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July 16 , 2008

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Greetings from Canterbury and the Lambeth Conference for Bishops. I arrived yesterday in London and spent the rest of the day as a tourist visiting Westminster Abby and attending Evensong at St. Paul's Cathedral. There is something humbling about touching places that have seen so much history.
 
As I toured the Abby, I came upon the grave of Elizabeth I and Mary I. These two rivals and half-sisters of Henry VIII represent the bitter extremes and conflicts of the faith in XVI Century England.  I was reminded of the remarkable decision by Elizabeth that she should be interred upon Mary.  The inscription on the grave reads: "Partners both in throne and grave, here rest we two sisters, Elizabeth and Mary, in the hope of the Resurrection." 

 

Tonight, we assembled as bishops for the first time. While much of the session was orienting in nature, I found myself looking at the vast and diverse assembly. I also thought of Mary and Elizabeth, a bitter strife and the genius of Anglicanism to be clear about essentials yet open to difference.
 
As I prepare to end my day, I pray that we who make up this communion can truly be partners in the hope of the Resurrection. Leaning on the core of belief in Jesus, may we find ways to build up the Body for the sake of Christ and the world he died to save.
 
Peace and agape,
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James R. Mathes

Bishop of San Diego