A Day of Contrasts

[Canterbury, England] In a short time, Kathy and I will board a bus for London with almost all of the 690 bishops who are attending the Lambeth Conference. The bishops are all in cassocks and our spouses are dressed for a day in the City of Keep the Promise London.

We begin the day with the "Walk of Witness" joining with thousands of other Christians and non-Christian from throughout Britain, to draw attention to the Millinium Development Goals (MDGs) and the work still before us to help meet those goals by the year 2015. I am proud to represent our diocese in this walk and also to be able to tell others from around the world of our witness to these goals within the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast.

The "Walk of Witness" is a way for us to say to the people of the Anglican Communion we are with you in all your needs and we are with you with our prayers. Prayer is central to this Walk of Witness and it is central to all that we are doing during this conference.

The past few days have been long days of prayer, Bible Study, Indaba Groups, small group work, lectures and hearings on various topics that are engaging the Anglican World at this time. Tomorrow we will pick up on that schedule which both brings us together and helps form and strengthen the Bonds of Affection.

[Below right: A reception hosted by Archbishop Rowan Williams and Mrs. Jane Williams in the garden of the Old Palace, Canterbury. ACNS/Sweeny]

Today is a day of contrasts because when we finish the Walk we will be at Lambeth Palace where we will have lunch and visit the home of the Archbishop of Canterbury. At 3:00 PM we will be taken to Buckingham Palace and at the invitation of the Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II, will have tea on the lawn. We will be walking and working for the poor and also be with those in the seat of world power.

The contrast I believe will be an opportunity for us to remember that we are called by our ordination vows to care alike for "the rich and the poor, the old and the young, the strong and weak" and that all of God's people are important. That is part of the charge given to all those ordained. Those here in England, those in Africa, those in the Central Gulf Coast and those from all parts of the world are loved by God.

Our Diocese will be in my prayers today during the march and during our prayer time.
Please continue to keep all the bishops in your prayers as we gather, that we may do God's work and will, under the direction and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

God's blessing and PAX,
Bishop Duncan
July 24, 2008