The Language of Silence

The bishops gathered again in Canterbury Cathedral to pray and reflect and listen to the powerful words of the Archbishop of Canterbury. At one point during his reflection, he invited the bishops seated in the nave of the cathedral to silence. As difficult as this may be to comprehend, more than 600 bishops were completely silent. 

I could have heard a pin drop in the cathedral.  For several minutes we sat in silence, and I learned something more about the language of silence.  When it ended, I had the overwhelming feeling that much had been accomplished during that time.  It may be that more was accomplished for me in that time than in days of talking.  I think silence is a language in which, at least this bishop, could stand to become more fluent.

Sean Rowe, Bishop of Northwestern Pennsylvania