Couldn't give a fig!

Many of you, dear blog-readers, couldn't give a fig that the Lambeth Conference is happening at this time. It has had a lot more build up than usual, and some of the commentary is bizarre to say the least.
One of my faithful sent me (via her faithful minion) a quite bizarre commentary from the International Express. The writer said (broadly paraphrasing):

I, like many English people, consider myself to be C of E. I do not go to church very often, if at all. I don't believe anything. And I don't support it in any way. But I think it should be there when I want it.

Those of us who minister in this Church know this attitude well. It is the price you pay for establishment. It is the cost of social respectability. It is the fickle bystander saying I want the joy but none of the pain.
This same commentator then went on on to say that the present Archbishop of Canterbury is a waste of space, and has been totally useless since his appointment. No evidence was cited other than hearsay and the wild rantings of the press. There was no subtlety to the analysis...indeed you could not call it analysis...it said he likes gays, he likes Muslims. He's too smart for his own good. Why doesn't he just kick out the poofters, send all Muslims back to...where ever.
God save us from this sort of b**lsh*t.
If anything will save the Anglican Communion at this time, it is Rowan Williams insistence that he will not allow one side to bully the other. That he will not jettison the fundamental inclusivity of Anglicanism as if is were of no account.
That this is difficult and a cause of some pain is clear. But we are the sisters and brothers of a man they crucified because he wouldn't take the easy way out!
Bishop Duleep de Chickera of Colombo preached on Sunday a wonderful sermon on the nature of Communion in Canterbury Cathedral and it is good to hear the more measured voice of our Church being heard (see here)

"There is space equally for anyone and everyone, regardless of colour, ability, gender or sexual orientation," he said, in a passionate sermon which received prolonged applause from the bishops at Canterbury Cathedral. "It is an inclusive communion where there is space equally for everyone and anyone regardless,"

That's where I stand any way!