Bishop Stephen Lane, Diocese of Maine
The majority of the first day of the House of Bishops meeting was given over to Lambeth reflections. Despite various disappointments about one aspect of the Lambeth Conference or another, most bishops found the experience deeply rewarding and spiritually stretching. We have a much greater sense now how all of us, wherever we are, are shaped by the contexts in which we minister. And we have a deeper appreciation of the value of working together for the ministry of Christ and the health of the world. We are partners in ministry whether we think about that often or not, and we are beginning to ask how we can represent the concerns of the larger world in the places where we work.
Two issues presented themselves: How can we effectively share something of the richness and value of the Lambeth experience with the dioceses which we serve? And, how can we maintain the relationships that were strengthened or begun at the Conference? A number of ideas were floated for helping bishops and dioceses visit one with one another more often and to share our lives.
There was also evident great concern for the urgent matter of climate change. Climate change confronts us with profound spiritual and lifestyle challenges. The church has a great deal it could say about this matter, and it is a primary example of the ways were are deeply linked across the globe. As Anglicans and Americans this an issue we must address. A House of Bishops conference on the environment and a Standing Commission on the Environment were among the ideas put forward.
On other matters we heard reports on hurricane damage in the Carribean and along the Gulf Coast and on efforts by ERD and others to assist in the recovery. Both the Dominican Republic and Haiti have sustained severe damage and need our prayers and our checks.
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