Seeker

The Archbishop of Canterbury has recently invited the 37 Archbishops of the world-wide Anglican Communion to gather in January. The purpose of this gathering is "to reflect and pray together concerning the future of the Anglican Communion." Justin Welby's statement about this invitation is here.  The big questions are Who will actually come? (A similarly meeting in 2011 had significant absentees) Will it be of any value and if so what and how? Some media reactions to Archbishop Justin's initiative have called it a "summons". It is not a summons. It is an invitation. The Archbishop of Canterbury does not have the authority of a pope. In relation to the other Archbishops he is 'primus inter pares' (first among equals) - in other words a symbolic leader. The Anglican Church is not a global institution with corporate governance. Each province operates independently and is loosely linked as a Communion. The Anglican Communion was descri...

'Baptism' or 'christening' will be much in the news tomorrow because of a certain event involving the British royal household.   I was encouraged by this well made video. Justin Welby can't say in just over 5 minutes all that could be said about Christian baptism, but it's a welcoming introduction. I would recommend any new parent wondering about baptism/christening for their child or themselves to take a look at it as a starter. (You can read more about Christian baptism as practised in the Church of England here .) A yearning to mark significant life events with rituals involving family and friends is a universal human need. For those with some belief in God there is often a desire for "bringing God into the middle of it all", whether that is for a birth, marriage or death. God is already there of course but we often need help in articulating and knowing that. And we need help to turn towards God who is always drawing us to himself. Th...

Justin Welby was named this morning as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, which was no surprise after the media leaks of the last few days. It does seem he was surprised to be asked. And no doubt rather daunted. Many others more eloquent and informed than I am have published their reactions. Here's my brief 2-pennyworth. I was encouraged by his opening statement at the press conference at Lambeth Palace this morning. He began with one of my favourite prayers "Come Holy Spirit to the hearts of your people  and kindle in them the fire of your love." Speaking of the future of the church he expressed optimism and said: "We will certainly get things wrong, but the grace of God is far greater than our biggest failures." You can see the video or read the full text on the Archbishop of Canterbury website here.  Image Credit: weather vane, Lambeth Palace by sczscz: Creative Commons License