Jerusalem GAFCON Day 2

I'm not sure that I was quite ready for 1200 people. Mary and I had a wonderful quiet time last week, but have now been completely immersed in the sometimes frenetic activity of this important conference. Many of you will have seen the news feeds and are aware of the guantlet throne down at last night's opening address. Archbishop Peter Akinola set us a series of questions designed to help the leaders discern the way forward...but one thing is for sure, there will be a way forward. We can no longer sit idle and watch as the Anglican Communion is dragged further and further into apostasy and sin.

This mornings pilgimage to the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gesthename was one of the most powerful experiences of our time here. The guide for our bus explained the geography, pointing out the place where Jesus travelled and the activities of the last few days and hours before the crusifixion. Actually putting ones eyes and feet on the locations brings a clarity and perspective to the scripture that cannot be had by just reading the text. To sit quietly in the Garden and pray for the ACiC Leadership and our ministry together....to struggle with my own sinfulness and human desires in the place where Jesus struggled with his calling, was almost to much to bear. "Not my will, but thine be done" takes on a whole other meaning.

We have been blessed as members of the Anglican Mission to worship together with 1200 other faithful Anglicans. This, however, is the first time for many others to not have to wonder what kinds of wierd theology will come from the meetings. I rejoice with the Networks, both Canadian and American, the Forward in Faith crowd from England, the Syney Diocese people from Austrailia, The REC, The Recife pastors and Bishop, who are now coming to understand what it means to once again be a part of an orthodox communion of faith.