Episcopal justice in Waiapu and Christchurch?
Hey I know that two Bishops have retired recently (+David Coles, CHCH & +John Bluck, Waiaqpu).
Both have done something rather distinctive, I think. They’ve acknowledged that with the state of the church, and their age, and Lambeth in 2008, their best move might be move on. Now, that’s not a negative thing at all. I think it displays huge courage and wisdom from them both. It’s always a tricky thing – “should I stay or should I go now?” – particularly when one reaches ‘high office’ (so I’m told)!
They’ve acknowledged that Lambeth in 2008 will be a watershed in the life of the Anglican Church, and attendance at it, rather than previous Lambeth Conferences, is a vital tool for equipping a bishop for the next term of strategic planning and development and engaging with the wider church as one who is charged by the church to provide oversight and leadership. +John Bluck identifies that he would feel he would “have to stay on as diocesan till 2010. I’m not convinced that would be wise fort the diocese or, given the way I approach the job, for me and my family.” That’s wonderfully candid.
Both +David and +John recognise that there is a need for their successor to be part of Lambeth in 2008 and “followup on its outcomes upon return to New Zealand for a substantial period”.
I think what we have here is a real authenticity coming through; action that is just and honourable (not a word we hear too much about), and gracious. They’re a mirror of what we are as a church. As a friend of mine says, “that’s the church, on a good day”.
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