Is Anglican conference nothing more than a tea party?

May 21, 2008

Excerpt:
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Episcopal scholar Ian Douglas said this year’s Lambeth Conference was designed by a committee composed of bishops, priests and lay people. Instead of a typical convention schedule, the itinerary includes Bible study sessions focused on the Gospel of John.

Afternoons will consist of “indabas,” a Zulu word used to describe groups engaged in purposeful conversation. About 40 bishops will convene for conversations focused on a different topic each of the 10 days. One indaba will focus on scriptural authority, Douglas said. Conservatives believe ordaining clergy in committed same-gender relationships violates the authority of Scripture. Bishops also will self-select evening workshops and seminars, including one being offered on human sexuality. He also said there would be afternoon tea. After all, it is England.

Americans take their tea parties very seriously, said U.S. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori when asked what mark this year’s Lambeth might make. But a revolution won’t necessarily come in the form of new attitudes about sexuality, which seem to take precedence in the West. There are different priorities in other parts of the world, she said. the rest image

Anglicans plan 'global' dialogue
By Julia Duin
May 21, 2008

About 625 Anglican bishops at the Lambeth Conference in England in July will not hold decisive votes on sexuality and other issues tearing apart the worldwide Anglican Communion, two participants said yesterday.

Instead, the bishops will use the gathering to convene "postmodern" discussion groups, the participants said.

"It is a global conversation," Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said at a news conference in New York. "It is not going to legislate. It is not going to make final decisions about anything."
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