Sunday, August 3, 2008

Statement by Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori at the conclusion of the 2008 Lambeth Conference

Lambeth 2008

Many bishops came to this gathering in fear and trembling, expecting either
a distasteful encounter between those of vastly different opinions, or the
cold shoulder from those who disagree. The overwhelming reality has been
just the opposite. We have prayed, cried, learned, and laughed together,
and discovered something deeper about the body of Christ. We know more of
the deeply faithful ministry of those in vastly differing contexts, and we
have heard repeatedly of the life and death matters confronting vast swaths
of the Communion: hunger, disease, lack of education and employment,
climate change, war and violence. We have remembered that together we may
be the largest network on the planet - able to respond to those life and
death issues if we tend to the links, connections, and bonds between us. We
have not resolved the differences among us, but have seen the deep need to
maintain relationships, even in the face of significant disagreement and
discomfort. The Anglican Communion is suffering the birth pangs of
something new, which none of us can yet fully appreciate or understand, yet
we know that the Spirit continues to work in our midst. At the same time
patience is being urged from many quarters, that all may more fully know the
leading of the Spirit. God is faithful. May we be faithful as well.

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church

4 comments:

Leonard said...

Is this a request for more "fasting?" If so, let's ALL "fast" together at The Body of Christ...imposing spiritual starvation is different than fasting.

Jane said...

It's a sell-out! The Presiding Bishop lacks the courage to even mention LGBT people in her statement.Appeasement never works and appeasement of thugs in sacred vestments is no different. Sad and shameful!

Organ Builder said...

I'm not so sure about this. I would be hard pressed to find another piece of writing by the PB that says so little in so many words. That must be deliberate. I think she is keeping her thoughts to herself, while giving an obligatory statement which is the barest minimum required.

I don't think it is possible to know yet where she will try to lead, and this statement gives no hint--by design, I suspect.

WilliamK said...

It's a sell-out! The Presiding Bishop lacks the courage to even mention LGBT people in her statement.

I fail to see what positive purpose is served by condemning our PB's measured statement, issued in the immediate aftermath of Lambeth. As I wrote elsewhere, it seems to me that this statement reflects ++Katharine's attempt to be PB for ALL Episcopalians. As a gay man, I do not expect her to mention LGBT people every time she addresses conflicts in the communion. It isn't all about us!

Please, let's not undermine someone who is clearly "on our side"! Cutting our wonderful PB some slack seems the Christian thing to do.