Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and the Rev. Ian Douglas, a member of the Lambeth Conference Design Group, described the international conference for bishops in England this summer as a new way of addressing difficult issues.
 
Bishop Jefferts Schori and Prof. Douglas, professor of world mission at Episcopal Divinity School, gave statements and took questions from reporters during a press conference broadcast live over the internet on May 20.
 
The conference, scheduled for July 16-Aug. 3, will be unlike any previous Lambeth gathering. It is not set up for parliamentary-style debate and is not designed to produce legislation or resolutions, the two explained.
 
“The parliamentary system as it is generally practiced in the West produces legislative winners and losers,” Bishop Jefferts Schori said. She added that she was hopeful for the conference because of its emphasis on a traditional understanding of conversation. “Conversation entered into deeply and fully leads to conversion and hope,” she noted.
 
Prof. Douglas said the unprecedented format for the once-every-10-year conference, which was first held in 1867, will be difficult for journalists to cover and for the public to follow because there is no “focal point of up-down decision-making.” He said the new format will not shy away from discussion of controversial issues, but it is not designed to offer statements implying that various issues have been resolved.
 
He suggested that rather than taking on these issues “head on,” they will be discussed face-to-face. “Is a process that creates winners and losers the best way to meet a problem head on?” he asked rhetorically. “It is incorrect to describe Lambeth as a closed shop. The design has allowed for and encouraged wide open hospitality.”
 
Bishop Jefferts Schori declined to elaborate on the statement issued by the House of Bishops after it was revealed earlier this year that an invitation to the conference would not be forthcoming for Bishop V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, but she did not think the lack of an invitation would hinder Bishop Robinson’s ability to have his voice be heard. Bishop Robinson will have an exhibit booth in what is called the “fringe” portion of the conference.
 
Steve Waring

Reprinted by permission of The Living Church News Service (www.livingchurch.org)