The Most Rev. Desmond Tutu, Archbishop of the Church in the Province of South Africa, told hundreds of worshipers and millions by television that the church must not exclude people on the basis of gender, culture, ethnic origin or sexual orientation, in a sermon March 12 at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church, London.

Archbishop Tutu was in London for the meeting of the primates of the Anglican Communion, which began with the Eucharist at St. Martin's. In his sermon, he said people often "hanker after unambiguous, straightforward answers, hence the growth of various kinds of fundamentalism." He asked listeners to "take risks, to be venturesome and innovative, yes, daring to walk where angels might fear to tread. Let ours be inclusive communities, welcoming and embracing."

The Most Rev. George Carey, Archbishop of Canterbury, was celebrant and was joined at the altar by the Most Rev. Edmond L. Browning, Presiding Bishop of the U.S., and the primates of Uganda, Brazil and Korea. The liturgy included music from different traditions, including an African-American spiritual, a Welsh hymn, music from Taize, standard Anglican faire, and a brass choir. A Tanzanian choir sang.

"This is a marvelous occasion for the Anglican Communion," Archbishop Carey said following the service. "I believe we are a dynamic, growing Communion."

Archbishop Carey added that there were parts of the Communion that were "wounded and crucified," and, referring to Rwanda and the Sudan, that "we share the burdens and pains of these and other places. Where the church is growing most, those are places where it is most crucified."

It was announced that Archbishop Carey will make a pastoral visit to Rwanda in May, a trip welcomed and encouraged by African primates.

The primates also visited Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle, and had a visit from the Queen Mother at Cumberland Lodge, where the primates were in residence.

The Rev. Canon John Peterson, secretary general of the Anglican Communion, coordinated the event, the first meeting of its kind since he began his ministry in January.

"I feel exhilarated and refreshed by the stories that the primates share about their provinces," Canon Peterson said. "I am also deeply distressed to hear of the dire circumstances that confront many of our Anglican brothers and sisters around the globe."

Primates participated in daily Eucharist and Bible study, heard regional reports, and were involved in leadership sessions directed by the Rt. Rev. Bennett Sims, retired Bishop of Atlanta and president of the Institute for Servant Leadership.

The primates were scheduled to discuss how to respond to crises in the Anglican Communion before they adjourned on March 17.