July
15, 2008
It’s
our last day in London before heading to the University of Kent to attend the
Lambeth Conference.
Karen
and I visited an elderly cousin nearby in the area of Richmond. She is well into her nineties and was able to
share memories of relatives I have never met. I learned, for instance, that a great, great
(not sure how many greats are needed here!) grandfather had worked with Lord
Graves Simcoe in establishing the site for Fort York, now known as the city of
Toronto. One relative, a mill operator, insisted that each day in his factory
open with morning prayers and he paid his staff if they attended them! I learned that family members provided
property for the establishment of four churches in the Diocese, served as Superintendent
of a Sunday School with over 1000 students and served as church wardens in a
number of parishes. It was good to hear of the faith of my forefathers and
mothers and of the impact they had in the growth of the Diocese of Toronto.
My
cousin is frustrated by a body which, after 94 years, is failing her while her
mind remains sharp. She spoke of plans
she has for new and impressive projects in her field of expertise which says to
me that she is a person engaged in the process of living, not dying. I enjoyed listening to stories of a bygone era
and of people I have never met.
There
was an entrance to Kew Gardens a mere 5 minute walk from her flat. Karen and
I
set out on a 90 minute walk past historic sites, palaces established by
Elizabeth I and Henry VII and bridges along the River Thames. The path was filled with runners, cyclists and
walkers while the odd sculler rowed the still waters of the Thames. Londoners seem much fitter generally than we
in North America. We saw more herons in
one place that ever before while swans, geese and other birds floated by. Karen
was enamored with the rich variety of plant life that surrounded the pathway through
Kew Gardens. Towards the end of this walk
we came upon a large green area. Young
boys were testing their cricket skills on lawns adjacent to a chapel dedicated
to St. Anne by Queen Anne. This chapel has
remained under the patronage of each successive monarch.
The
church was closed, but a kind construction worker was hospitable enough to open
it up so I could have a look. What a
rich history is contained in that building and what a lovely setting for
worship it was.
History,
listening and hospitality are three key words as we prepare to gather with
Bishops from around our Anglican Communion. History is of value in a church that understands scripture, tradition,
reason and bishops as some of the keys to its identity. History informs the present by reminding us of
the lessons of the past. Every good driver checks the rear view mirror before
heading out on the journey. Likewise, Lambeth will need to reflect on its
history.
A
few years ago, at an event held for the Compass Rose Society members in
historic Lambeth Palace, Archbishop Williams suggested that it was important
for people to listen (and listen hard!) to those with whom they disagree, to
see if the Spirit is trying to tell them something. Lambeth bishops will be well advised to listen
hard, listen carefully and listen respectfully to their fellow bishops, remembering
that we are all children of our generous God.
Hospitality
builds relationships. The hospitality Karen
and I experienced in Southwark has formed and nurtured relationships that are leading
to new understandings and lasting respect. I hope Lambeth hospitality will lead to similar
relationships for all involved.
So
tomorrow we are off to Lambeth. I feel
enormously privileged to be invited. I recognize the anxiety, fear and
trepidation many persons feel as we enter this conference knowing many people have
chosen not to attend. We are all wounded
by this, but it is not surprising that the Body of Christ is wounded. We will
keep them in our prayers and hold to the hope that in Christ reconciliation
will be possible.
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