Yesterday was a travel day to Canterbury. I left Workington at 8:00 AM, met up with Bishop Dow and wife Molly, and then we drove for seven hours from Rose Castle to Canterbury. We arrived with just enough time to register, drop off our luggage in our rooms, and then rush to the opening plenary session in the “big top.” The opening remarks from Archbishop Williams and others primarily were numerous introductions and conference housekeeping items. There was some worship and the singing was uplifting after a tiring day of driving from practically the Scotland border to the south of England. It was good to see old friends. When I finally got to my room about 9:30PM I discovered that I could not get online so I had to deal with that this morning.

Today we started with our Bible study groups. We began with the prologue from John’s Gospel. My group includes three bishops from Australia, one from Scotland, one from England, one from Barbados, and another from the United States. The session this morning was somewhat hurried as we had to board buses by 10:30 for the Cathedral. 

Archbishop Williams began the first of our three day retreat with the theme being “God’s Mission and a bishop’s discipleship.” It was a wonderful experience being seated in the nave of Canterbury Cathedral with 650 bishops. The archbishop’s remarks were focused and challenging. We were reminded that the fullness of our unity is in Jesus Christ. I felt blessed and pleased to be part of this conference. The conclusion of the first day of retreat included Evening Worship with the men and boy’s choir. The music was beautiful and the sound of hundreds of voices resonating around the sanctuary was powerful and empowering.

It has been good to sense such a spirit of enthusiasm for each other in our precious Anglican Communion. I recognize that we have only just begun but I sense a graciousness and depth of prayer in our gathering. I hope that all who read these words will continue to hold up the Lambeth Conference in prayer.  I am glad to be here. My wife, Mary Ellen, will be joining me here on Monday. I will be gladder then!