Bishop Baxter at Lambeth - August 1

Editor's note:
We are reprinting Bishop Baxter's Lambeth Journal here for those who may be interested in reading it.

Dear Friends in Christ:

It is Friday evening the 1st of August and only two days remain. We have been so busy with meetings, hearings and discussion groups (beside the regular Bible study and worship) that from 7 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. is the schedule of a normal day. We are tired but renewed in the richness of God's gift to us, The Anglican Communion.

Whatever you may be reading in the Press, the overall spirit of this conference is spiritual, respectful, candid and hard-working. Persons who have staunchly different views or feel offended by the other continue to seek out the other individually, as well as in open groups, for apology and reconciliation. Even earnest challenges to change views of the scripture or doctrine are being done with a clear, intentional spirit of respect. There are few who do not honor such spirit of the Conference. The Provinces are clearly not of one mind about same-sex blessing and consecration of bishops in same-sex partnerships. But there is recognition that:

1. Those who bishops who support such ministries are doing so not as a cultural accommodation but with theological and pastoral commitment.

2. The act and manner of the decision (without the courtesy of consultation) to confirm and consecrate the Bishop of New Hampshire has caused serious injury and embarrassment to the evangelism, witness and mission of many churches in other provinces; especially those in predominantly non-Christian counties.

3. That incursions by foreign bishops (taking over churches and ordaining bishops) is not only causing turmoil in the Episcopal Church (beginning years before the consecration of the Bishop of New Hampshire), but is a dangerous precedent for the future of the Anglican Communion.

4. That an Anglican Covenant is needed, that is not punitive but instructive regarding our common commitments to one another; and guiding in how we reach reconciliation when conflict or offense occurs.

Additionally, we spent much time on the role of Bishop in the ministry of the church; in fact more time on these matters than on sexuality. Sessions on the Bishop and: Evangelism, Social Justice, Ecumenism, Ecology and the Environment, Christian Witness in an Interfaith World, Bishop's role in situation of power abuse (including domestic abuse) and interpreting and ministering through the Bible.

Beside these formal sessions we were guided by many rich resources and also elective courses during afternoon sessions with scholars on these subjects and more. But the most powerful experiences have been the hearing the faith witness and powerful stories of bishops and their churches from around the world. This has happened in the daily Bible study groups and the larger daily discussion groups on ministry, and in the powerful worship and preaching.

It is not expected that any decisions will be made at this conference. On the whole (and historically) Lambeth is not designed a decision making body. However, there will be pastoral documents representing the spirit and perspectives of these days. There will also be instructions to both the Windsor Continuation Committee and the Covenant Design Committee. Both bodies have been truly listening to all sides, welcoming insights and guiding us to understand the issues beyond our respective perspectives. What the final outcome will be a year from now, I do not know. However, l believe that the spirit of this Lambeth has helped us all to see a larger whole, have more generous hearts towards one another and is encouraging us all to greater patience in finding the mind of Christ for the whole of the communion.

With your continued prayers, I remain,
A Lambeth Pilgrim
+Nathan