Programme

Pre-Conference - The Hospitality Initiative

Every bishop and spouse coming to the Lambeth and Spouses' Conference is invited to enjoy the hospitality of an English, Scottish or Welsh diocese. Almost all those who wish to take part should now have been 'allocated' to a host diocese.

Link: Hospitality Initiative

Arrivals in Canterbury and Welcome

Once delegates have found their rooms and registered, an official Welcome to the conference will take place at 17.30.

Bishops' retreat - God's mission and a bishop's discipleship

On July 17th and 18th in Canterbury Cathedral, and on the 19th July on the campus of the University, the Archbishop of Canterbury will lead all delegates in a time of retreat.

Sunday celebration in Canterbury Cathedral

On this first conference Sunday, all bishops and spouses will worship together in Canterbury Cathedral.

'Ordinary' Conference Days - theme by theme

Monday 21 July

Celebrating Common Ground: the bishop and Anglican identity.

Tuesday 22 July

Proclaiming the Good News: the bishop and evangelism

Wednesday 23 July

Transforming Society: the bishop and social injustice

London Day

The bishops and their spouses spend the day in London. Activities include being hosted by The Archbishop of Canterbury and Mrs Williams at Lambeth Palace and by Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

'Ordinary' Conference Days - theme by theme

Friday 25 July

Discerning our Shared Calling: the bishop, other churches and God's mission

Saturday 26 July

Safeguarding Creation: the bishop and the environment

Canterbury Day

Bishops, spouses and invited guests will enjoy the hospitality of a Canterbury parish or the Cathedral.

'Ordinary' Conference Days - theme by theme

Monday 28 July

Engaging with a multi faith world: the bishop, other religions and Christian witness

Tuesday 29 July

Equal in God's sight: when power is abused. This day will be held jointly with the Spouses' Conference.

Wednesday 30 July

Living under scripture: the bishop and the bible in mission

Thursday 31 July

Listening to God and each other: the bishop and human sexuality

Friday 1 August

Fostering our common life: the bishop, the Covenant and the Windsor Process 1

Saturday 2 August

Fostering our common life: the bishop, the Covenant and the Windsor Process 2

Closing sessions, celebrations and farewell

After final morning groups, bishops will join their spouses in a joint closing session followed by worship at the Cathedral.

Bible study groups

At the start of each day, the same group of 8 bishops will gather for bible study.

These groups will be put together on the basis of:

• Language
• The need to represent the rich cultural variety in the Anglican Communion.

The bible study material will be based around Jesus' I AM statements in John's gospel.

Indaba groups

After bible study, bishops will gather in larger groups of about 40.

Indaba is a SiZulu word. It refers to a small group that gathers, without time pressures and constraints, to 'chew over' important issues. The word best describes what will happen in these sessions.

All Indaba groups will discuss the same material. This will relate to the day's theme and might be a DVD presentation, document or input from a speaker. The group will then be led in an activity or discussion that addresses the theme.

All group members will have the chance to contribute and different groups will be able to share their findings with one another.

Each group will remain the same throughout the Conference. Translation facilities will be available in these sessions.

Self-select sessions

Each afternoon, various activities will happen around the campus. Delegates will be able to choose which to attend.

Each workshop, seminar, discussion or other afternoon activity will focus on a particular conference theme. Many will take place more than once.

A variety of groups and individuals from around the Communion and outside it will be asked to resource these afternoon activities, some of which will also be run for the Spouses' Conference.

More details on these sessions will follow shortly.

Optional fringe events

By the end of a busy conference day, bishops may need some free time: few formal conference activities will take place after the evening meal.

For those who still have the energy for entertainment, fellowship and information, a range of fringe events will be staged each evening. These will include films, theatre, dinners and discussions.

Any delegate, group of delegates or external organisation that wants to stage a fringe event (such as a meal, drinks reception or performance) should contact fringe@lambethconference.org or call +44 (0)207 313 3928.

Evening plenaries

There will be a small number of evening plenary sessions, delivered by a high-profile speaker. These will be open to bishops and spouses.