The International Anglican Liturgical Consultation (IALC), meeting in Kottayam, Kerala, India, Aug. 13-18, focused its discussions on pre-ordination selection and preparation, the characteristics of each order, and the structure of the ordination rite.

Drawing on already agreed upon ecumenical statements and documents, a strong baptismal ecclesiology emerged as a theological anchor to the discussions. It was asserted that baptism and Eucharist, part of one rite of initiation, is the sacrament that makes us one in Christ, and which sends us forth to incarnate his life in the world. All ministry is "firmly within the context of the ministry of the whole people of God."

Conference participants had read the preparatory materials, making group discussions lively, passionate and well informed. A brief sampling of the continuing dialogue included the following:

’Ä¢ The importance of affirming complementary ministry instead of hierarchical ministry.

’Ä¢ Expanding the English language usage of priest/presbyter, which is one word in other languages.

’Ä¢ A call to ordained ministry is both personal and corporate. God's will is revealed to individuals through the mind of the church.

’Ä¢ Those seeking ordination must be full participants in the life of a local church, the assembly of the baptized.

’Ä¢ The primary action in the ordination rite is prayer with laying-on-of-hands.

’Ä¢ How shall the liturgy reflect this primary action, in the midst of many accretions?

’Ä¢ What are the statements and ritual actions to which we can all agree, and what parts of the rite reveal the cultural diversity of our communion?

’Ä¢ The ordination rite should reflect a baptismal ecclesiology.

’Ä¢ The ordination process, selection, training, and liturgical rite must honor both the local culture and the catholicity of the church.

’Ä¢ General "how to" liturgies were outlined for further discussion and revision.

’Ä¢ "Church, local church, diocese, congregation, parish, mission, assembly," is a variety of terms to describe the gathering of the baptized for worship and ministry. Different definitions and usages are confusing at times.

’Ä¢ Various forms of preparation for ordination are prevalent, but a solid grounding in Anglican history, worship, theology, and biblical study are among the essential needs of the candidate and the church.

’Ä¢ Continuing education must be fostered in every order.

’Ä¢ The invitation of Lutheran visitors for future conferences.

On the eve of the conference, the Rev. Ronald Dowling (Australia), and the Indian host, Father Jacob, were called to the local police station. They were informed that the conference lacked proper documentation and that the meeting could not be held. Since the original plans had been made under one government, and the actual conference held under another, the planners were unaware of changes in necessary certification. Fr. Dowling relinquished his role as chair of the conference. The meeting and meal site was changed at the last minute, as was the official context of the consultation's deliberations. Through the generosity of local Christians, members were given meeting space and full and generous meals. However, the IALC meeting was not considered official, which is why no votes were taken and no final documents produced. In addition, and perhaps more importantly, at least 10 participants from developing countries were unable to attend, because they were denied visas. Without the voices of those from these nations, where Anglicanism is so vibrant, important contributions to the discussions were lost. The next IALC meeting, to be held in San Francisco in 2001, will continue the work of this meeting, and include wider representation from throughout the Communion.

Members attended a variety of churches during the consultation and found the responsorial style of chanting, throughout the liturgy in the Orthodox Church to enhance the participation of all worshipers. The method of receiving the wine varied greatly: some with a spoon, some poured on the tongue with a pitcher, and one by intinction. Oil lamps, processional umbrellas, ceremonial fans with bells, men and women sitting on different sides of the floor of the church, shoes removed before one enters, many children, a thousand people at a time, a 2-3-hour liturgy, all served to invigorate imaginations and thoughts about faith, worship and the church.

Among the participants were those from Tanzania, the United States, Jamaica, France, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada, Australia and Japan.

(The Rt. Rev.) Geralyn Wolf