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February 12, 2009
This was a very interesting and rewarding day at the Church of England Synod. It was the first one I had ever attended.
Security is VERY tight at Church House in Westminster. Although I was in episcopal attire and had a pass good only for this morning, I was stopped three times before getting to the Visitors' Gallery which looks down on the gathering.
Everything is much more formal than anything I have witnessed in North America. The decorum is excellent.
It was a good morning to be there as they were debating the Covenant with Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali presenting the motion. Apparently in order to speak you submit your request with a synopsis of your position and the Chairman recognizes you when deemed appropriate.
During morning coffee, both +Michael Nazir Ali and + Michael Scott-Joynt greeted me very warmly and praised what we were doing in Canada.
The luncheon at which I spoke took place in the same building and had something over 70 in attendance - including five or six bishops. I had 30 minutes to speak (quite a challenge considering the scope I wanted to cover) and then 20 minutes of Q & A.
While one always thinks of other things one could have said, I feel it went
well and was warmly received. The questions, even from reporters, were
reasonably friendly. Before I spoke, Ruth Gledhill of the Times did an
interview for her blog with a hand held small camera. [NOTE: See the video here]
I think there now is an awareness of what is happening in Canada that was not there before. There had been a fair amount of "living with our diversity" jargon that now has been dispelled.
Tomorrow I spend the day with Archbishop Greg and Sylvia and then I begin a few days Retreat.
Thank you for your prayers. God is good!
Bishop Don Harvey
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