There is much that suggests I am wrong. In the past few years leading up to Lambeth 2008, there has been incredible tension building. Many declarations have been made, many reflecting egos in need of power rather than gospel imperatives. Threats, intimidation, bullying and attempts to control people\u2019s lives have dominated the pre-Lambeth landscape.<\/p>\n
But now that the conference is upon us I am sensing a new determination from Canadian bishops and others that I have spoken with around the Communion. There is a resolve to make this work. It is simply too important a time in the life of the Church to get bogged down in rhetoric and motions. Not only are the bishops saying that they owe it to the church \u201d\u201d the whole people of God \u201d\u201d but they are also recognizing in their prayers and hearts that the call from Christ is to faithfulness rather than to worldly concepts of winning and losing. Those who have deliberately chosen to boycott this conference will not succeed in destroying it.<\/p>\n
Lambeth is about building new relationships, about listening and learning and this will happen with or without those who have stayed away. The design of small Bible study groups (about eight) moving to larger groups (aboout 40) for conversation is a brilliant plan that creates an environment fertile for growth.<\/p>\n