Conference participants were enthusiastic about both the speaker’s talks’ content and their tone.
“This conference has been first rate,” said the Rt. Rev. Alden Hathaway. “I’m so encouraged. I was really moved by the Bishop of London yesterday and John McCardell brought it into an American context. All of the speakers have been just fine. The Saturday morning talk, by Justyn Terry, outlining the whole of Christian Education ”“ we’re so enthusiastic about that. He hit all of the levels, from elementary school to college and university formation to theological institutions to continuing education. That’s where it’s at. Mere Anglicanism is really at the heart of it. I’m very, very pleased to be a part of this conference.”
The Rt. Rev. Richard Chartres, Bishop of London, who was one of the presenters, said of the conference, “It’s been a treat to be here in Charleston and I’ve learned a very great deal. One of the things about the Anglican Communion is that you can have all sorts of theories about structures and theological foundations, but if we don’t know one another and if we’re not friends and we don’t spend time actually listening to one another then of course we’re going to have broils and factions. One of the worst things in life I find at the moment is going from place to place and hearing many monologues about the importance of dialogue and I think that this conference has been an example of really deep listening and exchange ”“ genuine dialogue and I appreciate it very much indeed.”
With all due respect, “First Rate” is [b]not[/b] news for Mere Anglicanism! My only consolation for having to miss it this year is Romans 8:28.
From the photos what a wonderful time people seem to have had – and what interesting people were there.
There is a dynamism establishing itself across the Anglican world, and while some may feel threatened, they shouldn’t be, because God is blessing our church with His Spirit, and you can see that in the enthusiasm and focus on mission which comes across for example in these talks.
I have been slowly been becoming aware of this for a while, but now I am certain of it, and find it very encouraging.
Of course this also energises The Opposition, as we have seen, but that is only to be expected.
[blockquote] There is a dynamism establishing itself across the Anglican world [/blockquote]
Yes, and in this case this dynamism, unlike many others, is rooted in serious scholarship! +Mark Lawrence is something of a ‘poster child’ for that (thanks be to God!) IMO the “wonderful time” and “interesting people” are perks – Mere Anglicanism traces its roots back to an organization rightly called “Scholarly Engagement with Anglican Doctrine.” If you go, expect to be challenged, not just “blessed.”
I think the serious scholar behind Mere Anglicanism is really Bishop C. Fitzsimons Allison. Don’ t get me wrong, I know that Bishop Lawrence takes scholarship seriously too. Agree with Rich#3, if you go, you WILL learn. If you don’t, you are not paying attention.