The Message from the Synod of Bishops

I returned to Rome on Friday morning (this time with Ann) for the final part of the Synod of Bishops here.  It's been good to step back in to the conclusion of the process which began three weeks ago. While I have been away the Synod has…

Living the mixed economy: from Sheffield to the Synod

I came back to Sheffield for nine days on Wednesday of last week to fulfil a series of essential engagements in the Diocese here.  One part of my attention and prayer has been on what is happening in Rome and I've continued to keep up to date…

Four minutes to address the Synod

Six of the fraternal delegates had the opportunity to speak this afternoon.  I was in good company with Metropolitan Hilarion from Moscow, Father Massis Zobouian from the Armenian Church, Bishop Sarah Davis of the World Methodist Council, the…

Ecumenism, enculturation and the silence of the West

Today is my last full day in Rome.  I leave first thing in the morning to return to the other beautiful city built on seven hills (Sheffield).  Today is also the last full day of the five minute interventions.  We've heard around 160 so far. There…

Of small communities and modern martyrs

The Synod resumed this morning with a series of very fine presentations from many different parts of the world. Two themes came across very strongly to me today.  The first was the theme of small ecclesial communities or base ecclesial communities.…

An Anglican pilgrim in Rome

There were no Synod meetings today (as the programme says, Vacat Congregatio).  We had a pretty solid day yesterday of five minute speeches all the morning and afternoon sessions.  My cup was full, you might say. However that does leave…

Eat, pray, listen

The core of the Synod of Bishops is summed up in these three words. Eat It's not, of course, about the food but about sharing meals together and the conversation and growing connection and friendship.  I've been privileged over the last…

Remembering Vatican II and moving forward

Fifty years ago on this day in 1962, Pope John XXIII inaugurated the Second Vatican Council - a great assembly of the Roman Catholic Church from all across the world to attempt a great work of re-sourcing Christian theology and identity in the…

Archbishop Rowan: contemplation and evangelism

Archbishop Rowan is in Rome for three days.  Yesterday evening he addressed the Synod of Bishops. He chose as his theme the importance of contemplation as the foundation of evangelism.  The Archbishop's springboard was the hope engendered…