Tales from a Lambeth Steward

Thank you

2008-08-23T16:07:00.002+01:00

I want to give a huge thank you to everyone who followed my Tales from a Lambeth Steward over the past few months. I hope you found it interesting if not useful, and that it gave you a different perspective on Lambeth... or, if you weren't following Lambeth anyway, was a fun way of finding out how I spent my summer vacation.

In Peace,
Allie
An RU grad student
;-)

Article written for General Parish Newsletter

2008-08-14T05:09:00.003+01:00

Reflections of a Lambeth Steward
By Allie Graham

Having spent the past month across the pond, I can say it's good to be home! But in a way it often felt like I was home the entire time. For the past four weeks I've had the honor of serving as a Steward at the Lambeth Conference – the decennial conference of all the bishops in the Anglican Communion – at the University of Kent in Canterbury, England.

As a brief background, the Anglican Communion is made up of 39 provinces, which are basically national churches, of which we – The Episcopal Church, USA – are a part. All of these national churches are descended in some way from the Church of England, and are all united through “bonds of affection.”

Bishops and spouses from all across the communion gathered to discuss and grow in their ministries and faith as well as to discuss issues facing the church and the world. We as stewards were there to provide support, security, facilitate events when necessary, answer questions, move objects, and to generally be there for the conference organizers. The stewards were Anglicans between the ages of 19 and 35 from 18 different countries spread over six continents. Between all of us we spoke 30 different languages not including Hebrew, Latin, and Ancient Greek. There were eight Americans, each from a different diocese, who brought very different viewpoints and experiences to the conference.

While the media, who were restricted in where they were allowed, generally portrayed the conference as something that was either negative or futile, as someone who was in allowed in almost all of the venues and sessions, I would have to say that it was a very positive event. While the hope of many Americans and Canadians – the full inclusion of all of God's children into all orders and sacraments of the church – was not attained, there were steps forward. For a communion that many in the media claim is “broken,” all of the stewards heard bishops saying to each other:
“I like you, I'm drawn to you, I see God in you, but I disagree with you strongly, and I don't know what to do with this information.”

This was an accomplishment.

This however might not be where many of us in the west wish we were, but it is a far better place than we were in before hand. Much else was discussed as well-- poverty, the environment, improving ministry, the role of a bishop, and young adult issues were only some of the issues covered.

But more importantly, we were Anglicans, celebrating our faith and history together, worshipping together, eating together, and meeting the queen together. Yes, really. Well, not all of us met Her Majesty, but we all got within a few feet of her during the garden party at Buckingham Palace. Prime Minister Gordon Brown also dropped by our lunch at Lambeth Palace in London to give one of the most dynamic speeches of his time as PM.

I had the opportunity to hang out with both of our bishops and their spouses (+George and Ruth Councell and +Sylvester and Eva Romero) as well as with the Archbishop of Canterbury and his wife Jane. After the conference, Archbishop Rowan actually joined the stewards for almost all of a two day retreat! I was actually able to sit across from him at lunch, and we all had some fun conversations.

For whatever the press reported, the Lambeth Conference – though weakened because there were some could not or did not attend - helped to strengthen the bonds of affection within the communion, and at the very least, left the status quo and provided a wonderful time for worship, fellowship, photo-ops, and growing in God's love.

Highly Recommended

2008-08-11T01:12:00.003+01:00

I've been having a lot of trouble putting my thoughts into reflections (both for myself and for others), but for the time being, I highly recommend this article, written by Jim Naughton (who was at Lambeth representing E-Cafe) which was published in The Guardian.

I don't necessarily agree with all of it, but I think it may be one of the most well-thought-out and realistic things I've read in the media.

Youth Retreat

2008-08-08T15:12:00.005+01:00

Youth Retreat
I was only able to attend the first day and a half of the three day youth retreat. The retreat was organized by the chaplains of University of Kent at Canterbury and Canterbury Christ Church University. It was organized to give us an opportunity to reflect on the past few weeks, relax, and get to know the Canterbury area and its history.

The first day began with reflections with Archbishop Rowan. We gathered in one of the classrooms and really discussed our experiences. While he was at the front of the room, I was surprised as to how much of a true dialogue the event was. He was surprisingly honest with us, and we had the opportunity to ask him any question we had. I asked "What do you view your job as the archbishop of Canterbury to be, and how do you see yourselves in that role?" Other questions included "Since your wife is a theologians, do you disagree about anything?" (answer:Unfortunately, no) as well as questions about his kids, publications, life before and after being appointed ABC, etc.

This lasted about three hours, before we broke for lunch, during which I sat diagonally across from ++Rowan. He wasn't wearing is collar, and it was amusing as he stood behind me in the lunch queue and people kept pointing and whispering (is that him?). He told of us times when he would be walking and people would stare, and if he said something, those staring would would say "Sorry, I thought you were the Archbisop of Canterbury." His would respond "Oh," shrug, and walk away.

The afternoon was divided into sessions to choose from: "Christianity and Evolution," "Ten things every Christian should know about Islam," and "Walking the Labyrinth." Although I originally intended to attend the session on Evolution, I was feeling a bit anxious, so I ended up walking the labyrinth that was just finished being built last week. That evening we went to the movies... some of us saw Dark Knight, others saw Mamma Mia.

The next day I packed up and then we all left for a tour of East Kent. We began at St. Augustine's cross, then went to ruins of an old castle. I had to leave after that but the rest of the group continued to a few other places, ending with mass at St. Augustine's abbey, led by ++Rowan.

saying goodbye (youth retreat later)

2008-08-08T14:52:00.005+01:00

After the bishops left (and we woke up), we had the day to ourselves. The previous month had been so regimented that none of us were sure what to do with our free time, so we decided to throw ourselves a party.

During this party we realised that many of the remaining staff had gone out to dinner together, and we decided that we should greet them. We went to the bus stop about half an hour before the staff was scheduled to return, as we were unsure precisely when they would arrive, so we kept ourselves occupied by singing hymns and Beatles songs. In our last task as stewards, wearing our bright orange jackets, we surprised the returning staff and welcomed them off the coach by us standing in two lines, forming a tunnel, singing "Amen Siakudumisa."

We then went inside where we gave some of the staff members small gifts of our appreciation and then all went to one of the bars in the building. We got to talk to some of the staff members we hadn't had the opportunity to before, danced to the tunes of a jukebox, and had a lot of wine. We went back into the common room to finish the party and then most of us went to bed so as to have some energy left over for our time with ArchieRo the next day.

Day off

2008-08-07T23:29:00.002+01:00

Sorry, I needed a day off, but I should have my my second to last post tomorrow, and the reflections soon after

Closing Eucharist, Reception, and Moving Day

2008-08-04T13:17:00.005+01:00

Yesterday was a bit of whirlwind. After the closing plenary in which everyone said "good-bye" and the final draft of the Reflections were released, the buses left for Canterbury Cathedral for the closing Eucharist.

To be honest, I wasn't greatly excited by most of this Eucharist. The bishops sat in the nave and we were in the choir with the volunteers. Since the service was celebrated in the nave we could hear a little but couldn't see anything. The music wasn't fabulous and I wasn't particularly motivated, but by the end of the service it was my favourite part of Lambeth.

Many of the members of the Lambeth Chaplaincy Team were from the Melanesian Brotherhood/Sisterhood. In 2003 seven Melanesian brothers were (simple version) killed while trying to bring peace to the Solomon Islands. During this Eucharist, following communion, the brothers chanted a litany in their very moving and distinctive style, first forming a circle around the compass rose in the nave and presenting the names of the brothers to the Archbishop, and then processing back through the choir to the Chapel of the Saints and Martyrs in our Own Time (which is behind the choir). When they arrived they found Luiz's incredible icon of the seven brothers. Prayers were said over the chanting. It was the first time I've really felt moved in the past few weeks.

After the service there was a reception complete with Big Band/ Swing music and plenty of dancing!

An American Brother and Bishop Roskam, after she taught us how to Charleston!

Lucy, a steward (and the best dancer of the lot), after she asked ++Rowan to dance. He was quite good - and she got £5 out of it.

Michael Sniffin with the Lord Mayor.

Today we moved out the bishops. My shift began at 2:30 am (for bishops who needed to be at the airports for am flights), so none of us bothered to go to sleep. It was rather quiet, and I had some good conversation with another steward.

After we got off duty we went to morning Eucharist at 6:30am. This was previously a morning prayer. Fr. Richard, who works with the Melenesians celebrated, and the whole service, with 33 people - a mix of religious, stewards, staff, and bishops, all sitting on prayer stools was beautiful, especially as we knew the next step would be breaking down the Prayer Place.

It has been a marvellous day, but I'm already getting anxious to leave.

Our youth conference with ++Rowan starts tomorrow, which should be interesting.

Anyhow, I will be posting my reflections over the next few days, so please do check back.
In peace,
Allie
A Lambeth Steward

Just a heads up

2008-08-03T23:50:00.000+01:00

I just want to let everyone know that even though the Lambeth Conference ends tomorrow, I will still be here doing Lambeth related things until Wednesday, and I encourage you to keep reading

Stewards' Panel Discussion and Prayer Service

2008-08-03T13:42:00.008+01:00

After evening prayer last night another Steward, Mary Margorie from LA and I decided that we needed a bit of a break, so we walked into Canterbury and had a nice dinner at an Italian resteraunt. It was tasty and refreshing.

Last night four stewards were invited to the dais to present their thoughts on the conference, the steward's programme, and the place of young adults in the church. The presenters represented four continents and an eight
year age span. The included an American youth leader, A British parish assistant, a South African biology student, and a DJ and youth leader from Seychelles. The Brit, Penny, stole the show, being both honest and cheeky. She mentioned that she hoped to pursue ordination, by the end of the presentation a few English bishops offered her the chance.

As stewards we spend a lot of time in our common room. Last night we had fun singing and playing guitar and violin.

This morning we helped lead morning worship. We were the readers, interessors, and choristers. The Choir, made up of stewards under the direction of steward Christopher Johnson of Christ Church University was excellent. This is from the final rehearsal, apologies that the sound quality on my camera isn't very good.

Dream Catcher

2008-08-03T13:16:00.003+01:00

The Dream Catcher is an integral part of the traditions of many indigenous world wide. Members of the Spouses' Conference made this Dream Catcher out of one of the table cloths in the Spouses' Venue. The Dream Catcher is a circle which reminds us that God's love is a circle, with no beginning and no end. The table cloth reminds us of the tables around which participants sat, studied, and listened. The Dream Catcher features the thumb print of every spouse as a representation of each individual who attended. And as Jane Williams reminded participants in her ending talk, "If we dream together, things will happen."

Spouses Conference

2008-08-03T06:19:00.008+01:00

One major aspect of the Lambeth Conference that seems to hardly get mentioned at all is the 540+ spouses who gather daily for their own conference.

Like the bishops, the spouses meet daily for worship, meals, plenary sessions, bible studies, and self-select sessions.

The team that put together the Spouses' Conference, under the direction of Jane Williams, had a very difficult task. They had to build a conference for a group of people who appear to have very little in common other than having spouses with similar jobs. They are, among other things, mothers, wives, fathers, husbands, clergy, professionals, professors, seamstresses, and full time bishops' wives.

While the bishops were discussing issues in the church, and learning about episcopal ministry and each other. There spouses were learning about world issues, each other, taking trips to different parts of England, making art, praying, and for many of them, being introduced to many of the issues facing the church. They had the opportunity to discuss struggles in being a bishop's spouse. A few commented that it was good being able to see the work that was being done around the communion in person.

Many of the spouses have had very different responses to the sessions, with some attending every option available, and others attending only bible studies and plenaries and spending the rest of their time reading, praying, and walking. All of the spouses seem very appreciative and excited about the bible studies, which, unlike the bishops', only have five members. The diversity in the group added to the full experiences, and, as Jane Williams noted in her ending address, the community added to the full study of the passages (which were, as with the bishops, the "I am" statements from John).

While more of the spouses than bishops don't speak English, the bible study groups all seem to be making it work.

A few of the male spouses seem to have stopped attending many of the events, but there significant attention paid to remembering that there were male spouses when the programme was designed.

Though exhausted, the spouses do seem to be enjoying themselves. The fear that was obvious in many attendees has lessened and the atmosphere is surprisingly light, and most of the spouses have seemed to find the experience of meeting other spouses, learning, and exploring the area worthwhile and rewarding.

Indaba and Human Sexuality

2008-08-02T13:42:00.001+01:00

From elsewhere:

"The first draft summary of yesterday's indaba group discussions on homosexuality are available here as a PDF. Some of the bishops seemed rather unhappy with it, and felt that it did not reflect their group. Others also questioned what good it would particularly do or where "we can go from here."

Stewarding

2008-08-02T13:31:00.002+01:00

One of the things I've greatly cherished about being a steward are the other stewards.

Over the years I've met a large number of people my age who were really excited about being a Christian. But here, I've managed to find a number of people my age who are really excited about being Anglican - about the communion, about the worship and the liturgy and the history.

Last night a number of us met at an on campus bar and ended up spending two hours singing hymns - some where well known, others more obscure, but almost everyone knew all the words (and it ended with a rousing version of "God Save the Queen," which was sung by almost everyone in our group... including the many members from ex-colonies - the US, Canada, Australia, and NZ).

Fabulous Chart by a Fellow American Steward

2008-08-01T17:34:00.008+01:00

Created by fellow American Steward Sam K

The last few days...

2008-08-01T12:44:00.003+01:00

The last few days of the conference have focused around the themes on the Bishops' Place in the World and Human Sexuality.

I've avoided all that. There isn't anything I can contribute, and there is no point in my getting upset over it until they decide what they are going to say. I've been listening and talking to bishops, but the hearings are just too much.

Instead, I've had interesting times with worship, getting to know the other stewards, attending lectures, and eating.

Last Friday we put together a Eucharist for the stewards and chaplaincy team in the crypt of the Cathedral (Our Lady Undercroft). I was blown away by the group. Everyone who did anything in the service was a steward. The three organists and choir director were stewards, as was the excellent choir. The readings were selected by and read by stewards as were the intersessions. The acolytes, thurifer, concelebrants and deacons were all stewards as well.
Our preacher and celebrant was +Ralph Spense, our chaplain. The service was marvelous, and we are having another one - a bit lower, tonight.

Saturday was photo day. All of the staff, followed by all of the spouses, followed by all of the bishops lined up on bleachers for the infamous Lambeth group shots. Photos of the women bishops were taken as well. These were both exciting the number of bishops in them, but also sad by the small amount of progress made in ten years regarding those numbers.

On Monday morning the Province of the Indian Ocean celebrated Eucharist. While in the past all of the con celebrants have been men, there was a woman in the group. A priest who was sought out to be a woman in the group. Many people are sad that there haven't been any women celebrating, but others fear some wouldn't attend Eucharist for that reason. Regardless, most of the provinces leading Eucharist don't have female bishops (this was to get more developing nations leading services)

The Anglican Church of Southern Africa led evening worship, which was fun and interesting, although, a few of us noted that the use of the standard worship group (all white) looked a little colonial. That evening the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations, Sir Jonathan Sachs, spoke. Although I was unable to attend, the entire lecture, I will say that he was one of the most dynamic Rabbis I've ever heard. His style was almost evangelical in nature (although a bit more academic).

On Tuesday I was able to hear some fun African drumming by LGBT Anglicans before going to hear their stories.

For the past few days I've spent a lot of time waiting and reading. I've been assigned to venues like "spouses bible studies" which involves sitting in the courtyard waiting for questions, or sitting outside of self-select sessions or guarding some sort of gate for insurance reasons. This was the case on Wednesday where I had little of note to do until 6:00pm. Each night +Rowan and Jane throw a small party for about 150 bishops at either the Old Palace (behind the cathedral) or in one of the banquet rooms on campus (if there is an evening plenary). Two or three stewards are assigned to each reception, where we load buses, walk the people to Old Palace, stand around and drink wine and eat snacks, get back on the coaches and arrive in time to meet the other stewards at the pub.

It was held in a lovely garden, and Natalie, the other steward and I had the opportunity to talk to Jane Williams. We asked her for a photo, and she decided she needed to call her husband over as well.

Today I attended morning Eucharist led by the United Church of Pakistan, which would have been far more useful had it been translated into English (I found myself trying to follow along with the Spanish translation over the headsets). It was, regardless, a lovely service. After each morning Eucharist there is a five minute video (courtesy of Trinity, Wall Street) recapping the day before. Today's actually focused on staff and stewards. YAY! I had breakfast, sat outside the spouses bible studies, and did some shopping.

I'm about to head into Canterbury to finish that, and hope to meet up with some people this evening.

In peace
Allie
A Lambeth Steward

Sadness and Frustration with the Inclusive Church Network

2008-08-01T09:08:00.008+01:00

Its been a few days since I've written, and this is not the post I was hoping to write [I've since made edits since talking to members of the Inclusive Church Network] .

Sometimes, I think they just don't get it... the rest of the time I know it.

Today's issue of the Lambeth Witness managed to ruin much the credibility the Inclusive Church Network has managed to build, and saddened and angered many of us.

People need to understand, Lambeth is a PROFESSIONAL conference... it is not a general meeting of Christians. IF this were a conference for Math Teachers, English Teachers would not be able to attend, and everyone would understand that. [edit: I've had some people comment that this is different because it is a church funded event... most of these people are priests... three words for you: Diocesan Clergy Conference... you may not see that at exclusionary but some of the lay people in your parish do] This isn't your (our) conference. This is a conference for bishops and spouses, therefore, often, press, volunteers, etc are not allowed to attend. It isn't about press, its about improving episcopal ministry.

Press, get over it, this isn't your conference.

More to the point, if you could get in, so could those who have greatly different opinions than yours, and they would distort it (regardless of which side you are on).

In today's Lambeth Witness the Very Revd Rowan Smith, Dean of Cape Town Cathedral in South Africa wrote an article which equated the colour-coded lanyard system we use here (described in an earlier post) at Lambeth to apartheid.

Um, come again?

Apartheid was used to keep people down, this system is used to ensure that those who are not Bishops aren't let into sessions which are for bishops... people need the ability to speak openly without the fear of being quoted or photos being taken.

That statement was way out of line and unfair to the conference organizers.

His article was filled with errors and inconsistencies that led most to believe that he made up his example. He said someone tried to enter the Big Top for mass, but was turned away by a "Steward" with a "yellow lanyard." Stewards wear GREEN lanyards. Canterbury volunteers wear YELLOW lanyards BUT Canterbury volunteers AREN'T allowed at the Big Top.
[edit: I was recently informed that this was for the later Eucharist which allows all participants to attend, not held in the Big Top. There likely was a volunteer at the door, but volunteers are not stewards. They are not briefed every day and likely didn't understand the instructions regarding colours of lanyards, or simply misinterpreted the instructions, however, most attendees do know the differece between stewards and volunteers (yellow sashes vs orange jackets.]

The tactics used by some of the member groups of the Inclusive Church network have already been off-putting to many attendees. The Lambeth Witness is the only paper publication at Lambeth, so the Inclusive Church Network is already a privileged position in this regard.

I feel that people are so used to be excluded unfairly that they don't notice when they are being excluded fairly.

These are all things that I have heard from other attendees. At first I thought that no one else would notice, but these errors were the talk of the dining hall (I said nothing). Most of what I have written was taken from what I over heard.

The people who have been working on the Lambeth Witness have put an INCREDIBLE amount of work into it. They've done a fabulous job at getting out their message. But what takes years to build can take seconds to ruin.

I get so annoyed when groups that are trying to do good things rip themselves down.

I'm not saying I agree with all of the decisions Lambeth has made... or that history doesn't show that bishops need to be monitored, just that organisations need to think about how what they published will be recieved by those who read it... the same way that what the bishops say will be recieved by those who hear it.

On the Windsor front...

2008-07-28T09:31:00.006+01:00

As stewards, we have some interesting opportunities. We are able to sit in on self-select sessions and hearings.

I've had the opportunity to attend both hearings from the Windsor Continuation Committee as well as a session on an introduction to the Anglican Covenant for bishops held by three members of the Covenant Design Group (+Chew, Scully, and Nottage) and +Tom Wright.

To quote a few attendees, the whole thing was depressing.

The first set of hearings, which was open to all bishops, invited bishops to speak at one of two microphones for up to three minutes. This first hearing was rather predicictable, with most bishops saying what they were expected to say. Most expressed a desire for unity and a continuing of communion.

Two points worth mentioning from this first hearing:
Bishop Sue Johnston, National Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Canada pointed out that human sexuality issues are ecumenical issues.

+Pierre Whalon pointed out that using TEC Convocation of American Churches in Europe as a model for nongeographic diocese was like using the Titanic as a model for shipbuilding.

The second set was a bit painful. Attendees were asked to look through the lens of "what personal sacrifice do I have to make?" Almost everyone who spoke was either American or Canadian, and they spent most of their time defending their position or themselves. A few bishops spoke of not being willing to sacrifice GLBT people/clergy... another basically said "We have same sex blessings in my diocese, so there." Which, while honest, did not help the dialogue.

I felt the most useful statements actually came from +Duncan Gray,
+Roskam, NY, who was the only person at all on any side of the issue to mention theology - requesting the opportunity to present a scriptural defense of a more progressive theology

+Sutton, Maryland who compared the use of the bible to subjugate blacks and perpetuate slavery to treatment of GLBT people. He was not, mind you, saying that the two sets of suffering were equal, but that the bible has been used for evil things. He said that any of the African -American bishops would be happy to discuss the issues with their fellow bishops.

A paper with preliminary observations was circulated, which called for a moratorium on the consecration of gay bishops, the blessing of same sex unions, and of cross boundary invasions, which as a few people pointed out, seemed a bit like "I'll give you one moratorium if you give me one."
The plan seemed to give little assurance of this last one. There was also a question as to what the terms "moratorium" and "authorized" mean.

As a few British priests on staff here have pointed out, there are many issues with tactics on all sides, and people aren't speaking to the same issues. They aren't speak across to eachother but rather past eachother.

In regards to the Covenant, few people if any seem happy. While some agree that a covenant is necessary. I mentioned to someone on the design group what a member of my diocesan deputation said: that the appendix is diseased and needs to be removed. She laughed and actually agreed. She admitted the appendix was rushed, and could understand where I was coming from when I said that it was the only part that didn't seem biblically based.

In all, everyone was very defensive, with love. While I don't think an "Anglican Inquisition" would occur - especially since it would result in very few Anglicans and likely a surge in Lutherans and other mainline denominations, and that would just make us look dumb. We can't just kill people for that anymore... at least, not in the US or in England.

A quick observation on Lambeth

2008-07-27T22:18:00.002+01:00

Most all bishops are desperate for unity and to preserve the Anglican Communion, but no one is willing to change their position.

I do believe that with that set of conditions the Anglican Communion can remain, as do most of the other stewards.

The hope seems to be that at Lambeth the bishops will eat together, pray together, and talk together... and then they can go home and do their jobs.

We shall see.

People I've met

2008-07-27T22:06:00.003+01:00

I've realised I've had the opportunity to meet and reconnect with some great people outside of the stewards program, and this is where I give at least some of the a "shout out."

The first is to Elizabeth Keaton, who is, as many of you know, a priest from the Diocese of Newark and fabulous person. I also got to meet Jon, a candidate for Holy Orders in that diocese and working with Integrity at Lambeth.

The next is to Neva Rae Fox, wife of a fellow deputy from Dio NJ who is hear as press for the PB's office, who is a doing a grand a job with all of the press people in the pen upstairs in Darwin. Its got to be a difficult job for all the press (including Elizabeth) as there is little news worthy that is occuring. There are press conferences that they are all attending though.

The next person I met was Mary Francis Schjonberg. She is the sort whose name I have seen in numerous places but didn't know what she looked like until I managed to severely put my foot in my mouth.

I spoke with Bishop Pierre Whalon of the Convocation of American Churches in Europe who apparently knows I have this blog as well as my own bishops and numerous other people both from 815 and abroad

So to everyone, here is your shout out, and if I missed you, let me know and I'll write you up in the next one
:-)

In peace,
Allie
A Lambeth Steward

Day in London (or the most bourgeois march I have ever attended)

2008-07-26T08:23:00.020+01:00

Thursday was the Conference "London Day." The day consisted of a "Walk of Witness," lunch at Lambeth Palace, and tea at Buckingham Palace, before taking the buses back to UKC.
It was the day when the stewards had to get 1300 people onto 34 buses four times, three of which had to be done quickly. Luckily, I was not one of those stewards.

Two staff members, nine other stewards and I, left UKC at 6:00am to arrive in London before the other buses. We basically had to find toilets, find the Walk's starting point, and figure out the best path to get from the buses drop off point to these places.

It does figure, a bit, that my first time in London would be for a march.

Part of my reason for wanting to be on the early bus was to actually have some time to see London. While we didn't have much time, we did walk to Trafalgar Square and one of the Brits who was with us told us about the different places we saw and passed along the way.

During the march itself, which was to raise awareness about the MDGs my task was to walk up and down the sides of the march and ensure that no one was hurt, overly tired, or for any reason needed to be pulled out, as well as keeping any counter-demonstrators away. None of this proved to be an issue, and it was good exercise. There were rickshaws in the back for anyone who couldn't do the walk.

It was amazing walking past parliament and across Lambeth Bridge over the Thames.

The walk ended at Lambeth Palace where we listened to a speech by PM Gordon Brown. The speech itself was quite good. It was loud and called for an end to poverty. Now if only his (and our) government's policy reflected this... because if our governments truly wanted an end to poverty, there wouldn't be any.

Once we were near the tent outside the palace and we could take off our orange jackets all of the stewards were amazed how good we could look. As we walked to the tent we were treated to a concert of steel drums and dancing played by children from the Archbishop's School. During a delicious lunch most of us were seated randomly, and I was seated with another steward (from the UK), The bishop of Newark and his wife, ditto the bishop of West Missouri, Martha Gardner from 815, the bishop of Wyoming, and a bishop from Fiji.

The bishop from Figi was quiet, but very interesting, and actually stated that he wished the female bishops would participate more during discussions!

We then quickly loaded the buses to get everyone to Buckingham Palace. We couldn't bring cameras into the palace, but it was a good time, if not more than a bit ridiculous. The parts of the inside of the palace we were able to see were beautiful and the gardens were, unsurprisingly, perfect. They managed to be perfectly put together without looking overly contrived.

The band at the palace, in their military garb, played theme songs and soundtracks all afternoon, including Oliver, The Incredibles , James Bond and I Got Rhythm. The iced coffee was fabulous.

We then got back on the buses and took the two hour drive home for a staff meeting and drinking G&Ts and watching "The Queen" on DVD.

lost and found

2008-07-25T22:55:00.002+01:00

to answer a question I've been getting:

Yes, +Tom Wright found his robes. They had been delivered to the wrong place and moved a few times to end up in what was still the wrong place, but found.

Two very different Eucharists...

2008-07-25T20:33:00.010+01:00

As many other people have written, there were two very different Eucharists last Sunday.

One was very formal, festive, and dignified. It began with half an hour procession followed by festive singing and an amazing men and boys choir, dancing and singing during the gospel by Melonesian brothers and sisters. The stewards were sitting off to the side of the "choir" where there are cutouts and tombs, which meant that I was one of the few non-bishops who could actually see onto the altar.

There was only about an hour between the end of the first Eucharist and the beginning of the second... along with a twenty minute walk, so when the service began it looked like there would be a small turnout of bishops, but by the end there were over 30. The second Eucharist was far less festive, and far lower. Rather than inside a magnificent building we were outside of a parish church on a field during on and off rain. The mood was far more tense than any Integrity Eucharist I could remember. It was a sharp contrast to the earlier Eucharist although the music and sermons were surprisingly similar.

At the first service the bishop of Columbo (Sri Lanka) preached a sermon about inclusion, and the churches responsibility to be a "voice for the voiceless." During the first we sang that "all are welcome in this place," in the second we showed it.

Anyhow, on to the pictures (those from inside the Cathedral were taken from the conference website)!

Slight break

2008-07-24T00:44:00.003+01:00

Due to a death of an acquaintance I'm not really feeling up to blogging.
Please pray for the Liquori family.
Tomorrow I'm off to London, Ill try to catch up after that

Blinding the Bishop

2008-07-22T17:07:00.009+01:00

note *I will cover the two Eucharists, but I wanted to do this first- if you don't want to read the post, please do check out the photo at the bottom*

The past few days have been both interesting and very busy. The goings on of a steward are a bit different from those of other participants, as we can be assigned to strange places while major events are going on - such as monitoring a random gate on campus while a plenary session is going on in the big top.

Yesterday afternoon I was assigned to watch the door on a Fringe Event - monitoring who comes in and out. Ironically, it was an event on reparative therapy. Unsurprisingly, there were about 10 attendees, at least four of whom were associated with an LGBT org. Most of the bishops could not attend as it was badly scheduled, but the next day, when the bishops were free, I was told the attendance was only about seven.

Yesterday evening I met with a friend who had just arrived from NJ.

Yesterday evening there was a presentation for Bishops and Spouses on "Changing Contexts: breaking open our models for evangelism" by American pastor and author Dr. Brian McLaren - who I have actually heard speak before. His talk, which looked at different models of evangelism and growing the church while providing an analysis of both problems an doable solutions both on small and diocesan and province wide scales was very useful and interesting.
That ended around 9:45.
Then we had a staff meeting.
Then I had to be on morning prayer duty at 6am.

I was monitoring who came into the building while sitting on the floor of the lobby. After everyone had come in, apparently I fell asleep, which I realised as everyone started coming back down the stairs after prayer.

I had about an hour off before I had to leave for the Spouses venue where there was talk about the MDGs so that the Spouses would understand what they were walking about during the Walk of Witness on London Day on Thursday.

This was followed by a presentation on what to expect while in London.

During the afternoon bishops could choose to attend a variety of self-select sessions that covered topics from Ethical Issues in Global Warming to The Church of the Triune God: Heresy, Schism, and Reception in Communion. I was to watch the door on "Youth: Please Listen to Me... your future depends on it."

I was both surprised and impressed to find it attended by Archbishop Rowen (or ArchieRo as some of the stewards have begun to refer to him -- not to his face of course). I was surprised because the CofE doesn't value or utilize its youth in the same way it does in the USA. There were no press around nor were their any "high ranking" people who would have seen ++Rowan making some sort of overture to the youth. In the CofE acolytes are usually adults and many parishes simply aren't interested in changing their own paradigm to make changes that would interest younger people. I was speaking to an older local volunteer who simply couldn't fathom that young people might be interested, or that we were effectively working on it in the US.

She felt as if she started to get it when she mentioned a church that lets the children help make jam for the church... I let it go... but she was interested.

The group became too big for the room and they moved outside. I ran into a rather lost +Catherine Roskam, and as I was walking her to the place she needed to be I heard: "they've blindfolded the archbishop."

... and there he was... standing in a circle being told directions.

I was greatly pleased with the vulnerability he was willing to share for the sake of the youth.
Please don't steal these photos to make fun of him.

I'm off to dinner with some friends before sitting in on the evening plenary: "Cardinal Ivan Dias - Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelism of Peoples at the Vatican - Mission, Social Justice and Evangelisation."

Past few days

2008-07-21T09:36:00.007+01:00

The last few days have been a bit of a whirlwind. There have been final preparations for the beginning of the conference, the beginning of The Spouses Conference, the opening Eucharist, and lots of worship and singing.

All the bishops have commented how wonderful the retreat was and the spouses are beginning to get settled in. We have had few injuries, and all seems to be going well.

The Ecumenical Guests arrived Saturday. It is so much fun to see the attire of the leaders of the many different Christian traditions represented. From the Lutheran bishops who resemble Anglican bishops, to the Salvation Army representative's military based uniform to the beautiful and detailed robes of the orthodox representatives, it was a very interesting site. These guests were formally welcomed at worship that evening.

Two more points:
1. The ten foot fence:
There have been rumors of a ten foot fence which surrounds the "Big Top"- the large blue tent in which many conference events are held for the purpose of intimidating people.
This is not true... the fence is a bit under six and a half feet high and was required by the insurance company for the tent. There is a lot of expensive equipment in that tent such as lights, headsets, microphones, etc and no perfect way to secure it as it is a tent. While I'm sure the fence does provide some sort of "people" security as well, its primary purpose is to conform to the rules of the insurance company.

2. The HOB is deliberately excluding +Gene from attend an HOB meeting this morning.
Yes, +Gene is not invited to this gathering. The conference has scheduled provincial meetings for province (or region) of the Anglican Communion on campus as official conference events. Every event at Lambeth has a very specific requirement as to who is allowed in. Most events are exclusive.
Before every event at Lambeth Stewards are told who is allowed in (people are colour coded- bishops and bishop's spouses are on the same color but have different badges).
Because Bishop Robinson does not have a purple lanyard, he would not be allowed in to the room where the provincial gathering is being held.
There isn't anything we as stewards are allowed to do about it, it can only be taken up with the Lambeth Secretariat.
I agree that +Gene should be able to meet with his province, so please don't start with that. Simply, it is not the bishop's decision to make.

Lasty, if as you are reading this blog, you don't see something discussed that you would like to know about, please email me or post a reply, and I will be happy to talk about it. So much is going on at Lambeth that it is hard at times to distinguish between what people are hearing about/find interesting and otherwise.

In peace,
Allie
A Lambeth Steward

Three seperate things

2008-07-20T07:47:00.003+01:00

There are three seperate concepts, that are undoubtedly a bit connected, but nevertheless separate that some people seem to be merging.

1. ++Rowan Williams
2. The issues in the Anglican Communion
3. The Lambeth Conference

Please don't crucify one when you mean another.

I've turned on moderated posting because this is a blog of my tales from Lambeth. Anything that may create division is not getting through as that is not the purpose of this blog.

Yes these are all connected, but they are all their own thing as well.

I'm off to Canterbury Cathedral for the opening Eucharist and then to St. Stephen's for the Integrity/Changing Attitudes Echarist.

In Peace,

A bit surreal

2008-07-20T00:07:00.003+01:00

I'll admit this Lambeth Conference is a bit surreal for me.

I've joked with ++Rowan... and got into a discussion with +N.T. Wright regarding the robes that he forgot. They were to be mailed to him, but hadn't made it yet. He is borrowing those of another bishop.

I've studied this man. Its so strange to be talking about such a mundane topic... and its basically been a week of this.

I don't get star struck, its just strange meeting all these people one usually sees as an author

The night on which Allie makes fun of the Archbishop of Canterbury to his face

2008-07-18T09:52:00.000+01:00

On Thursday evening Dr. Jane Williams had a book launch of her new book, Marriage, Mitres, and Being Myself. It is a compilation of stories from bishops' spouses. The launch was complete with a short and witty lecture as well as wine and chocolate.

As people were milling about before the lecture, Archbishop Rowan, like many of the others, were talking. I was standing with another steward off to the side of the room. ++Rowan slipped out of his conversation and came over to talk to us. He began by asking us how we were and if we were tired yet. We answered politely pointed out that he was likely more tired as the whole world was looking at him and not us. He pointed out that we were wearing florescent vests. He then asked us what we did when we weren't doing this.

The other steward began to explain our other duties. He stopped her and said, "no, no, when you aren't here." She replied that she studies theology at this university (UKC). He asked me, and I replied that I am a masters student in library science. He asked where.

Upon my reply of Rutgers, he immediately said "Oh, in Joisey."

Yes, I'm serious.

I, of course, in response, put on my thickest NJ accent and say "woi, of corwse, waya else wood I be from? Do we awl tawk funny or wha-ev?"

He laughs, and is then made fun of (not by me) for being Welsh and making fun of anyone elses speaking.

He is very humble and self-effacing and down to earth. At the opening plenary, when explaining what would happen on the retreat, he mentioned that there would be a series of addresses. He said that he hoped they would be useful. But if the bishops found them "boring or incomprehensable" that they are welcome to not pay attention and try to listen to God in other ways instead.

When Jane, who isn't much taller than I am, was taking a photo with a few Korean women, he pointed out that this would be one of the few times that she has ever towered over anyone.

Some of the clergy and bishops are critical of this aspect of ++Rowan, but I have found it quite comforting.

While this was a bit rambling, I don't really feel like rewriting it

An "I" at Lambeth

2008-07-18T06:29:00.004+01:00

Those of you who know me well, know that I am, without a doubt, an introvert (a chatty one, but an I nonetheless).

After ten days running around with little sleep and large numbers of people almost constantly (first stewards now everyone) I am beyond exhausted. Other than when we are sleeping there has been almost no time alone and I'll admit I've been getting a bit testy.

I'm arrainging to have a bit of time to myself that I plan to use to sneak off and just be for a few hours, but if I do snap at you before hand in some way, I am sorry.

If you blog or read Anglican Blogs READ ME!!!

2008-07-17T22:39:00.010+01:00

READ ME!
(I'm not asking you to agree with me, I'm asking you to consider this perspective)

I have a newfound respect for the Archbishop of Canterbury which I, as many of you know, didn't have before.

It is very easy to criticize him from across the pond, or even from England, but meeting him and seeing how he deals with things is amazing.

Yes, I wish he would take a stand more similar to that which he did previously, but he is human and cannot work miracles by himself. He can not wave his arm and have everyone included and still have a church now. He has appeared to work on miracle however: He has designed a conference which has created a holy space and has an atmosphere of spirituality, comradary, and unity.

This conference is not a circus. It is not angry. It is not about mud slinging or being "right." Archbishop Rowan has designed a conference that is about increasing and growing ministry as a bishop. It is a "professional development" conference, for lack of a better term.

While it may be boring for the media, I could not be prouder to be an Anglican.
And I pray people (on both the left and the right) would stop writing nasty things who aren't here or can't get into the venues that only we and the delegates can get into, and don't know what they are talking about.

No, it isn't perfect. No, everyone isn't being included. But we are all trying to serve God the best we can.

GOD IS IN THIS PLACE.

Me with the ABC

2008-07-17T09:24:00.004+01:00

OMG

Link to the original pic - on the Anglican Communion website!

Welcome to the Big Top

2008-07-17T09:11:00.005+01:00

The Big Top, which is the name we are using for the large blue tent where worship and bishops plenary sessions occur, is restricted to delegate entrance only. There are a few limited sessions in which the press are allowed, but other than that only bishops, spouses, staff, and stewards are allowed inside. Photography, other than for official conference photographers is not allowed, however, that was not the rule before things were set up, so I bring you "The Big Top" (before they laid the carpeting, and without the pretty lighting).

This last photo was taken backstage behind the projection screen. Those wooden planks that steward is holding have since become the altar table.

Speaking of which, Michael Sniffin, a fellow steward and priest from the Diocese of LI (NY) had the honor of assisting the administration of communion at this morning's Eucharist. How's that for something to talk about for the rest of ones life!

In Peace
Allie
A Lambeth Steward

Back up

2008-07-16T23:34:00.000+01:00

I should be back up early tomorrow morning!
Sorry!

And so it begins....

2008-07-16T11:04:00.009+01:00

On Monday and Tuesday morning we had our final days of training, met with the 300 Canterbury Volunteers and had a surprise complete with a visit from Archbishop Rowan. As you can see from our attire, we were not expecting this visit. He was very nice and, based on his writings, most of us were surprised how "normal" and joking he was.

This was followed by a tour of Canterbury Cathedral, complete with view of St. Augustine's chair and a view of where Thomas Beckett was killed.

On Tuesday about a third of the bishops arrived. Conference organizers were not expecting that many people, so we were very short staffed and busy. The other 1,000 people arrived yesterday.

The registration process was a bit more complicated than everyone expected. Delegates arrived at all different times by different means of transportation. Most were picked up from the coach stop or train stations in town by volunteers or arrived coaches from other parts of England where many were staying for a few days.

When they arrived they were brought to a large car park where stewards looked up their room numbers and their luggage was transported to their rooms depending on the residential complex they would be residing.

All of the rooms are actually rather nice single dorm rooms. Nicer than almost anything I've ever seen for undergrads in the US. The rooms are rather large with large desks, movable desk lamps contraptions that boil water, and surprisingly comfortable beds.

Some of the "western" bishops, when they saw that they and their spouses were in separate bedrooms (all next door to their spouses), were convinced that they had been singled out... that other people were in doubles. They clearly were not.

After their luggage was checked, they joined a queue to register, get their ID badge and lanyard and their welcome packet. At one point the queue was over an hour long. But as the English queue well, they set a peaceful precedent.

They then went to their rooms and could eat in one of two rather nice dining halls until the opening plenary session yesterday evening.

In Peace,
Allie
A Lambeth Steward

Colour Coding Lambeth

2008-07-15T08:37:00.003+01:00

Everyone at Lambeth has to wear a different colour lanyard with an ID attached to be allowed into any venue (other than the Marketplace).

It is likely that in photographs in the media you will see people wearing the different colours.
Here is a quick guide to those colours:

Red: Staff

Green: Stewards

Yellow/Gold: Canterbury Volunteers

Grey: Day Guests/Resource People

Purple: Bishops/Bishop's Spouses/Ecumenical Guests

White: Exhibitors

Sky Blue: Press

Dark Blue: University Staff

So Who are We?

2008-07-13T23:28:00.007+01:00

I'm sure you must be wondering who exactly these stewards are.
That is a rather difficult question.
We are a diverse group of about 60 from around 20 different countries. We vary in age, occupation, language, and original religious background.

There are about 20 stewards from the UK, most are students at either the University of Kent or Christ Church University or alumni from those schools. About 4 aren't Anglican but were interested in serving regardless.

There are seven and two halves students from the US: A priest/ph.d student from the diocese of Long Island, three students from Duke Divinity School, a student at Fuller Theological Seminary, and a student at Bexley Hall (and me). There are also two foreign students studying in the US: one from Brazil and the other from Canada.

There are two Canadian stewards as well as our chaplains, Ralph Spence, the retired bishop of Niagra and his wife.

We have stewards from Mexico, Cuba, South Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, France, Japan and Myanmar! (among others).

There are three priests (that I know of), at least 8 seminarians/ordinands, as well as a large number of undergrads hoping to pursue ordained ministry. Others are in finance, law, music, there is a DJ, and many are graduate or undergraduate students.

Many people were raised Anglican while others were Catholic, Hindu, Jewish, Baptist or raised in local religions. Some were raised in religious families, while others came this way themselves.

There are leftists, liberals, and conservatives.

However, all of us are here to learn, listen, serve and help make the Lambeth Conference one of unity and of strengthening the effectiveness and usefullness and well as wholeness of all of the bishops who attend.

(Thanks to Robert S for the photo!)

The bishops arrive on Tuesday and Wednesday, so this should be an interesting day.

In Peace,
Allie
A Lambeth Steward

All the World's a Stage...

2008-07-13T17:25:00.002+01:00

As I mentioned before, we had to arrive at the University of Kent a week before the Conference began. This was for a week of explanations, training, and set up. We were given the Programme Leaflet for the conference and told our general duties.

Among these are: Checking IDs at the entrances of facilities: Every facility is restricted on who is allowed to enter (we can enter everywhere). Conference participants (stewards, staff, volunteers, bishops, spouses, exhibitors, press) have different colored lanyards which say where they can go.

We will be marshelling people on and off of buses, and giving instructions while on a bus.

... walking the Walk of Witness in London.

... doing some administrative work (copying etc)

... monitoring the exhibiting hall and marketplace.

... assisting in some workshops.

... giving directions and answering questions as needed

... providing security and "locking down" buildings during sessions

... other tasks as requested

Now, you might be wondering how Stewards are recognised. We will be wearing green lanyards, but the conference organisers decided that wasn't enough.

Along with the lanyards, we will be wearing "high visibility jackets" seen below:

I think we will be rather difficult to miss.

Adding to the rather visible nature of the conference is the place where the bishops will be meeting. The conference has taken up most of the space on campus including all of the large venues. Between the Spouses Conference and the Marketplace, there wasn't much space for place where 1300 people (bishops for the plenary, and bishops, spouses, and staff for Eucharist) could meet at one time.

So they set up a tent.

Throughout our training the staff has been referring to this tent as "the Big Top." Since the circus is coming to town, we are all awaiting the exhibitionists and the clowns.

In peace
Allie
A Lambeth Steward

Hanging with a fellow Blogger

2008-07-13T17:00:00.000+01:00

In case you are interested, here is a picture of me with fellow blogger, Luiz Coelho.

Luiz and I both serve on the Stewards Worship Group, and its been wonderful working with him and getting to know him.

In peace,
Allie
A Lambeth Steward

Greetings from Canterbury!

2008-07-12T17:05:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone,
And welcome to my Lambeth blog!

While I know a great many bishops and reporters will be blogging, I'm here to give you a different perspective - that of a Steward.

We are here to serve the conference and the delegates (bishops and spouses). There are about 60 of between the ages of 18-35 from nearly 20 provinces of the Anglican Communion.

We arrived at the University of Kent on Tuesday and have since been training for a variety of tasks and situations and setting up to make this Lambeth Conference go as smoothly as possible.

I do hope to blog daily, and there is already quite a lot going on.

I am going to try to keep each entry to one topic, which may result in multiple entries in a row, and this may change as the blog progresses.

In peace,
Allie
A Lambeth Steward