Carrying One Another's Burdens

Thanks to your prayers, the event last night was successful. There were approximately 40 guests. About half were from African dioceses: South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya. Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, Metropolitan of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa and his wife Lungi were also present. There were several Canadian Bishops as well including the Primate Fred Hiltz and The National Lutheran Bishop Susan Johnson.

Participants located their home dioceses on a world map as part of the community building exercise, then three presentations on partnership were delivered from the perspectives of Botswana, Tanzania and Canada. Unfortunately there was not enough time to discuss the issues in depth. However there was general agreement that the conversation needs to continue.

The potential storm following calls by the Sudanese Primate for Bishop Gene Robinson to resign appears to have passed - for now at least. But listen to how a reporter from The Times spins the incident:

"...This represents the hard-line conservative-traditionalist stance at the Lambeth Conference and it is widespread. I wish I wasn't writing this but things here are really not looking good. The Anglican Communion seems to be falling apart in front of our eyes and it is not a pretty sight."

Goes to show how much the press is thirsting for a blood-bath.

Today I am going to take a tour of some of Canterbury's historic sights: The Cathedral (St. Thomas a' Becket's tomb), Goodnestone Park Gardens (which I understand the famous author Jane Austen visited frequently), St. Augustine's Abbey and the Roman Museum are on my list. Tomorrow I will share my overall impression of Canterbury.

Blessings