Welcome bishops on way to Lambeth Conference

THE Lambeth Conference (July 16- August 4 at the University of Kent at Canterbury) offers the opportunity for us to meet and provide hospitality to some of the bishops coming from around the world.

Canon Roger Matthews, the Chelmsford Diocesan adviser on Mission & Ministry, says: "We are
expecting 16 bishops and their spouses to be with us for the week before the Conference starts.

"We will be welcoming our companion link bishops from Kenya and Trinidad and Tobago together with bishops from South India, Brazil, Canada, United States and Papua New Guinea.

"We are keen that our gift of hospitality should include time for our overseas guests simply 'to be' as well as to see something of our diocesan mission and ministry.

"In addition, we hope that as many people as possible from the diocese will have the opportunity to meet and worship with our visitors either in theCathedral or at local celebrations.

Bishop John invites every parish to send three representatives to the main Cathedral Celebration at 11am on Saturday July 12. The theme of the Celebration is "The Christ we Share" and worship will be led by Geoff Weaver.

On Sunday July 13, the bishops will worship locally with their hosts in the morning. In the evening we are arranging several area celebrations.

One of these evening celebrations will be at St Mary's, Great Baddow to mark the 30th anniversary of our Kenya links.

Canon Matthews adds: "Please don't miss out on this unique opportunity! Put the dates in your diary now and decide who from your parish will come to the Cathedral. More information will be sent to clergy in June and included in the July edition of The Month."

For more information, contact Canon Roger Matthews at the Diocesan Office on 01245 294400.

PLEASE PRAY FOR LAMBETH 2008

Loving Father, who is far above our human ambitions, look kindly upon those whom you
have chosen to be the shepherds of your flock. May they be Christ-like in their work within your
Church, and lead your people on the way to truth and life.

We pray that each Bishop within the Anglican Communion may be a faithful guide for those who
journey along the road to Salvation, love and forgiveness. May each one of them be filled with
peace and hope,that they may be instruments of justice, love, unity and reconciliation in the world.

We implore your blessings upon us, and pray that Lambeth 2008 may be an encounter, an opportunity for transformation in fellowship, that will bring forth a new life within your divine presence. May this encounter be like the seed which will grow within our hearts, and yield a people proclaiming
the light and compassion of Jesus Christ, Son of God, and Saviour of the World. Amen.

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