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Press Conference

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William Crawley | 13:34 UK time, Thursday, 31 July 2008

aspinall-1.jpgEach day at Lambeth, there is a press conference held at 1.30 pm. I'm blogging live from today's press conference. The university space that houses the press facility is called "The Missing Link". Needless to say, just about every word, title, name and official description at this conference is being analysed for hidden meanings, and The Missing Link is no different.

The spokesperson of the Anglican Communion, Dr Phillip Aspinall (pictured), who is the Australian primate, is chairing the press conference, and has just described a very significant change of tone at this Lambeth Conference when compared with the last Conference a decade ago. Ten years ago, the atmosphere was at times very heated, with some participants even hissing the contributions of others. This time, there is more respectful listening, and a more reflective tone to all contributions.

We are hearing more, now, about the kind of encounters bishops are making in indaba groups. One bishop is explaining that his indaba group has actually been discussing sexuality since yesterday -- since his group chose to change the schedule to give more time to that topic.

Dr Aspinall has been asked if any bishops have changed their mind as a result of the indaba process. He says he is not aware of anyone changing their mind, though some have added nuance to their views.

Also taking part in the press conference today are Bishop Colin Johnston, from the diocese of Toronto, and Bishop Ian Ernest, from the diocese of Mauritius. Ruth Gledhill has just noted that Henry Orombi, the Archbishop of Uganda, will challenge Rowan Williams's authority in tomorrow's Times, and also challenge the alleged colonialism of the Anglican Communion.

Andrew Carey now asks if this Lambeth Conference will do more than navel-gazing and actually say something about human sexuality. Bishop Johnston answers that he and others have been frustrated by the 'media's concentration' on issues of sexuality. This media focus has apparently made it difficult for the bishops to address the issue head-on. So there you have it: it's all our fault. Again.

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