creation.

Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear it's music ringing,
It sounds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?

No storm can shake my inmost calm,
while to that rock I'm clinging.
Since love is lord of heaven and earth
how can I keep from singing? Amen.

How Can I Keep From Singing?

This is the hymn I will carry in my heart as I travel to Lambeth. It will be for me both hymn and prayer as I travel as well as while I do the work God gives me to do while I'm there.

I covet and cherish your prayers.

Our heroic gang

A poetic reflection from our David in Montreal (reprinted with permission)

outliving the lies of their individual and collective up-bringings
the mockery, the violence, rejection and fear of their adolescence
stepping out of the 'cures' of their hetrosexual marriages

throwing off the oppression of the closet
day-by-day perhaps stepping beyond the percieved limitations of their 'otherness'

and through God's unfailing grace, in time coming out in their congregations
stepping up for ordination

and in one radiantly extraordinary case consecration

and that's to not even mention all the incredible straight brothers and sisters who have had the courage and grace to open themselves to the larger work of renewal the Holy Spirit is working at this time in our rather unique Communion

nothing short of heroic our gang, each in her/his way

And let the church say, "Amen. Amen. Amen!"

Anglican Feedback

Gather 'round, boys and girls, moms and dads. Have I got a resource for you!

It's called "The Anglican Feedback" and its an amazing place to graze for tidbits of information about everything Anglican.

Check it out. Every possible link to every possible news source and blog across the spectrum of the World Wide Anglican Communion is right here.

You'll get ENS, Episcopal Cafe, Susan Russell, Mark Harris, Gene Robinson, Katie Sherod, Thinking Anglicans AND Ruth Gledhill - all your favorites and even the ones you have to put on your Kevlar vest and asbestos pumps before visiting - plus many, many more, all in one convenient portal.

You'll also get the Book of Common Prayer, the Anglican Cycle of Prayer on line as well as the lectionary readings for the Daily Office.

It's a veritable "Disney Land for Anglophile News Addicts". Within the first five minutes, you'll feel like you're seeing some of your favorite characters, together and all in one place.

And, if you visit within the next 10 minutes, you get all those links and the very attractive "Feed Bag" you see pictured above.

But, wait, there's more! Not only will you get all the links to all the news and blog resources in the WWAC, AND the Feed Bag pictured above, you also get a listing of all the local WWAC Cyberspace 12 Step Groups.

Complete anonymity guaranteed. You don't even have to use your screen name!

And here's the best part: IT'S ALL FREE!!!!

Visit now! Don't delay! All the news that's fit to print - and most that isn't - is just a mouse click away.

This offer will probably expire the "real minute" you click on the link. No cybers were abused or harmed during the construction of this website.

If the link above doesn't work for any reason, here it is for you to cut and paste into your browser:

http://www.pageflakes.com/anglicanfeedbag/

Be Not Afraid

I've been sitting on my deck, drinking my morning coffee and listening to the sound of silence in my neighborhood. It's so hot and humid the birds don't even have the energy to chirp, much less fly.

The only real sound is that of the morning psalmody of the crickets, half the choir protesting the weather, the other half chanting for rain on alternate verses.

It's a good place for me to consider my travel to England in a little less than 48 hours.

In the midst of the hot silence, I've been hearing the words of Bishop Gene in his sermon at Putney last Sunday evening. "Be not afraid," he said.

He reminded us that those words form the 'bookends' of the life of Jesus. When the angel came to Mary to announce His conception, when the angels went to the shepherds to announce His birth, when He and His apostles faced a storm on the water, when He came to them in every post resurrection appearance, those three words were always spoken:

Be not afraid.

I admit to having fears about Lambeth a few weeks ago. Fear was the motivating factor to do the "Christmas in July" fundraiser to keep Bishop Gene safe while at Lambeth.

Even though I knew how the episode would end, when I saw the heckler at the church in Putney, I admit that I could feel my fists clench and my stomach knot itself in fear.

I also admit to no small fear about the safety of my colleagues and myself, who might be considered "collateral damage" by the crazies that are always attracted to the church's once-a-decade Circus Maximus. This year, they are even meeting under a Big Blue Tent. It's all a bit frenetic and crazed.

Experience is a stern, unforgettable teacher. I've had more than my share of experiences where violence was present. I know what it can do. I have scars that are visible and some that are not from previous encounters with the lash of violence.

Be not afraid.

After much prayer and love and support from many of you, I can truthfully say that I am not afraid. I can say with all integrity the words Bishop Gene spoke, "I am going to Lambeth and I am not afraid." I say it as truth and I say it as prayer.

If I am honest, however, I must admit to a few waves of anxiety now and again. They are not paralyzing waves. I just recognize them when they come, thank them for the heightened awareness that anxiety always brings as an unexpected gift, and move on with my task.

I admit that I have a fear about Lambeth but it really doesn't have anything to do with safety or security to anyone's body. I am more concerned with what the bishops will do at Lambeth to the soul of the Anglican Church.

My worst fear is that they will emerge from the Big Blue Tent ("Hogwash", as I've named it), all starry-eyed, holding lit candles against the dark night of the threat of schism, singing Kumbya in four part harmony (you KNOW how clergy love to sing).

Hogwash, indeed!

There can be no doubt after the so-called Jerusalem Declaration that we are in schism. 'Realignment' is the language of snake-oil salesmen.

Yes, in the face of schism, it's important to begin talking about rebuilding the communion and getting clear about what it is we believe. It's too soon - much too soon - to enter into a covenant (if that's even a good idea at all for Anglicans).

It's time to work for Christian unity, but that process can not be rushed.

I'm all for Christian unity, but not at the expense of honesty.

I'm all for Christian unity, but not as a cheap bargain in trade for the compromise of justice and the dignity of every human being.

I'm all for Christian unity, but not at the sacrifice of the full inclusion of all the baptized in all the sacraments and sacramental rites of the church.

I pray that bishops and primates will be brave enough to tell their truth, even if it makes their sisters and brothers angry.

I pray that bishops and primates will be bold enough to hear the truth of their sisters and brothers and respond - not react - in love, even if that love needs to be 'tough'.

I pray that the good women and men who have been elected or appointed to positions of power and authority in the councils of the church will exercise the leadership of their roles instead of playing "Mr/Ms. FixIt."

I pray they will not cover the abscess of schism with the deception of 'realignment' and leave it to fester after leaving Lambeth.

I pray they will face into the reality of the deep wound that has been inflicted in the common life of our faith and tend to it with courageous mercy and bold compassion.

I pray that they will be able to hold in fond esteem as well as in clear accountability those of their brothers who have chosen not to be with them and work for the justice and peace of God and get on with the work of the mission and ministry of Christ Jesus.

I pray they will be able to bid a fond farewell to their brothers who have chosen to walk another path, helping them to see that there are many paths but one way to God, which is the way of justice, compassion and humility, not prejudice, retaliation and humiliation.

I pray they will be able to move beyond inclusion, beyond the Windsor Report and various recent statements and pontifications made from Tanzania and Jerusalem, and into the Way, the Truth and the Life of Christ Jesus who is Love Incarnate, Love Divine.

I pray that the bishops and primates will be so inspired after their MDG walk next Sunday that they will form partnerships across the vast chasms of their theological and ecclesiological differences and do good work in the name of Jesus, so that all who seem them may give honor and glory to God.

These petitions are part of my Lambeth Prayer, which can be summed up in three little words:

Be Not Afraid.

Canterbury Tales from A Lambeth Steward

The Rev'd Michael Sniffen is in Canterbury, working as a Lambeth Steward. He sent this letter this morning and has graciously allowed me to reprint it here.

Greetings from Canterbury!

I am not blogging or sending lengthy e-mails throughout the conference, but I want to keep in touch with those of you on the list while I am here and share a few experiences. Consider this an introduction the Lambeth from behind the curtain. I will say this later on - but, the press have it pretty wrong so far!

The last 8 days have been amazing. We stewards have all enjoyed getting to know one another as we have arrived from around the communion (over 28 countries I believe). We are a diverse group to be sure. Off the top of my head, we are from the US, France, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Nigeria, Tanzania, South Africa, The Solomon Islands, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina...and the list goes on. Even within the Episcopal church the stewards are from diverse places. Me (from Newark), one from Virginia, one from North Carolina, one from New Jersey and one from Fort Worth.

We have spent the last week going through a thousand and one briefings with various members of the design team and the ABC's staff (Rowan Cantaur has been SO welcoming and kind to us - more on that later). We have also been at prayer twice a day with the chaplaincy team which is a group of monks and nuns from around the communion (with a large number from the Solomon islands). The spirit of the worship has been deeply moving and the music is out of this world. We have worked together on the intercessory prayers that will be used throughout the conference, which has been a real challenge and a joy to do as well.

Perhaps the most fun briefing was the one regarding our garden party with the Queen, which happens next week. We were told that some of us would have an opportunity to shake hands with the Queen and to chat briefly, but that we are not to reach out for her - she will reach out for us and invite us to speak. We have also been told to call her "Your Majesty" the first time and "M'am" after that (Ma'm as in Ham is what we were told). We were also walked through the appropriate protocol for the lunch at Lambeth Palace.

I must say that the mood here is not what I expected at all. There is a deep sense of contemplation and reflection and very little focus on the politics of schism. There is also a whole lot of joy - and it is not superficial. The program has been designed so well and my hope for some good to come from this conference continues to increase - even more now that the bishops have arrived.

Rather than large plenaries and opportunity for resolutions to be made - the bishops are in bible study groups of six in the morning after Morning Prayer, breakfast and Eucharist. Then they move to their Indaba groups of about 40 to have a guided discussion of a topic - "The Bishop and Evangelism" for example. Then they eat together - then have "self select sessions" in the afternoon followed by dinner and time to visit the marketplace and fringe events ending with Night Prayers. That is the basic shape of each day. There are only three plenary sessions the whole time (all keynote speeches by ecumenical guests).

The bible study is very well written and follows the gospel of John for the whole conference. I will be bringing copies home (Along with Lambeth Praise, the hymnal put together for the conference - and the worship resources)!

The last two days have been pretty crazy - but a lot of fun. All the bishops have arrived with their spouses and we have had the responsibility of making sure all the luggage was tagged appropriately and brought to the right rooms on campus by the Canterbury Volunteers (of which there are 350). I always thought that bishops had a lot of baggage before I arrived, but I had no idea! They have come with hat boxes and all! I did get to check in the PB's luggage as well as +Mark's and +Orris's. (Yes, I did ensure that the bishops I knew got through a little more quickly than others - I will confess that favoritism later!) Bishop Katherine is in great form, had an excellent time in Salisbury with the Sudanese bishops and looked great!

OK. Saved the best for last. I was asked two days ago to assist with the opening Eucharist as one of the only priests on the stewarding team. I of course said YES! - and assumed I would be off the the side somewhere shuffling things. As it turned out, I was distributing communion with the dean of Canterbury Cathedral and Ian Douglas from EDS. I had a seat in the front row at the top of the steps beside the altar looking out at 650 bishops and their spouses for the whole Eucharist. It was unreal. Then at the end after chatting with the dean, he asked if I would like to say mass at the Cathedral once a week during the rest of my stay...I almost fell over!!! I managed a "yes, I would be extremely honored." So, I will be saying mass sometime in the next few days. Of course all of you will be in my prayers!

Please pray for me as I continue my ministry of support for the bishops and spouses during their conference. Don't buy what the press has been saying about schism looming over the conference strongly. Schism seems very far from the conference as someone who is directly involved with it. Of course, the Lambeth Conference is not going to solve the current issues in the communion, but I do think it will help the center to hold through building relationships and deepening the sense of connection bishop to bishop - through bible studies that cut across the provinces provinces. I have met (albeit momentarily) almost every bishop at the conference and it seems to me that there is an enormous amount of grace around in Canterbury. More than I ever imagined possible.

I hope you all are well. I look forward to seeing you when I get back. Yes, I am sure I will still be floating!

Peace and Love,
Michael+

P.S. We had a wonderful tour of the Cathedral the other night after it had closed to the public and really had time to soak in the place. What a space! The stewards will be on retreat for 3 days after the conference with the Archbishop of Canterbury. He has even invited us to his palace beside the cathedral! It really is all too much!! I continue to just soak it in and be thankful - between all the thoughts of "why me?!" Thoughts and prayers.

Dateline: University of Kent - Lambeth Day I

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan "Harry Potter" Williams, is pictured here and below, to the left, jauntily leading the primates and bishops of the World Wide Anglican Communion to The Big Blue Tent, which has already been affectionately nicknamed "Hogwash."

It is here, after receiving their assignments from the "Sorting Miter," the men and women in purple and magenta will be led into four "Indaba Houses" where they will be on intensive retreat before engaging in a two week course of studying Ancient Sacred Writ and discussing Very Important Things.

The first of the four Indaba Houses is Shoriclaw, known to value intelligence, creativity, wit and wisdom. "Wit beyond measure is a person's greatest treasure" is an of't repeated motto of those in The House of Schoriclaw.

The Shoriclaws are recognizable by their color-coded badges: Their mascot is an eagle, their colors are blue and bronze.

Those in the House of Akinolarin value ambition, cunning, resourcefulness, and pure blood heritage. Most Akinolarins display a high level of Machiavellianism, as the hunger for power is a characteristic of Akinolarins.

The animal representing Akinolarin is the serpent, and their badge colors are green and silver.

PHOTO: Bishops waiting to enter "Hogwash" for the "Sorting Miter" experience.

Those in the house of Robinsindor value courage, daring, nerve and chivalry above all else. Though Robinsindor is commonly regarded as the protagonist house, not all Robinsindors are protagonists; however, many of the bishops of North America are known to have been assigned to this house.

The mascot of the Robinsindors is the lion, and they can be identified wearing badge colors of scarlet and gold.

The fourth and final House is Sentamupuff which is known to value hard work, loyalty, tolerance, and fair play above all else.

The house mascot is the badger, and their badge colors are canary yellow and black.

For more information about the first day of Lambeth, please see this article by Hermoine "Ruth" Gledhill, reportedly a Muggle, but also known to be highly versed in the History of Magic.

(Note: Muggles are those in the Anglican Communion who do not wear purple or magenta shirts or hats with three points, known as Miters; neither do they wear magnificently brocade copes with matching stoles or mantiples and are, therefore, not allowed to be part of Very Important Resolutions or Decisions about the components of a Covenant.)

Ms. Gledhill, who can often be seen riding her bike across the campus of the University of Kent, is not only charming, she is also rumored to to have some skills in charms and potions and apparently excels in Arithmancy.

There are also more delightful pictures (like the ones reproduced here), all taken by Chris Harris, another Muggle who is rumored to have notable expertise in Divination as well as Apparition.

"These are necessary, indeed essential, skills," Mr. Harris sighed wearily, "when working with the likes of Ms. Hermoine Ruth Gledhill."

Please note: There will be several hours delay - at least five, in fact - in reporting while I am on this side of the pond. I will be able to provide "up to the minute" reporting of The Lambeth Circus Maximus after July 21st.

Eucharist as revolutionary act

There's been a huge flap in some conservative corners (the really dark, dank, dirty ones) over the question of who will be presiding at Sunday's Changing Attitudes/Integrity Eucharist at Lambeth.

The real question is not 'who' will be presiding, but IF Bishop Gene will.

Which is simply ridiculous.

Bishop Gene has been told (by the Archbishop of Canterbury, no less) that he may preach but he can not perform sacramentally while in England.

There is no doubt in anyone's mind that this is exactly what Bishop Gene will do. Well, that's true for those of us who still have minds and actually engage them once in a while.

When I was at Lambeth 10 years ago, I had the enormous pleasure of presiding at Eucharist at Kings College in London for the LGBT gathering which had preceded the opening of Lambeth.

Yes, that's me, there. Quite a few less gray hairs than a decade ago, eh? (And, what was I thinking about those glasses? Big enough for ya?)

It caused a similar stir. I had written to the bishop of London, telling him that I had been invited to preside at Eucharist and had gotten his permission. Women had been allowed ordination to the priesthood for about 4 or years at that time, so it was really no big deal.

Except - no woman had ever presided at the historic chapel at Kings College. And, certainly no woman who was, well, you know, 'known to be homosexual' had presided at Eucharist. I'm sure they had, they just weren't 'known'.

So . . . it was a Very Big Deal. So big that all the news media were there and BBC Channel Four came and broadcast it live.

Imagine! I swear it's true.

The Bishop of London sputtered, "I had no knowledge of this!" I waved my little letter from him in front of the cameras.

He sputtered, "Had I known she was one of . . . (get this) . . .'Spong's girls' (sheesh!) . . I never would have allowed it."

I said, "Excuse me, sir, but Jack Spong doesn't have any 'girls' who are ordained, and I haven't been called 'girl' in so long it makes me blush to admit it."

It was fascinating. "Eucharist as Theater!" one newspaper proclaimed (or, maybe it was a radio program).

Actually, it was "Eucharist as Revolutionary Act." It always has been. It always will be.

Any act that provides the Bread of Heaven and the Cup of Salvation for all - and anyone who comes to the table - will always cause at least a stir.

When one who has been excluded is the one who presides at that Eucharist, or when the one who has been excluded invites absolutely everyone to the Table to be fed, well, it becomes, in and of itself, the revolutionary act which Jesus intended it to be.

That kind of authenticity and integrity is enormously powerful. It is transformative. That's what Love that is Human and Divine does.

Which is why some will try to stop it. Which has been done in Bishop Gene's case.

Bishop Gene has invited everyone to 'come to the Diocese of NH where you'll find what the church looks like once it's gotten over its obsession with sexuality.'

Imagine! Just imagine such a church!

Well, I do. I live in one - and in such a diocese.

And, that's another reason I'm going to Lambeth.

Oh, and by the way. I'm not presiding at Sunday's Eucharist in England. And, I don't know who is.

I just know that it won't be Bishop Gene.

He can't.

Their loss.

A little madness from the Mad One

Meanwhile, back at Schism Headquarters.

(Thanks, Madpriest)

But, what will you be doing at Lambeth?

I get that question a lot.

Don't think that those of us who are not actually part of the Lambeth Conference (i.e. a bishop or primate) haven't asked that question of ourselves at least several times a day.

I have no doubt that those of my colleagues who are already there aren't asking themselves at least once a day, "Tell me again, why is it that I'm here?"

Let me begin by saying that I was there 10 years ago at the last Lambeth Conference. That's a picture of Lambeth Palace just above, the place where the Archbishop of Canterbury lives and moves and has his being.

It's right on the campus of Canterbury Cathedral, in the midst of a beautiful close where tourists form a steady stream in and out of the other buildings on the campus, taking tours of the Cathedral and the magnificent gardens.

And, that's not where the conference will be held.

We'll be at the University of Kent, just outside of Canterbury. The accommodations there, as I recall, are pretty close to spartan without being painfully uncomfortable. Two twin beds with plastic covered mattresses. Bare shelves. A desk with a lamp. Bathrooms in the hall. You know. A typical dorm room in summer.

Make no mistake: this is no ecclesiastical junket we're on. It should be as luxurious as a 'bus man's holiday'.

The campus is huge, so schlepping is a daily reality. As I recall (and see by the map), there is a pub on campus where one can get some beer (I don't drink beer) and other heavy, deep fried carbohydrates and sweet things.

Ah, the British! What would they ever do without a skillet and a 5 pound bag of sugar?

I'll be ordering out. A lot. Which, as I recall, is not such a bad thing. There are lots of varied ethnic restaurants in the area - mostly Indian, but a few good Chinese places - and pubs. Lots of pubs with 'pasties' (sandwiches) and salads.

I'll survive.

So, I'll be schlepping and eating. What will I be doing at Lambeth?

The short answer, for me, at least, is that I'll be representing The Episcopal Women's Caucus as their national president. That means that I'll be part of the journalism team, together with Herb Gunn, writing for Ruach, the publication of The Caucus.

As a member of the CTB Steering Committee, I'll also be writing for the international LGBT team ("The St. Anne's Group" - you can see our membership at Integrity's website "Walking With Integrity") who will be posting daily there.

We'll also be printing and distributing a daily "news sheet" which will be available for the bishops and primates (the way we do at General Convention).

Oh, yes. And, I'll be blogging. Of course.

There are other fabulous bloggers there:

Gene has a daily blog "Canterbury Tales from the Fringe" as well as a daily video blog "The Lambeth Gene Pool."

Integrity's President and intrepid blogger (and #34 on the Telegraph's "Fifty Most Influential Anglicans" list), is running a daily blog with pictures over at "Inch At A Time."

Katie Sherod's "Wilderness Garden" is, well, "Dr. Sherod" at her best.


The Mad One is also blogging from afar, providing us with his own particular perspective of the goings on at Lambeth.

"Our own" Allie ("Tales from a Lambeth Steward")and Luiz and "my" Michael are part of the Lambeth Stewards who will be helping the bishops schlep when they aren't in their indaba bible study groups.

You can find more blogs, as well as an ENS (Episcopal News Service) feed, a link to the most fabulous Episcopal Cafe as well as a list of the blogs of some of our "worthy opponents" at "Walking With Integrity" and "The Gene Pool" by clicking on "Lambeth LGBT Portal"

I know. Sounds like "information overload" right? There will be no paucity of perspectives of the goings on. It's all about choices - theirs and yours.

Apart from writing, I'll be networking with other women's groups. I'm keen to provide a vehicle for the voices of women around the world who will also be gathered there with whom I hope to spend some time listening to their stories.

If I had to sum up an answer in two words, they would be: Incarnation. And, Evangelism.

It's all about presence. About showing up. About being there. About living the Gospel story and telling how it is I see the Good News of Jesus Christ being lived out and revealed in our midst.

It's some of the hardest work I've ever done. It's also dangerous. It has been ever thus with the Incarnation and the work of evangelism.

If you do nothing else today, go over to the Gene Pool and watch the video of Gene's Sermon at Putney.

You'll see there a man in a kevlar vest under his vestments being heckled by a young man who is screaming at him that he's a heretic.

And, what is Gene's sermon message?

"Be not afraid."

I've known Gene for more than 20 years and I must tell you that while he's always preached the same gospel with the same wonderful, inspiring message, he's never been better. The man is truly called to this work.

I'll be leaving for Lambeth on the 6:35 PM plane Sunday evening. I've got many piles of clothes to sort through, select carefully and pack before I leave.

The impulse for pacing light comes not just from the additional cost the airlines are charging for heavy bags. No, it's that I remember well that the train stations in Briton have neither escalators or elevators, and I never saw a "red cap" once.

A girl can only schlep up and down stairwells so far with heavy bags by herself.

Please, do keep Gene in your daily prayers, along will all of us who are showing up for Lambeth and scattering the seeds of the Good News of Christ Jesus.

Let us pray: Pour down upon us, O God, the gifts of your Holy Spirit, that those who prepare for the Lambeth Conference may be filled with wisdom and understanding. May they know at work within them that creative energy and vision which belong to our humanity, made in your image and redeemed by your love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

From Oslo, with love

The Op-Ed piece in the NY Times "Scandinavia's Scarred Mr. Dialogue" by Roger Cohen caught my eye this morning.

Jonas Gahr Store, the Norwegian foreign minister, is arguing forcefully for engagement with Hamas and Syria, even though they are listed by both NATO and the European Union as terrorist organizations.

I think the piece reads like a cautionary modern parable about the state of the WWAC.

While I want to be very clear that I do not consider the "orthodox" among us as having terrorist organizations, if you read the Op-Ed piece and substitute "The Chapman Statement" or "The Primates Statement from Tanzania" or GAFCON's" Jerusalem Statement" for "Hamas," you begin to understand that abandonment is not the answer. Engagement is.

Which is why one of my hopes for the Lambeth Conference is that, while it will not succumb to threats and calls for punishment, humiliation and excommunication for those who believe and function in community differently than their sisters and brothers in Christ, it will continue to seek engagement with the nearly one quarter of the Bishops and Primates who have chosen not to attend this important gathering - as well as those who will attend but for reasons other than collegiality and community .

I still don't believe An Anglican Covenant will do that. Not yet, at least. It's way too soon. The most I hope to see happen is that there will be an Anglican Statement which defines what it means to be an Anglican.

Someone is asking, "Isn't that what the Covenant proposes to do?"

Well, yes and no.

Right now, the way it reads to my mind is a statement of who is in and who is out. I'm talking about a statement which defines the pragmatic, organizational, philosophical and theoretical way in which membership in the Anglican Communion is defined.

You know, sort of like an Anglican version of Jeff Foxworthy's "You may be a Red Neck if . . . ."

I'd like to see, as a first step, "You may be an Anglican if . . . ." (I know. There's already a very humorous list like that. I'm being serious here. As serious as a heart attack.).

I want that statement to be as broad and as wide and as deep as I have understood the Classic Spirit of Anglicanism to be which defines our membership in this great mysterious gift we call The Anglican Communion.

I know. That's already been done. Many times. "The Four Instruments of Unity," blah, blah, blah.

I wish to point out, however, that, for the most part, these statements of membership have been undertaken by a singular voice, or voices from either side of the church. I could be wrong, but I don't ever remember a Lambeth Conference speaking about "TFIoU" much less agreeing that this is what keeps the WWAC together.

I would like to see this gathering of bishops from all over the WWAC make a statement for our time and from that place and in this moment in our history. I believe with all my heart that this is a critical important first step which, if taken, may eliminate the need for a "Covenant".

That being said, I hope these good Christian men and women who have been elected or appointed to leadership in the various diocese, provinces and synods of the Anglican Communion will find a way to continue to keep open the lines of communication with those who seek to create a "realignment" (schism, by any other name would smell as sour).

While, as some have expressed, I find it sad that the strident voices on both sides of the HOB/D listserv can not come to a common lexicon of terms, I also see that they (so far) are still at the table, and that is cause for hope.

Okay, so it's a noisy, unpleasant part of the table, but I think even verbal snipping from our various entrenchments serves a purpose. If you've left the table that doesn't mean that the dispute and disagreements have ended. It just means that conversation - even unpleasant, angry conversation - has ceased.

In the same manner that not making a decision can be a decision in and of itself, not being in relationship is still being in relationship. It is a relationship of abandonment. Just think of the bitter relationship that continues to exist between two people who have been divorced. I think that decision for that kind of relationship makes Jesus weep.

I've included the last few paragraphs from the Times Op Ed piece. I think there are some lessons The WWAC might learn from the politics of the world. Perhaps Lambeth should be held in Oslo.

"Norway has kept channels open to Hamas and to Syria. It has spoken with the Hamas leadership. It is convinced the West missed an opportunity by not talking in March 2007 to the elected Palestinian national unity government composed of Fatah and Hamas members. It argues that Taliban elements can be drawn out of terror into politics through talks.

In all of this, Norway has used the greater diplomatic latitude it enjoys as a non-member of the European Union. The E.U., like the United States, lists Hamas as a terrorist organization.

“We have enormous reason to be upset with Hamas because it spent every day after Oslo trying to destroy Oslo,” Store said. “But there is a strong realist tradition in Hamas oriented toward a political landscape. In general, it should be in our interest to get organizations out of military activity and into politics. The political working method has not been sufficiently tested.”

Engaging, he insisted, does not mean lowering of requirements. It can be a means to set yardsticks, hold interlocutors accountable, and probe their thinking while surrendering nothing.

“If Hamas wants to be part of the real world, it has to end up accepting Israel’s right to exist,” Store said. “The rest of the world will never yield on that.” It must also recognize the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas of the mainstream Fatah movement, as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people in negotiations."

For Norway, the Mecca accord of February 2007 came close enough to recognizing past Palestinian commitments to Israel for the West to begin rigorous engagement with Hamas. It chose another course and mayhem ensued.

Store believes a “revisiting has started in U.S. foreign policy in the direction of engagement” and this will “accelerate” under the next administration. “Part of this ideology of the war on terror has been the United States doing things by themselves,” he said. “Now we in Europe and Norway must expect to be more actively engaged by Washington.” That will bring demands as well as opportunities.

Engagement begins with allies. It can be extended to enemies. It cannot be deterred by bloodshed or personal loss. An Oslo stop is in order for America’s next president.

Protest disrupts bishop's sermon

Openly gay US bishop Gene Robinson was forced to halt a sermon at a west London church after being heckled.

View the BBC video here.

Read the commentary here.

As Bishop Robinson began his sermon a member of the congregation repeatedly called him a "heretic" and said "repent, repent, repent".

He began his sermon by saying how sad it was that the Anglican Communion was tearing itself apart.

But he was stopped when the man in the congregation shouted that the schism was the bishop's fault.

The man's protest was followed by slow hand-clapping by members of the congregation, and Bishop Robinson halted his sermon while a hymn was sung and the protester was escorted from the church in Putney, south west London.

The man was taken outside and left on a motorbike, but no further action was taken against him by police officers present.

Bishop Robinson resumed speaking shortly after the interruption, asking church members to "pray for that man".

Bishop Robinson went on to say: "This discussion of homosexuality we are having in the Church is not so significant because of what it says about homosexuality, but of what it says about God.

"When someone stands up and says homosexuality is an abomination, does that make you want to get to know God?"

Bishop Robinson emphasised that the congregation should reject fear.

He said: "I think God wants us to be bold, I think God wants us to take risks, I don't think God wants us to be afraid.

"You know, whatever you think makes you unworthy, I don't think God wants to hear it any more."

"All you have to do is turn up and open up your heart."

Among those in the congregation was Health Minister Ben Bradshaw. Speaking afterwards, Mr Bradshaw said the sermon was excellent and inspirational.

"He is a very brave man speaking the truth," he added.

The end of the sermon was met with warm applause.

Bishop Robinson's address comes as the Anglican Communion gather for their 10-yearly Lambeth Conference in Canterbury.

His ordination as bishop of New Hampshire in 2003 split the Anglican Communion, and he has been excluded from the conference amid deep Anglican divisions over the issues of women bishops and homosexuality in the Church.

Earlier, he said "a mistake was made" in not inviting him to the conference, but he would do whatever he could to raise the issue of gay rights "from the fringe".

He said he would not stage any kind of protest, but would be in Canterbury during the conference simply to "preach the word of God".

Bishop Robinson also said the Archbishop of Canterbury was in an "almost untenable" position as he tries to retain unity in the Church.

He said that despite Dr Rowan Williams's attempts to overcome deep divisions over the ordination of women and gay people, "no matter what he does he makes someone mad."

Anglican conservatives set up a splinter movement earlier this month, in rejection of the acceptance of gay bishops.

And last week the General Synod, the Church of England's ruling body, voted in favour of legislation aimed at introducing women bishops, a move which generated acrimony.

Some 1,300 clergy opposed to it had threatened to leave the Church if the safeguards they wanted were not agreed.

Bishop Robinson went public with his sexuality in 1980 and has since been in a 20-year relationship with current partner, Mark Andrew.

A Baptismal Love Letter: Taylor Grace

“Hear the parable of the sower . . .” Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
July 13, 2008 – Pentecost IX
The Episcopal Church of St. Paul, Chatham
(the Rev’d Dr.) Elizabeth Kaeton, rector and pastor

Dear Taylor,

What a delight to have your baptism today! You hold the distinction of being the 1001 person on record to be baptized at St. Paul’s Church. That is significant on several levels, none the least of which is that this is your ‘family church.’

Your mother and your mother’s parents have a long history of membership in this church, back when it was affectionately known as “The little white church,”

Indeed, your mother was baptized here on June 13, 1974 and, while you are #1001, she holds the distinction of being #582 in the parish register of baptisms.

So, even though you don’t live close enough to this church at this time to be a member of this church, we’re still baptizing you here today.

This church has been important to your mother’s family for several generations. I hope, one day, it will be important to you.

The gospel lesson about the parable of the seed is a most appropriate one for me to explain the relationship a family can have with a church which, over the years and succeeding generations, can come to have deep meaning beyond mere nostalgia and romanticism.

Taylor, I want you to know that when your mother was still pregnant with you, she called me about your baptism. Soon after she explained the reason for her call, she began to talk about her time as a child here at St. Paul’s.

She had very fond memories of Christmas Pageants and learning what it takes to serve as an acolyte and carrying the torch candles just so.

She remembered running through the Parish Hall and having one of the parents scoop her up and sternly asking her to walk . . .walk . . .walk so she didn’t fall and hurt herself (somethings never change).

She remembered learning about her faith in Confirmation Class and then the day the bishop came to the church for the Sacramental Rite of Confirmation.

At first, you could hear in her voice that she wanted to convince me that she was a bona fide member of St. Paul’s so wouldn’t deny her the opportunity to have you baptized here.

And, yes, you could also hear her wax nostalgic for the good old days here at St. Paul’s. The more she spoke, however, the more you could hear in her voice that she knew this was the right thing to do.

That it was, in fact, important to baptize you here – for you, for her, for your father and brother, for your grandmother and the rest of your family. Slowly, she came to realize that St. Paul’s was her spiritual home.

We often talk about “roots” – putting down roots somewhere to make a home, or having roots firmly planted in a place far from where we actually live that will always be home. I have a “church home” at St. John the Evangelist in Boston where worked for two and a half years, as well as The Cathedral of St. Luke in Portland, Maine, where I was received into the Episcopal Church and which sponsored me for ordination.

Churches are like that. They are the place where the seeds of faith, the words of Holy Scripture and our call to community in Christ are scattered. The community that is here, Taylor, and how we live the way of Christ as we know it in Holy Scripture are part of the roots that are invisible in your soul.

These seeds were planted in your soul before you were even born, because a seed had already been planted in your mother’s soul and her mother’s soul before her. Those seeds grew and put down roots and they have borne much great fruit.

The seeds are not planted in soil but in the human soul. They are nourished by the waters of Baptism and fed by the sacrament of Eucharist. They are sustained by the experience of re-living and re-enacting the story of Christ – of his birth during the Christmas Pageant, his life and death during Holy Week and walking the Stations of the Cross, and his resurrection in the glorious celebration of Easter Day.

These are the things that bind you here, Taylor, you and your brother and your family. The seeds of Scripture and Christian community that your parents and godparents are responsible for tending over the years – to make certain that you learn about the stories of who God is and why Jesus was sent to live among us, and how the Holy Spirit works in our lives now, and constantly reveals God’s presence in us and in the world in the future.

Dawn and Robert are not just here for the one-day honor of being your godparent. They are here today to make a lifetime commitment of tending the seeds: the Word of God implanted you as a new member of the Community of Christ.

They are responsible for nourishing the roots of your faith, so that you make grow, as the prayer in our Baptismal liturgy petitions, into” the full stature of Christ”.

The work of watering and tending your faith will be taken on by your parents and Godparents and your community of faith until you come to the day of your Confirmation, the day when you take these vows and promises as your own responsibility, and you take your own unique place in Christian community.

That place may be here, eventually, but it will probably be in another church, in another place, with another Christian community. Not to worry. We don’t just say, “We believe in one Lord, one hope, one faith, one baptism.” We really mean it. Your membership is not only here, but wherever you go.

Indeed, your membership in the community of saints is not just about here and now, but also in the great by and by – with all your relatives who loved this church and now rest eternally with Jesus. That’s part of the mystery of planting the seeds of faith deep in the good soil of your human soul.

Just know, Taylor, that no matter where you go, no matter where you happen to find yourself, no matter where you’ve been or who you think you’ve become, this place will always be your spiritual home.

Home has been described as the place where, when you go there, they have to let you in. And, rest assured, we always will.

Amen.

Contentment

It's another beautiful day in the neighborhood. The fish are jumping and the sun is high and already so hot there's a haze all around its yellow-white orb.

The fishermen have been chugging out on their boats since about 5:30 this morning. You can almost feel their excitement about what they might catch today as they tend to their rods and reels and nets.

"Looks like a good day for fishin'" I called out to one of them.

"Don't get much better," he replied with a huge grin.

There aren't too many of us who get up in the morning to go to work and look forward with great anticipation and excitement for what the day will bring.

For many people, work is a means to an end. It puts food on the table and a roof over their heads, but not much more. It is back-breaking and soul-depleting, with no hope for respite until, perhaps, retirement when social security and a part time job at WalMart or as the night janitor at Papa Gino's gives you the means to take an occasional guided tour bus trip to Atlantic City or The Grand Ole Opry, or Washington, DC with other retirees.

For others, it goes beyond that to the kind and quality of food you put on your table and the opulence of the roof on the house in a particularly exclusive neighborhood where you park your special edition automobile after you've driven your kids to their excellent (if not private) school. It doesn't make your work any more meaningful, but it does make it more tolerable.

Well, most days, anyway.

I had a conversation the other day with one of the Baymen who was picking up a few supplies at "The Bait Shoppe" next to the little Mom and Pop place where I pick up my coffee and newspaper in the morning.

Can I just say that it is still more than a little disconcerting to know that the same guy who makes my coffee is also the one who runs The Bait Shoppe with the large sign out front that happily declares, "Worms! Fresh Worms!" right next to the sign on the Convenience Store in a similar style that says, "Coffee! Fresh, Hot Coffee."

Maybe that's why I always smell my coffee before I drink it.

I said to him, "You really love your work, don't you?"

"Yup," he said in that way that let me know that I'm not quite an idiot but politely enough to give me the very clear message that he wasn't about to get into a conversation about the obvious.

"It looks like hard work," I said.

"Yup," he smiled, probably thinking to himself, "Okay, she's really an idiot."

"What is it that you love about it," I asked, figuring at this point, what did I have to lose? I mean, he already thought I was a idiot.

"Well, I do okay," he said. "I'm not rich but my wife and my kids are okay." Then, he gave a sigh and, thinking that he'd put an end of the conversation said, "I'm content."

He obviously had no idea who he was talking to.

"Content?" I asked. I was intrigued by the word.

"Yup," he said, now no doubt thinking, "Hubboy! I gotta get me outta he-ya."

"You know," I pressed, "not too many people can say that about their work."

He turned and looked at me, resigned, perhaps, to set me straight. "Well, it's like this. The wife gets at me all the time cuz I don't go to church with her on Sunday. Says it's not a good example for the kids."

He spit out some liquid made brownish-yellow from the chewing tobacco under the front of his bottom lip before he continued.

"But, I look at it this way: I get to be with God every day. When I'm out there, fishing, making a living, I'm also real close to God. I pray everyday when I'm out there. And not just words. I talk with God. Tell 'im what I need. Ask 'im to be generous. And, he is. You know?"

"So, yeah. I'm content. I got the best job in the world. I'm not rich and I ain't never gonna be rich, but it's okay. It provides for my family and brings me close to God. It don't get much better than that."

"Yup," he said as he spit on the ground again, "Content. I'm content."

I smiled and thanked him as I offered a handshake. He seemed surprised and then pleased as he took my hand in his and then looked me in the eye and studied me for a few minutes.

"You're content too, ain't cha?"

"Yup," I said.

And we both laughed as he shook his head and got into his car and drove away.

Funny, isn't it? How we can recognize in others what we don't necessarily see in ourselves.

Contentment.

I wouldn't have used that word, but that, in fact, is what I am.

Content.

I've got the best job in the world. I work hard and often don't have a "daily catch" to show form my labor. I'm not rich, and never will be, but I do okay. It provides for my family and I get to talk with God every day.

And you know, it just doesn't get much better than that.

Except, perhaps, for a Bayman.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood

This is sunrise this morning on the marsh just before the bay.

It's an incredibly beautiful day.

I'm going to the beach.

My reclining beach chair/back pack is filled with lotion, lunch and a towel.

The ending of "Anna Karenina" calls and she's simply irresistible.

Cya later, alligator.

Susan Russell - number 34 for the Telegraph

But, number one in our hearts (who also, BTW, beat out Kendall Harmon (36) and Ephriam Radner (50).

Telegraph (UK)

The 50 most influential figures in the Anglican Church: 40-31
Last updated: 8:37 PM BST 10/07/2008

With the Lambeth Conference, the Anglican communion’s landmark summit, beginning next week, The Sunday Telegraph has compiled the Lambeth Power List, a countdown of the most influential figures in the worldwide Church.

Have your say: Who should be on the list

31 Barry Morgan - Archbishop of Wales

An old friend of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Barry Morgan succeeded Rowan Williams when his fellow Welshman moved to England.

Urbane and amiable, he has been one of the more diplomatic voices on the liberal wing and has played a quiet but crucial role in the row over homosexuality.

He serves on the Primates Standing Committee of the Anglican communion - a very influential decision-making body - and was also a member of the Lambeth Commission, which produced the Windsor Report that tried to solve the crisis in the Church.

However, he has opposed plans for an Anglican Covenant, arguing that it would lead to one voice on controversial issues, such as homosexuality, which members would have to sign up to or leave.

32 Jane Williams - theologian

A highly respected theologian in her own right, Jane Williams will be in charge of the 'Spouse's programme' at this month's meeting of Anglican Bishops in Canterbury.

Before her husband's translation from Wales to Canterbury she regularly crossed the Severn Bridge to teach at the evangelical theological college, Trinity Bristol. She now works as a visiting lecturer at King's College London. She and Rowan have been married since 1981 and have a son and daughter.

33 Philip Giddings - convener of Anglican Mainstream

From lecturing on politics at Reading University, to engaging in church politics, Philip Giddings is a highly experienced member of the Church of England's bureaucratic machine.

As vice chair of the House of Laity on General Synod and a member of the Archbishops' Council, he is one of the most well-placed evangelicals in the Church.

Despite being convener and one of the main spokespeople for Anglican Mainstream - the evangelical campaigning group that evolved out of the Bishop of Reading crisis - his opinions tend to carry weight, making him a key voice for traditionalism within the Church of England.

34 Susan Russell - Integrity, USA

Always in the eye of the storm, Susan Russell, a lesbian priest, is the consummately professional spin doctor for the gay rights organisation, Integrity. As an associate cleric at the leading liberal church All Saints, Pasadena, she is pressing ahead with gay marriages after the Californian Supreme Court decision to legalise them.


35 Paul Handley - editor, Church Times

The well-connected editor of the leading Anglican Newspaper, Church Times, Paul Handley has steered the publication, known affectionately by traditionalists as 'Jezebel's Trumpet', to a liberal stance on most key questions facing the Church of England.

Blogging recently from the recent conference of conservative bishops in Jerusalem, he pleaded for understanding among western liberals for their views.

36 Kendal Harmon - blogger

Of all the many conservative Anglican blogs, Kendal Harmon's 'Titusonenine' (from the biblical verse, "He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message...") is perhaps the least prone to flame wars.

Harmon, canon theologian of the diocese of South Carolina, asks those posting comments to refer to liberals and conservatives in more neutral terms as 'reappraises' and 'reasserters' and bans personal attacks.

His website has proved a valuable resource to conservative Anglicans in recording developments in the Church for years and has built a large network of readers.

The theologian is also one of the key strategists for the US Church's embattled conservative wing.

37 Bob Duncan - Bishop of Pittsburgh

Threatened by the US Church with deposition for moves to separate his diocese from them over homosexuality, Bishop Duncan is widely recognised as the main leader of US conservatives. However, he faces an uncertain future after a liberal grouping in his diocese filed a lawsuit to protect diocesan assets, and the House of Bishops looks certain to strip him of his position in October. He is determined to press on with a 'realignment' of Anglican Christianity which could see him appointed by Global South bishops as 'Archbishop' of an alternative Anglican province in North America.

38 Michael Poon - Singapore theologian

An articulate spokesperson for a moderate theological approach to divisions between the 'Global South' conservatives of the Anglican Communion and the western Churches, Poon appeals for a cautious approach to attempts to 'realign' the Anglican Communion by more belligerent factions. He deplores the dangers of a false gospel if the Anglican Communion is "no longer dependent on patient face-to-face encounters".

He is director of CSCA, the mission research arm of Trinity Theological College, Singapore

39 Ian Earnest - Primate of the Indian Ocean, Chairman of the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa (CAPA)

Based in Mauritius, Archbishop Earnest, represents a small Church in comparison to Nigeria, Uganda and South Africa, yet his chairmanship of CAPA gives him a considerable influence over troubled relationships between the Churches of the West and the developing world. Chosen as a member of the Covenant Design Group, which was set up to restructure how the Anglican Communion operates, many believe that the Archbishop of Canterbury regards him as a leader who can mediate in the current crisis.

40 Kathy Grieb - Episcopal Church theologian,

A theologian from Virginia Theological Seminary, Kathy Grieb was chosen as the sole American representative on the Covenant Design group, an initiative aimed at finding agreement on how Anglicans can avoid potentially damaging splits in the future. She has expressed doubts about a process that could be potentially damaging to The Episcopal Church, but argues: "It is important for the entire Anglican Communion to go forward as a group and not to split into two different versions of Anglican Communion."

Lambeth Power List: 50-41

Story from Telegraph News:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2280796/The-50-most-influential-figures-in-the-Anglican-Church-40-31.html
Information appearing on telegraph.co.uk is the copyright of Telegraph Media Group

Why Walk When You Can Fly

A Musical Meditation for Lambeth from Mary Chapin Carpenter

In this world there's a whole lot of trouble, baby
In this world there's a whole lot of pain
In this world there's a whole lot of trouble
But a whole lot of ground to gain
Why take when you could be giving, why watch as the world goes by
It's a hard enough life to be living, why walk when you can fly

In this world there's a whole lot of sorrow
In this world there's a whole lot of shame
In this world there's a whole lot of sorrow
And a whole lotta ground to gain
When you spend your whole life wishing, wanting and wondering why
It's a long enough life to be living, why walk when you can fly

In this world there's a whole lot of cold
In this world there's a whole lot of blame
In this world you've a soul for a compass
And a heart for a pair of wings
There's a star on the far horizon, rising bright in an azure sky
For the rest of the time that you're given, why walk when you can fly

How many women in the episcopacy does it take . . .

. . . . to raise up the cries of possible schism?


The correct answer is:

TWENTY-FOUR

Australia 2

New Zealand 2 (one retired)

Canada 4

USA 15 (three retired)

Cuba 1


At the 1998 Lambeth Conference, there were 11 women who were bishops. That's a net gain of 13 which is not exactly "galloping progress."

Oh, and by the way, the estimate that the earliest possible time we'll see a woman appointed bishop in the Church of England is:

2014.

Like I said, not exactly 'galloping progress', but enough to cause some old men to rattle their sabers and others to threaten schism.

My, my, my.

When you examine the figures for the USA, you see that there were 8 American women who were bishops in 1998. When you subtract the three who have retired, that's a net gain of 10 women in 10 years.

Wow! That kind of progress just makes a body dizzy, right?

It's absolutely amazing what terrible fear and foreboding can be struck in the hearts of some (certainly not all) men by the presence of two dozen women in purple shirts, and the threat of more a whole six years from now in England.

If you then look at how many women there are who are bishop suffragans as opposed to diocesan bishops, you see that sexism is alive and well and carefully enshrined in the church.

The stained glass ceiling hasn't exactly been shattered - it's just been cracked enough to let a little light in. Thanks be to God!

You can find more information here.

P.S. Yes, that's a picture of John Knox, founder of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland, who openly ridiculed Mary, Queen of Scots from the pulpit. He also strongly influenced Puritanism, and successfully moved the understanding of authority from "princely" powers to individualism.

Gee, any of this sounding even vaguely familiar?

Flying Lessons for Lambeth

I've been watching, in no small amount of awe, the Purple Martins who have taken residence in our little bird house by Llangollen, our wee cottage on Rehoboth Bay.

Let me say quickly, I am not a "bird watcher" per se. Rather, I watch birds.

It's hard not to when you live off a marsh on the Bay.

I love watching the Snowy White Egrets stalk their breakfast in the morning. They hold a pose in perfect stillness until it's time to strike. Amazing.

Even more amazing, still, is when the Blue Heron appear.

There is something magical, mystical, in fact, about these birds. They look prehistoric - like something out of Jurasic Park.

They have an awkward, almost comical way of preparing to fly, yet, when they spread their magnificent wings and are airborne, they are positively elegant.

A few friends who have stayed here left us a little booklet of "Delaware Birds" - it could be titled, "Birdwatching for Idiots" - and every time I spot one of the birds, I run to it and circle their picture.

I have seen Green Herons, Greater Yellowlegs and Great Egrets. There are Double-crested Cormorants, Blue-winged Teal ducks and a Black Scoter who float by and visit from time to time, as well as a Pied-billed Grebe.

Last year the Blue-winged Teal ducks set up a nest near our storage shed and it was thrilling - absolutely thrilling - to watch the mama duck sit on her hatchlings while the papa duck marched protectively back and forth.

But, it's the Purple Martins I've been watching carefully. I think we're on the second generation this season.

If you look carefully, you can see one of them on the top floor and several more on the first floor of the "Bird Condo" in our yard.

They first started to return to the condo in late April. I was here to see the first generation make their debut, but sadly, I missed their flying lessons.

I mean, I do have a day job.

The babies and females are not as "purple" as the older males. You can see the difference in this close up.

They don't look very distinguished when you see them flying in the air, but when you get close up, they are positively magnificent.

The song they sing when they are flying is also very different from the one they sing when they are home.

When I was here last week, the lessons began in earnest.

First, one of the parents or older birds flies out from the condo to a point over the marsh and then flies back again. S/he does this several times, over and over, retracing the route and then returning to squawk at the fledgelings.

Then, suddenly, one of the babies ventures out. Head down, wings up, like a fighter.

"Too fast, too fast," I whisper under my breath from behind the window on our sun porch. And, as if one of them hears me, an older bird flies out and guides the airborne cadet back to the condo.

Whew! A good but very scary first try.

In another five minutes or so, the older bird repeats the lesson, and another fledgeling (I really can't tell if it's the same or even exactly how many of them are in the condo), tries his/her wings.

Over and over the pattern repeats itself, until, by the next day, there are small flying black specks over the marsh, zooming back and forth between that unmarked but very clear midpoint and back again.

In one short week, the babies have become old pros. They fly over the house and around the deck, now adding a song to their flight pattern. Soon, they will be off to start their own home in their own condo.

And, so it goes.

I've been hearing the words of a song by Mary Chapin Carpenter as I've watched the Purple Martins flying this morning. I doubt very much it's the tune they sing when they're flying, but I'm betting the words are pretty close.

I think the image of the Purple Martins learning to fly, and this song and these words are the most important things to pack and take with me when I go to Lambeth next week.

It's certainly the image and the prayer I'm sending to my colleagues who are already there, and those who are preparing to leave this week end.

Let us pray:

In this world there's a whole lot of trouble, baby
In this world there's a whole lot of pain
In this world there's a whole lot of trouble
But a whole lot of ground to gain
Why take when you could be giving, why watch as the world goes by
It's a hard enough life to be living, why walk when you can fly

In this world there's a whole lot of sorrow
In this world there's a whole lot of shame
In this world there's a whole lot of sorrow
And a whole lotta ground to gain
When you spend your whole life wishing, wanting and wondering why
It's a long enough life to be living, why walk when you can fly

In this world there's a whole lot of cold
In this world there's a whole lot of blame
In this world you've a soul for a compass
And a heart for a pair of wings
There's a star on the far horizon, rising bright in an azure sky
For the rest of the time that you're given, why walk when you can fly