After being grounded for a little bit and after having to change my mode of transportation from plane to train thanks to a volcanic ash cloud, I am here.
But one thing after the other. Let’s start from the top.
I left Vancouver just a few days after Easter and it has been a whirlwind since then – or so it seems.
The flight was uneventful and I landed in the UK on the 9th. After some short border formalities (thanks to being an EU-citizen) I rented a car at London City airport and drove North to a small village just outside York. I have to say, driving on the wrong side of the road is still very disconcerting but I didn’t hit too many other cars, bikes, or pedestrians… Anyhow, they were just English, so: one or two less of them, who cares?
Just kiddin’!
But I have to say, it was a wonderful trip! The countryside was just spectacular. Softly rolling hills scattered with tiny villages. Even though I was on a motorway, I could make out ever so often pubs and shops – and of course steeples of parish churches, almost all of them old… and ANGLICAN. After all, this is the home of the Church of England, a church so central to Anglicanism as Martin Luther is to Lutheranism or the Bishop of Rome is to Roman
Catholicism. As I was driving North I could see signs to ancient diocesan sees and places of interest connected to our Anglican heritage. It was quite lovely!
Once I hit my destination I was hosted most generously for the weekend by a seminary friend and her family. Her partner and she were exchanging vows that weekend and they had asked me to say a prayer and a few words (no, it was not at all a LONG sermon!). And, of course, t
his was a not-so-subtle reminder how stuck Anglicanism is in most parts of the world: stuck with ears and eyes, hearts and minds firmly shut to the movement of God’s Spirit among us.
I have performed a few same-sex blessings in Vancouver. And of course, Canadians same-sex couples have been able to legally marry for some time now. And civilisation hasn’t come crashing down on us. Furthermore, I do believe that these blessings just confirm the will of our triune God. God is embracing and nurturing loving, committed, stable and faithful relationships of two adults – of whatever gender. I don’t want to get into this debate right now – because in the end, we have moved beyond this debate at St. Paul’s and in the Diocese of New Westminster. We have dealt with the issue and now focus on other agendas God is putting in front of us.
However, as I was standing (wearing a clergy collar and my kilt!!!) next to my friend and her partner the next day on grounds close to ancient Fountains Abbey, I was reminded how much the full inclusion of GLBTQ folk in the life of the church is still an issue for our beloved mother church and for the Anglican Communion as a whole. I do not want to change positions wi
th the Archbishop of Canterbury and I do not envy him for the work he has been given to do. In fact, I do believe he needs our prayers... a lot!
But as I pray for him I also pray joyously that my friends’ love for each other may grow and that they may together grow deeper into the love and knowledge of God. And I pray for our church, for its unity and faithfulness to the Good News of God in Jesus Christ, but also for its mis
sion and ministry, and for an openness for diverse answers to complex questions and for and openness to welcome home all, whoever they are and wherever they find themselves on the journey of faith.
It gives me hope to hear, see, and witness how my friends' families and friends supported them in their celebration and in their love for each other. God was with us and God's angels rejoiced with us.
The following Sunday (11 April 2010), I was able to attend Evensong at Ripon Cathedral. What a wonderful and ancient Cathedral! There as definitely a prayerful atmosphere as about 50 gathered to listen to the choir sing this ancient "office."
The choir was not the usual cathedral choir. It was the first Sunday after Easter and after what surely was a marathon of services at the cathedral, the choir was on vacation.
I love Evensong. It is one of the many reason I am an Anglican now. The combination of sung psalms, readings, and prayers is something that resonates in my soul and always assures me of God's love and God's presence in a profound way. And there are always new things I discover in our ancient texts and in our wonderful tradition. And, despite common perception and despite its not-at-all modern character, Evensong is far from being an outdated and obsolete tradition! The congregation was quite diverse and there were a number of young people too!
And there was a sermon!
I had forgotten that this is quite common in the Church of England and it was a pleasant surprise. Especially since the preacher was the Rev. Dr. Nicholas Buxton, who preached and excellent sermon, basically calling upon the church not to buy into the marketpalce, but also not to abandon it either. It was well done indeed!
Fr Buxton is no stranger to me. I had not met him in person before, but I had "met" him "virtually." He is one of the "stars" of a BBC-miniseries called "The Monastery," which I can only highly recommend! Do click on the link and watch it, if you have time. I guess this was my first encounter with celebrity - and there is more to come...
The following day, I was off to London.
