September and October have been incredibly busy as we returned to our regular schedule following the summer holidays. It was filled with a wide range of meaningful and engaging activities. Bishop Anderson of course continues with the usual confirmations and school visits across the Edmonton Episcopal Area.
On 18th September, we had the opportunity to host the annual Young Priest Theologians Network at Lambeth Palace. A wonderful opportunity for clergy from across the country to come together for a day of engaging discussion. We are immensely grateful to our speakers The Revd Professor Sathianathan Clarke, a renowned Anglican theologian, who spoke on the timely subject: “Theological Integration of the Personal, Pastoral and Political in Parish Ministry.”
He was accompanied by David McAllister-Wilson, President of Wesleyan Seminary for a joint Q&A session. We were also incredibly lucky to welcome The Revd Dr Kirsty Borthwick, Chaplain at Christ Church, Oxford who delivered a lecture titled “After Nicaea: Lessons for Ecumenism in the 21st Century”.
As Bishop Anderson continues his work with the YPT network we hope to grow and provide a space for those exploring theology.
In a slightly more unusual turn of events, Bishop Anderson attended a service at Penguin Beach at Regent’s Park Zoo. The penguins are considered part of the Edmonton Episcopal Area, and it has become a much-loved tradition over the years to hold a service at the zoo. Thankfully, the penguins seemed to enjoy themselves too.
The Penguin Blessing was followed by a confirmation service.
Adding to a month of celebrating our animal companions, Bishop Anderson was also invited to take part in the annual Animal Blessing Service at St Paul’s, Camden Square, where people brought along their furry friends, great and small, to be blessed.
October began with Bishop Anderson preaching at King’s College London and at Emmanuel, West Hampstead in celebration of Black History Month. As lead for the Racial Justice priority, Bishop Anderson also hosted the first GMH clergy gathering at one of our churches in Edmonton. It was a powerful opportunity for people to share their experiences in the Church of England, allowing us to work together for meaningful change.
We were also incredibly lucky to welcome Winnie Varghese from New York, recently appointed as the 12th Dean of The Cathedral of St John the Divine in New York which Bishop Anderson attended. She kindly spent the evening with some of our GMH clergy during her London visit, generously sharing her own lived experiences.
We were delighted to welcome Archbishop Rowan and Winnie Varghese to our Edmonton Area Study Day at St George’s Church, Bloomsbury. It was a day filled with thoughtful conversation and engaging discussion.
Over the past month, we had the opportunity to host three meaningful gatherings that highlighted the importance of coming together with those who serve in the Edmonton Area and gaining insight into their day-to-day work. We held an event for our Licensed Lay Ministers and Permission to Officiate clergy, expressing our gratitude for the vital roles they play in ministry across the area.
Later, all the female clergy in the Edmonton were invited to have lunch with Bishop Anderson where he was able to spend valuable time listening to their experiences and the realities of women’s ministry. These events, along with others throughout the month, reminded us of the strength found in community and the importance of taking time to connect with, support, and appreciate those who serve the Edmonton Episcopal Area.
