The Lambeth Connection

Both our diocesan bishops have been joining with colleagues from around the world, enjoying and sharing worship and prayer at the Lambeth Conference in Canterbury. The Conference, which happens every 10 years, brings together some 600 bishops from the Anglican Communion world-wide and aims to build confidence in Anglican identity.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams said:”The chief aims of our time together are, first, that we become more confident in our Anglican identity, by deepening our awareness of how we are responsible to and for each other; and second, that we grow in energy and enthusiasm for our task of leading the work of mission in our Church. In our Bible study groups and in the ‘Indaba’ groups that meet daily, we hope everyone will feel free to give full voice to their aspirations and concerns, it is this vision that we must keep fresh.”

The Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, the Rt Revd George Cassidy, said: “I’ve been enjoying the colour, diversity and moving stories of how God is using so many bishops in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the developing world. It is heartening how God seems to be able to achieve so much with so little human resources, apart from uncomplicated faith and trust.”

The Bishop of Sherwood, the Rt Revd Tony Porter, said:”The best thing for me has been the daily Bible study groups and praying together. We’ve looked at issues that are a particular concern to bishops - including witness in a world of many other faiths and bishops as evangelists and the bishop and the environment. It was a particular joy for me to have fellowship with bishops from developing countries where the real problems are poverty and HIV/Aids.”

New Friendships

Bible study and ‘Indaba’ ( Zulu word for talking together) groups formed the backbone of the conference and Bishop Tony said it was a fantastic way to forge new friendships. He is pictured with fellow bishop, George Titre Ande, the Bishop of Aru, in the Congo (DRC). Bishop Tony said: “From what we’ve learned talking to bishops rather than about bishops it has made us be judgmental more slowly.” The Bishop of Aru said: “I like it because we have a lot in common, we share a lot of issues together and even if you don’t agree you see different things. When you are not looking for a decision to say who is wrong or right, you can learn from each other, and that helps us to understand each other to find a way ahead.”

Gifts from Mansfield

A group of parishioners from St Mark’s Church, Mansfield, made a pilgrimage to the Lambeth Conference in Canterbury to hand over a special gift to link bishop, Funginkosi – the Bishop of North West Natal. The special gifts included specially made vestments, designed and created by Heidi Cooper – a parishioner and sister of the solitary life who had met the bishop during his visit to the diocese last month. The delegation also bought spare clergy robes for bishops to take back to their dioceses.

Natal link at Lambeth

A theologian from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Professor Gerald West, was in the spotlight at the Lambeth Conference when he talked to the media about his work on producing the Bible studies for the conference. Talking to the media, Gerald, who is based in Pietermaritzburg, said the studies had been based around four features of Bible elements which make up the interpretation. He said: “At this Lambeth, given the participating nature of the Bible studies and Indabas, Anglicans are being able to share with each other where they stand in each of the four areas and where they come up with different things…so I think that has been very valuable Lambeth for finding a way forward.” 

Mark Gilmore helps with interpretation

Recognised Lay minister, Mark Gilmore, who is minister-in-charge of All Souls & Radford St Peter, helped behind the scenes as an interpreter at Lambeth, helping translate with Spanish speaking bishops. He met up with Bishop George and Bishop Tony for a lunchtime break.

Canadian bishop with Mansfield Roots

Canadian Bishop, the Rt Revd Jane Alexander – the Bishop of Edmonton – explained her local roots to Bishop George, when they met up at the conference. She is pictured with him, and told him how she was brought up and educated in Mansfield, before moving to Canada, where she became ordained and more recently became a bishop.

Bishop George with fellow bishops from his Bible Study group