Bishop Baxter at Lambeth - July 25

Editor's note:

We are sharing Bishop Baxter's Lambeth Journal for those who may be interested in reading it.

Dear Friends in Christ,
It is Friday the 25th and we are ten days into the conference. Each day begins with a small group bible study which is intense and caring. It seems that this is the case in most of the groups. In my group is the Bishop of Bangladesh. He remembers fondly the days of Companion Diocesan life with Central Pennsylvania. When I mentioned Bishop McNutt, he beamed.

In my Indaba group, which gathers together five bible study groups to discuss critical aspects of "being a bishop", I am blessed to have Bishop Bird of San Paulo. It has also been good for Mary Ellen and me to have occasions to share occasionally outside of the formal settings.

The hard issues of sexuality, scriptural interpretation and authority, the Windsor Report, and the Covenant are being discussed in both the Indaba Groups and in hearings convened by the Continuing Windsor Committee and the Covenant Design Group. There are also short self-select classes during the week by theologians to help us understand and better discuss the deeper theological, biblical and ecclesiastical principles which can enable our discussions. In the last several days the conversations have been increasingly frank, passionate and tough but respectful. I believe that this can be the most important outcome of the conference--coming to know one another. This includes the non-sexuality issues of the challenges of mission and stories faith, some of which are very difficult and courageous. This deepens our respect for those who may strongly disagree with the actions of the Episcopal Church. Conversely, others learning of ministry and mission may help them see the love of Christ in us. I know that we will leave disagreeing on some of the critical issues. But I pray that we will leave saying I disagree with "my brother." Clearly, the conference and our conversations over these days have been about more than sexuality. Great friendships are forming and we are all learning about spiritual leadership (evangelism, social justice and mission).

Thursday (24th) was "London Day." WHAT A DAY!!! All the bishops and their spouses and the conference staff and volunteers were bused to London. Beginning at Parliament Square all 2,000 of us, bearing posters, signs and umbrellas with the Micah Theme, marched to Lambeth Palace for a rally supporting the MDG. We were joined by ecumenical and interfaith representatives of the UK, and members of Parliament. The speaker was Prime Minister Brown. He gave an incredibly inspiring speech and charge to press our Governments and UN Ambassadors to release the funds and resources to accomplish the Goals by 2015. We are now falling behind the endeavor as Governments are not fulfilling their pledges. The march and the rally were a great witness and showed that the Communion is united on God's mission for a new world.

After lunch at Lambeth Palace we were bussed to Buckingham Palace for Tea with the Queen. It was an incredible afternoon in the garden of the palace with the Queen and Prince. A few bishops were selected to greet the Queen and the Prince, others of us were fortunate to glimpse her as they passed gracefully among us. However, the Prince glimpsed Mary Ellen's hat and came over to greet her and then asked about the "poverty bible" I was carrying. After glancing through it for a moment he said with a smile that I should be sure to read it. We were surprised and delighted, as again Mary Ellen's presence afforded me opportunities I did not deserve!

Continue the Conference in your prayers. A spirit of community is emerging. Good things are happening. The pilgrimage is uncertain but God is present.
+Nathan