A Node in the Web of the Emerging Church

"The Real News Story" at Lambeth - "Emergence"

Posted Jul 21, 09:15 PM | 0 comments | by Steve Knight | Link

Brian McLaren reports from Lambeth, the gathering of bishops of the Anglican Communion that takes place every 10 years, “I know that most people think the ‘news story’ here is about divisive controversies over sexuality, but my sense is that the real news story is very different. There is a humble spirit here, a loving atmosphere, a deep spirituality centered in Bible study, worship, and prayer, and a strong desire to move beyond internal-institutional matters to substantive mission in our needy world. ...

“My sense is that the quiet, prayerful, and humble patience of Archbishop Rowan Williams is leading the way to better days for the Anglican Communion. It feels like the bishops gathered here are turning a corner together. I feel that I’m witnessing the emergence of something good, beautiful, true, and blessed … Hearts here are sincerely open to the Spirit of God.”

Read Brian’s full report

UPDATE 7/23/2008: Andrew Jones and Tim Mathis both have blog updates about Brian’s appearance at Lambeth.

UPDATE 7/24/2008: The Christian Post has now picked up on this story, and Ian Kirk has some interesting thoughts over on his blog.

Paul Fromont at the Prodigal Kiwi blog is also “Reflecting on Lambeth.”

UPDATE 7/27/2008: Christian Today has a good interview with Brian McLaren about his Lambeth experience. Brian answers the question “What’s your approach in bringing polar opposite Christians to sit together at the same table?” with three answers: Scripture, virtue, and mission. Definitely worth reading.

In the comments on the New Leaven blog, Peter Kirk questions Brian’s wardrobe: “I find it interesting that BM chose to wear a purple shirt when preaching to the bishops. Was he subtly saying ‘I’m just as much a bishop as you lot’?”