National & World News
Archbishop of Canterbury writes to the bishops of the Anglican Communion
To learn about the Lambeth Conference visit the official
Conference
Web site
[Episcopal
News Service] The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams,
has sent an open letter to the bishops of the Anglican Communion
in advance of the 2008 Lambeth Conference, set for July
16-August 4 at the University of Kent in Canterbury, England.
Excerpts from the May 12 letter follow. Read the complete text here.
The Feast of Pentecost is a time when we give thanks that God, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, makes us able to speak to each other and to the whole world of the wonderful things done in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a good moment to look forward prayerfully to the Lambeth Conference, asking God to pour out the Spirit on all of us as we make ready for this time together, so that we shall indeed be given grace to speak boldly in his Name.
I indicated in earlier letters that the shape of the Conference will be different from what many have been used to. We have listened carefully to those who have expressed their difficulties with Western and parliamentary styles of meeting, and the Design Group has tried to find a new style—a style more reflective of that Pentecost moment when all received the gift of speaking freely about Christ. . . .
Each day's work in this context will go forward with careful facilitation and preparation, to ensure that all voices are heard (and many languages also!). The hope is that over the two weeks we spend together, these groups will build a level of trust that will help us break down the walls we have so often built against each other in the Communion. . . .
As I noted when I wrote to you in Advent, this makes it all the more essential that those who come to Lambeth will arrive genuinely willing to engage fully in that growth towards closer unity that the Windsor Report and the Covenant Process envisage. We hope that people will not come so wedded to their own agenda and their local priorities that they cannot listen to those from other cultural backgrounds. . . .
Of course, as baptised Christians and pastors of Christ's flock, we are not just seeking some low-level consensus, or a simple agreement to disagree politely. We are asking for the fire of the Spirit to come upon us and deepen our sense that we are answerable to and for each other and answerable to God for the faithful proclamation of his grace uniquely offered in Jesus. . . . .
This is an ambitious event—ambitious for God and God's Kingdom, which is wholly appropriate for a Lambeth Conference. And our ambition is nothing less than renewal and revival for us all in the Name of Jesus and the power of his Spirit. . . .
+ Rowan Cantuar
ERD provides assistance in the wake of recent cyclone, earthquake, tornadoes
Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar
With estimates of as many as 100,000 people dead in Myanmar, and fears of
disease and food shortages on the way, Cyclone Nargis has created a major
humanitarian crisis.
Episcopal Relief and Development is responding to this disaster with our
Anglican and ecumenical partners. Please find below more information about
our response, how you can help, and resources available for churches.
What is Episcopal Relief and Development doing to help?
We are working with Anglican and ecumenical partners to meet the immediate
needs of victims by providing food, water and shelter. We have provided
monetary support to our partners to obtain and distribute the necessary
resources they need to assist victims.
We are reaching people in three affected areas: a suburban area of Yangon
(Rangoon) and two areas in the Irrawaddy Division (East Delta and West Delta
regions).
Read more. Download a bulletin insert for use on Sunday, May 18.
Earthquake in China, tornadoes in Midwest and Southeast US
Episcopal Relief and Development is ready to provide emergency assistance to families impacted by a severe earthquake in China and tornadoes in the Midwest and southeast United States.
Episcopal Relief and Development is in touch with dioceses and partners in the disaster areas and stands ready to respond once needs are identified. Read more.
How to make a donation
- Give online at
http://www.er-d.org/
- Call 1.800.334.7626, ext. 5129 (Monday- Friday,
9:00 am to 5:00 pm EDT)
- Mail gifts to: Episcopal Relief and Development, P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058; mark your donation “Myanmar and Cyclone Response Fund” to help cyclone survivors, “Emergency Relief Fund” to assist earthquake and tornado victims.