I have just returned from a two week trip to England and the highlight of that trip was an interview that I had with the Archbishop of Canterbury on January 20th. Well ahead of our meeting I sent him a package of material that included my charge to Synod in November as well as past Bishops’ charges, theological papers on the subject of same-sex blessings that I commissioned to be written some months ago, a copy of our new Diocesan Vision and a detailed covering letter.

In that interview I reviewed with him the multitude of task forces, hearings, Bishop’s statements, regional and parish meetings and the long list of Diocesan and General Synods that have discussed and wrestled with this issue since 1976. I gave him a full account of our dealings with dissenting parishes and the court proceedings we have been involved in. I shared with Archbishop Rowan our experience of the incredible contribution that gay and lesbian people have made and continue to make in every aspect of our Church’s life and witness, and expressed the overwhelming desire on the part of two Synod’s to move forward with the blessing of committed same-sex relationships for couples who have been civilly married. I also indicated to him my intentions with regard to my giving permission for these blessings to begin to take place.

One of the most powerful moments in the course of my fifty minute meeting with the Archbishop was the opportunity to describe the process of how our new Vision has emerged and how we believe that God is calling us as a Diocesan family to enhance and develop our work together under the five key areas of focus that are outlined in the Vision. In fact I indicated that it was my sense that the challenge the Vision offers us around the work of prophetic justice-making has made us even more determined to become a more open and inclusive Church.

Archbishop Williams listened carefully to my presentation and there was no doubt that I had his full attention. He thanked me for such a full and detailed report and he indicated how important this opportunity was for him to hear from me personally. We went on to have a very helpful and frank conversation about the implications involved and I expressed my own personal commitment and the strong desire of the Diocese of Niagara to remain in communication and dialogue with our sister and brother Anglicans around the world. I made it clear that we very much value and hold dear our membership in the Anglican Communion and we are grateful for his leadership and ministry.

It was a wonderful meeting and throughout our time together I felt listened to, respected and cared for and I am incredibly grateful for the privilege of having had this amazing experience. I believe that in the midst of challenging moments in the life of the Church, times of disagreement and division, there are two options open to us. We can decide to walk away from those who see things differently or we can work harder at keeping the lines of communication and dialogue open. I believe that we, as a Diocese, have remained committed to the second option in response to Jesus prayer for his disciples that: “they may be one, as we are one.” (John 17:11) Included in this first week were two trips to the Anglican Communion Office for meetings with officials there and again I was very warmly welcomed.

The second week of my trip involved my participation in the Canterbury New Bishop’s Program at Canterbury Cathedral. This conference gave me the opportunity to interact and make new contacts with Bishops from Nigeria, the Congo, Kenya, Cameroon, India, Japan, Australia, Madagascar and the UK. The new bishops of Edmonton and Quebec were also present. The conference gave me another chance to share with those in attendance the details of our life and ministry in Niagara and there was a real spirit of friendship and partnership that developed between every member of the group. I want to thank our colleagues at the National Church for the scholarship they provided that helped to defray the costs involved.

We are working hard to put together the Budget and Vision material for our upcoming Regional meetings that will help us prepare for our Special Synod on March 28th. Please remember those involved in this work in your prayers over the next few weeks.

Yours faithfully in Christ,

Bishop Michael

Bishop Bird Canterbury