Province I announces Lambeth Conference plans for prayer and dialogue
Episcopal News Service. June 2, 2008 [060208-01]
The Episcopal Church's Province I President Marge Burke has announced two initiatives for prayer and dialogue during this summer's Lambeth Conference of bishops, meeting July 16-August 3 in Canterbury, England.
A prayer vigil is planned to support the 12 bishops in the province's seven dioceses (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Western Massachusetts and Vermont) while they are at the once-a-decade gathering.
"I feel it is very important that our bishops know their sisters and brothers back home are offering themselves to God through prayer, on their behalf," Burke said.
The Rt. Rev. Barbara Harris, retired bishop suffragan of Massachusetts, wrote the prayers, which are available on the Province I website. The prayers are appropriate for use by congregations as well as individuals. Burke said she hopes the prayer will be used in all congregations in the province on the Sundays during Lambeth, and at weekday services, Bible study and prayer groups. Two specific times are suggested to pray each day: 7 a.m. Eastern (12 noon in England) and noon Eastern (5 p.m. in England).
The Rt. Rev. James E. Curry, Province I vice president and bishop suffragan of Connecticut said, "My sense is that all of the Lambeth Conference needs to be surrounded by the prayer vigil and that we pray that our mission embody inclusivity and not exclusivity in our life in Christ."
Bishop V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, one of the few bishops in the Anglican Communion who has not been invited to participate in the Lambeth Conference, said, "I am humbled by the kind and wonderfully supportive offer of prayer during the stressful time of Lambeth."
Province I bishops have also planned two gatherings during the Lambeth Conference to introduce Robinson to other bishops from around the Anglican Communion and to create a forum for dialogue. These receptions are for bishops only and will not be open to the public.