Now that Lambeth is – mercifully – almost over, I decided to compile a brief list of words and phrases I never want to hear again. Ever.
Some of them mean nothing at all, some mean the opposite of what they appear to mean, and some are just irritating. These are the ones that sprung to mind – unbidden and unwanted.
Conversation
Meaningful conversation
Meaningful and faithful conversation
Conversation of equals
Dialogue
Meaningful dialogue
Relational
troubling
Deeply troubling
Go deeper
Sit down together
Deep and principled conviction
Deeper convergences
Listening
Listening process
Respectful listening
Hearing process
Reflections
Genuinely committed
Beloved church
Torn fabric
Fractured unity
Moratoria
My sense is….
Nuance
Nuanced their positions
Challenge
A huge challenge
Interventions
The way forward
Consult widely
Inclusive
Tell our stories
The Jesus I know
Struggle
Diversity
Not helpful
Indaba
Indaba process
Good one and so true. I have been following several blogs throughout Lambeth and wonder where God is in all this, He seems to be missing. I am wondering if I really want to be known as an ‘Anglican’.
I would add “tell our stories”. I am so very tired of hearing that one. What is this, the Oprah Winfrey Show?!
#1. Encouragement is to be had by listening to Greg Venables on the Anglican TV video clip which David has linked on this blog under the title ‘Great interview with Archbishop Greg Venables”. It will cheer you up and get you praying.
#2 Ellie,
Forgot about that one: definitely a candidate for outer darkness. I’ll add it.
#1 Beverley
I echo what Irena says; it’s easy to lose heart in this diabolical – in the true sense – mess. Greg Venables and many other GAFCON bishops really are shining a beacon of light into the darkness.
I confess I haven’t been following Lambeth at all. Has nobody trotted out “The Jesus I know….”? That phrase is certainly a candidate for the trash heap as far as I am concerned.
6 Kate,
I haven’t seen that one from Lambeth, but it must be there somewhere and doesn’t deserve to exist – added it.
Are not all of the words/statements simple meanings of the word “Lambeth” – meaningless and no longer of any value.