Lambeth ...

It is difficult to follow all the moves and news from the Lambeth Conference. Our brethren in the Anglican Communion are struggling to choose either a bible based faith, with the pains and sorrows that it may imply, or to choose a more modern and open minded way of believing. I think that the latter is an avoidance of the 'sorrows' that we should expect in this world (John 16.33).



Archbishop Williams pronounced his Second Presidential Address to the Lambeth Conference 2008. Hereunder an extract of his speech:

What might the traditional believer hope others have heard? ‘What we seek to do in our context is faithfully to pass on what you passed on to us — Holy Scripture, apostolic ministry, sacramental discipline. But what are we to think when all these things seem to be questioned and even overturned? We want to be pastorally caring to all, to be “inclusive” as you like to say. We want to welcome everyone. Yet the gospel and the faith you passed on to us tell us that some kinds of behaviour and relationship are not blessed by GOD. Our love and our welcome are unreal if we don’t truthfully let others know what has shaped and directed our lives — so along with welcome, we must still challenge people to change their ways. We don’t see why welcoming the gay or lesbian person with love must mean blessing what they do in the Church’s name or accepting them for ordination whatever their lifestyle. We seek to love them — and, all right, we don’t always make a good job of it : but we can’t just say that there is nothing to challenge. Isn’t it like the dilemma of the early Church — welcoming soldiers, yet seeking to get them to lay down their arms?

Let's wait and see.