Dear Friends in Christ:
Yesterday we finished the Retreat, and shifted into Conference mode. What an incredible gift it was to have had Canterbury Cathedral all to ourselves Thursday and Friday. It left many of us renewed in our feeling that this is truly our "mother church."
Today we went back, for one of the most powerful liturgies I have experienced. (I was fairly far back in the very long procession, and so ended up sitting in the "Quire," right next to the Cathedral Choir.) It was full-on English cathedral mode, but also very reflective of who we are as a Communion, with the several languages of the Communion utilized, the "Missa Luba" (Congolese) setting, and an incredibly wonderful Gospel procession by dancing Melanesian Brothers and Sisters.
The sermon was by Bishop Duleep de Chickera of Colombo (Sri Lanka), whom I had met earlier on the Retreat. He challenged us to work to strengthen Anglican identity, focus on mission, and be a truly inclusive Church, without regard for differences of race, gender, sexual orientation, etc.
Later, in the openening session of the Conference, the head of the Windsor Continuation Group referred to the sermon, and said that inclusivity does not mean that 'anything goes,' and welcoming all does not mean there are no limits....
And so we are now underway. I am so very grateful for your prayers.
Blessings,
+Barry
Hello and Peace to all at home. +Barry
