The Final Blog

At the weekend I had the genuine privilege of attending and addressing the Anglican Synod in Argentina and also preaching at three very different services.  The ethos and process of Synod was very different to what we are used to in Sheffield, not least because it lasted two full days, but it was nonetheless effective in dealing with administrative business, legal and financial matters.  It also made time available for  discussion of mission and ministry issues within their local context which is changing slowly into a more pluralistic one.  This was the subject of my speech to Synod.

My address included reflections on Britain as a pluralist society, on religious pluralism, the 'New Atheist Movement' and the church's relationship with the media and government - raising the question of how we proclaim the Gospel in a changing and complex culture ( I will make this available on the web site on my return).  I focused on how the Sheffield Diocese is responding to this through our strategies, with particular reference to the 'Salt and Light' strategy and how this is helping us engage with society which is our mission field.

The Anglican Church in Argentina is also focused on how to engage with society which is both conservative and avant-garde.  Their human resources are  very small with only 6 paid clergy and few self supporting clergy and lay ministers.  They're also struggling financially, but during the Synod I sensed a real commitment and dedication to engage with mission issues and to move things forward.  They will now find a way of continuing to address the questions the Synod raised and I hope that we might be able to help them in some way through the link.

They are keen to address issues relating to pastoral care and Mike's meetings and discussions have been very helpful in relation to this.  I know they're keen for him to return next year to lead them in some teaching and to give practical advice and guidance.  This will also facilitate and strengthen the link which I hope will become even more mutually beneficial.

Jane, Mike and myself have been made very welcome in Argentina and have had some profound experiences that will need processing when we return.  We are very grateful for the hospitality, warmth and affection we've been shown wherever we've been.  We've made new friends and I've been re-aquatinted with old ones.

My overall impression is of a country addressing serious financial and political issues that impact on the daily lives and standards of many. But the Anglican church is in good spirits built on relationships across traditions and theological perspectives.  It's addressing in a mature way internal church issues such as the development of an Argentinean Province which they hope will come into being next year.  They're serious and committed to mission and growth in ministry which is supported by profound prayerfulness.  They're aware of difficult issues to be faced whilst full of hope and expectation for what the future holds.

The Anglican Church in Argentina is well established and doing many good things that they should rejoice in and give thanks to God for, but they are still growing and developing in their understanding of what it means to be the Anglican Church in their own culture and how that positions them between the Roman Catholics and other more evangelical or Pentecostal churches.  What they offer is unique and valuable and to be treasured.  As one person said to me at the end of the Synod they are "just becoming a church".  This sums up very well where the Anglican Diocese is and it will, I'm sure go from strength to strength.  I wish them every blessing, offer them my deepest prayers and blessing and gratitude for all they've given to the three of us during the visit.

 

Photos taken during the visit, are available on a separate blog page.