Posted Friday 19 September 2008
Edinburgh Diocese staged a very successful conference last Saturday as a follow-up to the Bishops’ and Spouses’ Conferences held this summer at Lambeth. In fascinating and colourful presentations, Bishop Brian and his wife Lissa told us about the opening retreat led by Archbishop Rowan Williams; the intensely moving and challenging joint session on violence against women; the open discussions on hot topics such as covenant, sexuality and the Windsor report; the Indaba process; and the overarching determination of all participants to find ways of listening to each other with respect and affection across vast cultural and theological divides.
In response to these presentations, Nancy Adams, John Armes and Malcolm Round shared their reflections from diverse standpoints and there was general wide-ranging discussion and input from the 120 + participants. It was a warm-hearted, friendly occasion – much helped by the hot soup and generous hospitality of Holy Trinity Haddington.
Feedback was very positive, with many requests for more diocesan conferences like this. Plans are already underway, so watch this space!
