Lambeth Conference begins!
Posted on Sunday 20th July, 2008
After a three day retreat, the Lambeth Conference officially began today with a service in Canterbury Cathedral. The international diversity of the gathering was strongly reflected through the liturgy. The New Testament and Gospel readings, as well as the intercessory and Eucharistic prayers, were said in languages from across the Communion, and many of the responses during the service were in languages other than English.
The music woven through the service further highlighted the cultural breadth of the Anglican Communion. The use of the Latin Mass setting Missa Luba, based on traditional Congolese songs, provided a vibrant aspect to the worship through its use of drum beats and other percussion instruments. The Melanesian Brothers and Sisters processed for the Gospel reading, singing and dancing with the Book of the Gospels, which was nestled in a ceremonial boat, to the lectern, while the Deacon followed with his own shaker moving in tempo. Following the reading, they sang and danced the Gospel back to the Archbishop, and the congregation clapped along. For photographs look at: http://www.lambethconference.org/photo_library/index.cfm#id=13&num=17
The order of service of the opening service may be found at: http://www.aco.org/vault/Lambeth%20Eucharist%20080720.pdf
The sermon at the opening service was given by the Bishop of Colombo and the text can be found at: http://www.aco.org/acns/news.cfm/2008/7/20/ACNS4438
The text of the Presidential Address given by the Archbishop of Canterbury may be found at: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_99149_ENG_HTM.htm
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