Lambeth Blog 15

Sunday Morning 3rd August

Tanzania

I was awakened by the sound of suitcases being trundled along below my bedroom window. Today is "Preparing to leave Day". Some are actually leaving today whilst others early tomorrow morning. We have to be out of our rooms by 10.00 am as 1,000 policemen from all over the south of England are moving in! I have enjoyed my little room in Tyler Court. Having an ensuite has been very good indeed (especially in the middle of the night), some have been in flats or houses with five sharing one shower and one loo. An American woman bishop told me she found working out the best time to get up in order to have a shower with hot water immediately was the most challenging thing about the Conference. I was tempted to say perhaps she should visit some of her colleagues in PNG or Tanzania!!

Last evening we had a Plenary when four of our young Stewards gave talks about their lives, their faith and their impressions of the Conference. It was amusing, encouraging, humbling, and really quite exciting. There is a future for our Anglican Communion if we take notice of these young people. I must get Jonathan to put his name down for 2016! 

I am wearing my Tanzanian MU dress. It is very comfortable and smart. At breakfast I enrolled two Australian Bishops wives. Many have been impressed with the stories that have reflected MU work in a variety of countries. Some have expressed shame that they have not rated the work of the Mothers' Union in the past.   The Spouses have already worshipped emotionally together and the final Indaba Group report is promised for this afternoon's last Plenary which will be in the Big Top with both Bishops and Spouses. The campus seems full of television cameras and others interviewing Bishops. All of us have impressed our thumb prints on a piece of tablecloth from our round tables. It is sewn with symbols etc of our time together. Jane will take it home and hang it in Lambeth Palace to remind her of this time. The Vine leaves are also shared among us as a reminder for everyone. Addresses and phone numbers are being shared.

Jane Williams

There is a feeling of anticipation: hope for the future , a togetherness that will endure despite differences unresolved, a wish to be home to family and familiar places, beds, food, loos........