Beginning

Grace and peace!

It is late on Wednesday, July 16. Yesterday, we concluded our Lambeth Hospitality visit to the Diocese of Bristol. That was an extremely beneficial and grace-filled time, about which I will say more later. (There are some photos on the website.) Today was mostly a transition day, and then this evening was the first formal session of the Conference. Over 600 bishops and their spouses gathered in the huge tent called the "Big Top"--plenty of possibilities for humor in such a name--where we sang and prayed and had countless introductions. The Archbishop of Canterbury spoke briefly, expressing sorrow at the absence of many bishops, and reminding us that our primary work here is about building/strengthening the relationships of trust that will allow us to go forward together. He is not naive; he knows that such relationships alone are not enough; but, without such relationships, nothing more is possible. He also invited us all to pray for the energy to change as God would have us change. And, he asked us to prepare ourselves to make the most of the three-day retreat which we begin tomorrow in Canterbury Cathedral.

Which is what I need to do now. Eucharist is at 7:15am, and then a packed day. May God bless and watch over you. You are about to be prayed for in one of the holiest places known to Christians; pray also for me.

Blessings,
+Barry