Lambeth Revisited

This evening I had the privilege of listening as the three bishops of our diocese recounted their recent journey to the Lambeth Conference. Each in turn shared their perspective and a time for questions followed.

I listened as they shared stories about a new way of doing business, Indaba groups, and about the relationships they established and nurtured in that set apart place. I came away from the evening with a sense that their lives had been changed and deepened from the experience.

Indaba groups are a way to solve shared problems by being present with each other and by focusing on the hard work of listening to the experience of others-- rather that expression one's own perception of the problem. Indaba groups call for mutual listening before a solution can be identified or implemented.

I find myself dreaming about what Indaba groups would look like in my life. What about my family would change if each of us was fully heard before decisions were made about our life together? How would my parish be transformed if we instituted this process in the ministries we share? What would happen to our diocese if we dared to listen to each other?

I think we would be changed -- just like the three people I heard this evening were changed.

We hear so much about change-- especially in this election season. I am not sure changing elected leaders or political parties in power will bring about the change I am longing to see.

I long for change that is deeper-- a change in my heart and maybe even in the hearts of those around me.