Relationships Teach Us Who We All Are

[ABOVE: Bishops' Group Photo ACNS/Sweeney]

[Canterbury, England] One of the vital aspects of the Lambeth Conference is to get to know other bishops from around the world. It is exciting and it is a joy, and at times it is humbling. My Bible Study group has a wide variety of people from throughout the Anglican Communion. People whom I knew before, but most of them whom I have met here for the first time. All of us have stories to tell. All of them have become friends whom I can and am now working with, and will continue to pray for when we disperse and go from Lambeth back to our dioceses throughout the world.


[Below left: Bishop Duncan
in the Bishops' Processional
at Canterbury Chapel]

One is from the Belfast area of Ireland and was and is involved in the reconciliation work between the Protestants and Roman Catholics. He is continuing to work for peace and justice in his diocese and throughout the area where hostility has caused the death of so many people over this past century. The second is from Zimbabwe, and is working to bring his people into a place of safety and economic sustainability. He is concerned about his clergy and people, that they will have enough to eat and a place that is secure for them to live and enough food to eat. The political situation is in turmoil. Both of these bishops live with the constant possibility of imprisonment, death and isolation. Both are grounded in prayer and the study of scripture. Both are bishops who seek to do God's will and share the love of God with their people. They both understand fear and because of that, understand hope. I have come to value and appreciate both of them, for they are men of faith and they are a delight to be with in prayer, study and "relaxing times as well."

"And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God."

So it is for these last few days we have been engaged in looking at the environment, ecumenical and interfaith dialogues and relationships, violence both domestic, national and international, and the meaning of covenant relationships. All of these relate to Episcopalians and Anglicans living together, working together, and staying together as Church. What is most interesting for me has been that all of us, despite our differences, are interested in each other and the areas and people whom we serve. None of us believes we have all the answers and none of us believes we can go this ministry that God has given us to do,without the others whom we call brother and sister bishops.

[Photo left: Chaplaincy Team from the Church of Melanesia performs for Bishops during group photo setup]


Please continue to keep us in your prayers over the next week as we continue to work at the building up of the Anglican Communion, and work to discern God's will for whatever the future may hold for us all.

With my love and blessings, I am in Christ,

Bishop Duncan
August 1, 2008