So, the Indaba process has started. I can hear you yawning from here… but stay with me, even if only for a moment.

At previous Lambeth Conferences much time was spent in subject groups, discussing, writing and re-writing texts. In 1998 I was in the group which was studying the subject of Euthanasia. We talked, we wrangled, we cleared up misconceptions and eventually Graham James, the Bishop of Norwich and I sat down and on behalf of the group, wrote the final draft. Only when the entire group agreed the text did it then move to the next stage of the process, a plenary session. Our text was agreed by the entire Lambeth Conference and now is to be found in the 1998 book. It represents the thinking of the Conference on the subject. It is, if you like, one of the formative documents which summarises much of our Anglican thinking on this particular ethical issue. There is a flaw in this description however, not many people read the document. And so it stays on the library shelves of institutions around the world gathering dust.

And what is true for our writing on Euthanasia is true for most of the other Lambeth Conference Resolutions. They are substantial but, to be honest, largely un-read.

In order to change the mood and the method of this Lambeth Conference not only did we begin with several days of Retreat, but we are now trying a new system of learning from each other. This is where “Indaba” enters. “Indaba” is a Zulu word meaning “A gathering for purposeful discussion.” It is a method of listening to, and engaging with, each other. Every voice should be heard.

And what happens in practice? All the bishops at the Conference have been allocated to an Indaba group and each group consists of about forty bishops. There is a facilitator, i.e. one who guides the process and a Raporteur, i.e. one who tries to make sense of what the group has been saying. It is the Raporteur’s job to offer a first-draft summary. Sometimes we meet as a group of forty, at other times we meet in smaller sub-sections. It’s a large experiment in conference organisation and procedure and we shall have to see whether it can deal adequately with all the issues that confront us. The mood is good, everyone is being co-operative but there’s still a long way to go.

Meanwhile, the Bible-study groups flourish. They really are amongst the most enjoyable elements of the Conference. There is true meeting of minds and hearts, real and deep appreciation for the insights being shared.

The worship in the Big Top is also tremendous. It happened to be the turn of the Province of Central Africa this morning, to lead the worship, and the sermon, the singing and the sense of collegiality were all superb.

So, there are some very strong, unifying strands in the Conference : friendships, worship, and bible study. That in itself is good news, because if we can be united in those fundamental things, it bodes well for those issues which cause us pain. They have still to be explored in any formal setting but the foundations are being laid. Of course, none of us can predict what the final building will look like but so far , so good.